Program to enhance graduate employability

One of the undergraduates of the University of Moratuwa who participated 'in the final step' a five day series of soft skills workshop by the John Keells Social Responsibility Foundation (JKSRF), in collaboration with the Career Guidance Unit (CGU) of the University which took place in March 2009 at the university said:

"This program changed our perspective of employment in Sri Lanka and gave us a definite idea of what the private sector expects of us, as qualified graduates. I also learned that humble beginnings can be the first step of a great career, as some of the excellent panellists explained through their life stories".

Designed to enhance the employability of graduates in the private sector, the program involved two panel discussions by captains of industry as well as three interactive workshops by professional trainers. The workshops covered a wide range of topics such as Employer Expectations, Team Building and Leadership Skills, Adapting to the Corporate Environment, Personality Development and Confidence Building, Personal Grooming and Corporate Hospitality. This is the first time such a comprehensive programm had been presented at the University of Moratuwa and each day's workshop attracted an appreciative audience of over two hundred undergraduates, mainly from the graduating batches of the Faculties of Engineering and Architecture.

Final step

"Through The Final Step, what we are working towards is making these undergraduates blossom; helping them to bring out the best in themselves, shine in their workplaces in the future and build successful careers for themselves", said Sumithra Gunesekera, Director, John Keells Holdings PLC. "The response we received both from the CGU of the University and the undergraduates themselves is proof of the desire to develop human resources which are employable in the private sector; and we are glad that it was a rewarding experience for them. We hope that, though these workshops, these gifted young people will take the first step towards realising their potential and making their mark in their chosen field of employment. I must also acknowledge the invaluable contribution of our eminent team of resource persons who have been generous in accepting our invitation and committing their time and effort to this worthy cause."

Employable graduates

Dr. Chulantha Kulasekera, Senoir Lecturer, Electronic and Telecommunication Engineering and Acting Director, Career Guidance Unit, University of Moratuwa added, "The University of Moratuwa has been producing readily employable graduates where the majority has found employment in the corporate sector.

The corporate sector values graduates who are both technically competent and equipped with soft skills so that they could be easily integrated into the business environment. In this light, the program conducted by the John Keells Social Responsibility Foundation and the Career Guidance Unit was a tremendous success. The eminent panel of speakers in attendance during the five days of the program enhanced the students' confidence, grooming them to take the first step towards successful employment."

The first panel discussion focused on Employer Expectations while the second dealt with Team Building and Leadership Skills. The eminent panellists at the discussions were Rienzie Wijetilleke, Chairman - Hatton National Bank, Deepal Sooriyaarachchi, Managing Director - Eagle Insurance PLC, Dr. Harsha Alles, Director - Gateway Group, Dr. Anila Dias Bandaranaika, Former Asst. Governor, Central Bank of Sri Lanka, Sriyan de S. Wijeyeratne, Country Manager - Microsoft Sri Lanka (Pvt) Ltd, Ms. Sharmini Ratwatte, Chairman - Environmental Foundation Limited and Non-executive Director, John Keells PLC, Rohantha Athukorala, Director, Economic Affairs, Government Peace Secretariat, Ms. Varuni Amunugama Fernando, Joint Managing Director - Triad Advertising and Ms Pulasthika Wirasinha, Head of Human Resources, Processes and Systems - John Keells Holdings PLC.

The panel discussions were moderated by Dr. Uditha Liyanage, Head of Academic Affairs - Postgraduate Institute of Management.

Three days of interactive workshops followed, with Ms. Nayana Karunaratne of Image Consultants presenting tips on personal grooming and corporate hospitality including social etiquette. Undergraduates were also introduced to the unwritten rules of the corporate environment.