Career Fair 2024 50 achievements made under his leadership, acknowledging that without their collaboration, such success would not have been possible. Mr. Kisal's story reminds us that the path to success is often paved with hurdles, but with perseverance and collaboration, remarkable achievements can be realized. As we look to the future, let us draw inspiration from his journey, remembering that every endeavor, big or small, has the potential to shape not only our own lives but also the world around us. “For in the end, it is through our collective efforts that we truly make a difference.”
ithin the dynamic sphere of business and marketing, design serves as a fundamental element for communicating with target audiences. From visually captivating graphics to precisely crafted branding elements, design plays a pivotal role in shaping perceptions and leaving lasting impressions. To truly harness its power, designers must not only embrace creativity but also cultivate a keen understanding of common errors, trends, and the significance of consistency. Designer’s Article Career Fair 2024 51 W Unveiling Canvas Chronicles through Design Becoming intimately familiar with common errors in design is essential for aspiring designers and established professionals alike. Reviewing and enhancing numerous designs not only sharpens one's skills but also ensures that the final product meets the highest standards. By addressing these common errors, designers can elevate their work and effectively communicate with their target audience. Understanding Common Errors in Design Visually appealing designs have the remarkable ability to capture attention and communicate brand identity and values to the audience. Whether it's a captivating logo, an eye-catching advertisement, or an engaging website interface, aesthetics play a pivotal role in shaping perceptions. Well-executed design not only attracts attention but also fosters positive associations with the brand, leaving a lasting impression on audiences. The Power of Visually Appealing Designs Consistency in design is the key to establishing a strong brand identity. From logos and packaging to advertisements and social media posts, maintaining coherence across all touchpoints reinforces brand recognition and trust. Consistent design elements convey professionalism and reliability, instilling confidence in the audience and strengthening the brand's presence in the market. Consistency Builds Brand Identity Design serves as a powerful tool for showcasing the distinctiveness of products or services and attracting the attention of target audiences. By infusing creativity and innovation into their designs, businesses can differentiate themselves from competitors and carve out a unique identity in the market. Memorable designs not only stand out in a crowded landscape but also leave a lasting impression on audiences, driving brand loyalty and advocacy. Leaving a Lasting Impression
Design is not confined to creative industries. It plays a crucial role in the corporate sector as well. It serves as a catalyst for brand differentiation, customer engagement, and business success. From annual reports and presentations and employee communication, design influences how a company is perceived both internally and externally. Investing in high-quality design reflects a commitment to excellence and enhances the overall brand image, contributing to long-term success and growth. Forward-thinking companies recognize the value of investing in design as a strategic asset that drives growth, fosters innovation, and enhances overall competitiveness in the market. In conclusion, design is not merely about aesthetics. It's a powerful tool for building brand identity, attracting audiences, and driving business success. By understanding common errors, embracing visually appealing creations, maintaining consistency, and staying abreast of evolving trends, businesses can leverage design to captivate audiences and achieve their marketing objectives in an ever-changing landscape. Career Fair 2024 52 Well-designed marketing materials and branding elements reflect positively on the professionalism of a business or individual. A polished and cohesive visual identity signals to customers that a company values quality and attention to detail, fostering trust and confidence in its offerings. Professionalism Through Design Design trends evolve rapidly. So, staying updated with current design trends is crucial for businesses looking to remain relevant and appealing to their target audience. By embracing contemporary design styles and techniques, businesses can infuse freshness into their branding efforts and resonate with modern consumers. However, it's essential to strike a balance between following trends and maintaining brand consistency to avoid appearing insincere or inauthentic. Staying Relevant with Design Trends Designer's Role in the Corporate Sector DULITH Designer Rotaract Club of University of Kelaniya SILVA
aking up early in the morning, getting ready, travelling to work, spending eight or more hours in the office, finally, travelling back home. Is this the life we want to live? Is this the life we dreamt of as a child? Does, not wanting to live this mechanical, robotic life make one a lethargic person? Of course, sacrifice and hardships are inevitable for one to reach success but is this the routine you and I want to pursue? Stuck in a never-ending cycle of 9 to 5. Does this give one professional fulfilment? If not, it is time to look beyond the system of 9 to 5. The concept of professional fulfillment can be grasped by considering the factors it entails, such as happiness, meaningfulness, self-worth, selfefficacy, and satisfaction within one's work. It can be looked at in two dimensions. First is the importance and fulfillment of career goals and the latter is the evaluation of progress towards that goal. Editor’s Article Career Fair 2024 53 W Now that the idea of the concept is out of the way, let’s look at some unconventional ways of achieving such fulfillment. A quite well-known option is entrepreneurship. The simple idea of this is when an individual acts on an idea they have, usually to disrupt the current market with a new product or service. A current trend that can be observed is solopreneurship or freelancing. This is when a person turns their hobby or talent into a source of income, such by becoming a writer, designer, musician or any other related profession based on an interest. Further, there are many creative careers that one can pursue such as photography, painting, film making and even sports, where you will be able express yourself authentically. You can also pursue a socially impactful career, including working in a non-profit organization, social entrepreneurship and sustainability initiatives. Lastly, one can also try their foot in investment. For instance, Beyond 9 to 5: Unconventional Paths to Professional Fulfillment
investing in a variety of assets, including stocks, bonds, mutual funds, and real estate. Keep in mind that for one to follow such an unconventional and atypical path there will be many challenges. That’s why you should be prepared to face such uncertainties. On top of that, remember everyone’s path is unique and there is no point in comparing yourself with others. To attain professional fulfillment, it is essential to align your work with your values and passion. Do not be afraid to break away from the traditional and conventional expectations of society because you might end up finding a place of true happiness and satisfaction. Career Fair 2024 54 DELISHIA Editor Rotaract Club of University of Kelaniya FABIAN
Career Fair ’24 Timeline – A Journey of Opportunities Career Fair 2024 55 Dec 14 Registrations Open Jan 16 Registrations Closed Jan 30 Workshop by MAS Holdings Feb 10 Article Competition Submissions Open Feb 1 MAS Holdings Open Day Feb 13 Nestle Open Day Feb 20 Ceylon Cold Stores Open Day Feb 22 Open Day and Workshop by Brandix Feb 27 Open Day and Workshop by Baurs Feb 25 Article Competition Submissions Closed March 5 Hayleys Open Day March 6 UOK Freelancer Forum by ICTA and DFCC Open Day March 20 Unilever Open Day Panel discussion live stream Panel Discussion March 25 March 21 Closing ceremony March 26
The Workshop Expedition of Career Fair '24 Career Fair 2024 56 One of the highlights of Career Fair '24 is the multitude of workshops that took place with the aim of providing the required knowledge regarding the corporate world to undergraduates. During these segments, the students were able to interact with professionals and business organizations to gather advice and knowledge on how the corporate world truly functions. The workshops commenced with the session on ‘Interview and CV Writing’ on the 30th of January 2024 which was conducted by Mr. Lahiru Gunarathne, Assistant Manager (Talent Attraction) of MAS Holdings. Mr. Gunarathne focused on key areas regarding how the Curriculum Vitae must be constructed. He emphasized on the fact that a CV should be able catch the attention of the employer at first glance. Only necessary information should be included and that the given space must be utilized well. When it comes to the interview procedure he recommended to be prepared prior to the interview. This includes avoiding particular food items that might make oneself ill, having an outfit prepared and deciding on a set transportation mode to avoid delays. Moreover, he mentioned that it would be an additional benefit to do research on the firm, its activities and goals to face the interview confidently. The session concluded with the spokesperson collecting CVs from the undergraduates who were preparing to step into the labour force to give them better advice on improvements. On the 22nd of February 2024 Ms. Nadisha Deheragoda, General Manager of the Human Resource Department of Brandix joined hands with the Career Fair to conduct a session on ‘Corporate Etiquette Followed by Interviews’. Corporate etiquette is all about the professional mannerism in the workplace. It's about creating a positive and respectful work environment for everyone. This includes aspects like punctuality, healthy and open communication, adhering to the appropriate dress code and treating colleagues with respect and courtesy. Further,
Career Fair 2024 57 a person must be aware regarding matters of cultural differences and it is best to avoid harmful gossip and politics. Even small acts such as knocking on the door before entering someone else’s office falls under the topic of corporate etiquette. Last but not least, is the workshop administered by Mr. Rolf Blaser, CEO and Managing Director of A. Baur & Co. Pvt Ltd on the topic of ‘Personal Branding and Networking’. Personal branding is how one markets themselves in their work environment. It deals with creating a strong and consistent image that reflects on one's skills, experience, and values. Networking is the process of building relationships with other professionals to advance and improve in one's career. To create an effective personal branding it is necessary for a person to identify their unique values and develop a concise message suiting them. Moreover, being active in online communities and interacting physically with other professionals will result in a well-built network as well. In shaping the undergraduate experience at Career Fair '24, these workshops served as significant moments of transformation. Beyond just imparting skills, they've instilled in us a deeper understanding of the corporate realm and the importance of personal branding. As we step into the world beyond academia, armed with newfound knowledge and confidence, we carry with us the right mindset to thrive in the dynamic landscape of the professional world. Here's to the future, where we navigate with purpose and grace, shaping not just our careers but our identities in the process.
Career Horizons: Navigating Job Opportunities at Career Fair '24 Open Days Career Fair 2024 58 Organized by the Career Guidance Unit (CGU) in collaboration with esteemed university clubs, the Career Fair’ 24 featured a series of nine impactful Open Days hosted by prominent companies. These proved to be a transformative experience for undergraduates, equipping them to take their first steps towards their fulfilling careers. The Ceylon Cold Stores Open Day immersed students in a world of networking and insights, providing avenues to shape their professional trajectories. Here, the attendees had the chance to participate in mock interviews and gain invaluable advice from experienced professionals. On 1st of February 2024, the Open Day of MAS Holdings was held at the Career Guidance Unit Auditorium offering a wealth of internships, career paths and providing a platform for students to connect with industry professionals while paving their way towards success. Moving on, the Open Day of Nestle facilitated interactions with potential opportunities, guiding students towards success in their professional endeavors through interactive sessions and one-on-one consultations with Nestle representatives. Brandix's Open Day was held on the 22nd of February 2024 in which it promised numerous career avenues, encouraging students to submit their CVs for a chance to unlock exciting opportunities. Representatives from various departments were present to share their experiences and offer guidance on navigating the company's
Career Fair 2024 59 iverse career tracks. BAUR & CO PVT LIMITED's Open Day held at the Career Guidance Unit Auditorium, opened doors for students to redefine their career journeys with exclusive opportunities. Subsequently, the Hayleys Fentons' Open Day and DFCC Bank's Open Day were held as well. The Open Day of Unilever was held on the 20th of March 2024 at the Career Guidance Unit, University of Kelaniya making the culmination of Open Days of the Career Fair 2024, offering students a final opportunity to seize unparalleled career prospects. With a range of interactive activities and speed networking sessions, students had the opportunity to showcase their skills and make lasting connections with potential employers.
Career Fair 2024 60 These Open Days not only provided platforms for networking and exploration but also served as a path for job opportunities, internships, and career growth. Through solid planning and coordination by the Career Fair Committee, led by distinguished individuals from the university and various clubs, Career Fair 2024 exemplified a commitment to nurturing the next generation of leaders and professionals. As the curtains drew on the Open Days of the Career Fair 2024, the legacy of empowerment and opportunity it left behind will continue to resonate within the hearts and minds of all who participated, inspiring countless future success stories.
UOK Freelancer Forum 2024 Career Fair 2024 61 The University of Kelaniya witnessed a dynamic convergence of industry experts and aspiring freelancers on March 6th, 2024 at the CGU Auditorium. Organized in collaboration with the Information and Communication Technology Agency of Sri Lanka, the UOK Freelancer Forum illuminated pathways to success in the realm of freelancing. With the central theme revolving around "How to be a successful Freelancer," the forum delved into the insights, strategies, and experiences shared by distinguished panelists from various domains. The distinguished panel consisted of - Dr. Primal Wijesekera, Research Scientist at Security and Privacy, Dr. Nirosha Wedasinghe, Senior Lecturer at General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University, Mr. Janith Wickramasinghe, Community Leader at FIVERR, Mr. Hashan Uluwitiya, Top Rated Freelancer, Mr. Hithesh Fernando, Founder | CEO at Fintech Digital (Pvt) Ltd, Mr. Kasun Tharaka Wickramasuriya, Senior Manager at ICTA, Mr. Malitha Manawaduge, Operations Engineer at Mad Mobile, and Mr. Pradeepan Sivalingam, Assistant VP, Digital Banking Strategy. The enriching discussions on industry trends and emerging opportunities provided the attendees with a sound knowledge on the concept of freelancing. Moreover, practical strategies for navigating challenges and seizing opportunities in the freelance landscape were shared, with actionable insights to propel their freelance careers forward being provided.
Career Fair 2024 62 During the forum, an exciting announcement was made as the 'UoK Freelancers’ Club' was officially inaugurated. This club aims to serve as a hub for fostering collaboration, networking, and skill development among freelancers within the University of Kelaniya community. With a vibrant community of like-minded individuals, the UoK Freelancer Club is poised to become a cornerstone for aspiring freelancers, providing them with invaluable resources and support as they navigate the freelance landscape. The forum also marked the launch of the 'Graduate Freelancer UoK' website which is a groundbreaking platform aimed at empowering undergraduate freelancers. This platform offers a unique opportunity for aspiring freelancers to showcase their skills and services, thereby enhancing their visibility and accessibility to potential clients. Undergraduates are invited to add their catalogs to this website, enabling them to display the products or services they offer alongside their contact details. Hence, by complementing the commencement of the freelancing club, it provides an invaluable opportunity for budding freelancers to establish their presence in the digital marketplace. The UOK Freelancer Forum 2024 epitomized a collaborative effort to nurture and empower the next generation of freelancers. As the gig economy continues to flourish, initiatives like these serve as catalysts for innovation, growth, and professional excellence in the freelance ecosystem.
The Impact of AI on Employment and Professional Growth: Career Fair '24 Panel Discussion Career Fair 2024 63 In a thought-provoking panel discussion held during Career Fair '24, esteemed experts gathered to dive deep into the intricate relationship between Artificial Intelligence and its influence on employment and professional growth. The panellists, representing diverse sectors and perspectives, brought forth invaluable insights into this rapidly evolving world. Moderated by Rtr. Thanuj Abeyrathne from the Rotaract Club of University of Kelaniya, the discussion navigated through key questions, shedding light on the present scenario and envisioning the future implications of AI integration in the workforce. The esteemed panellists included: Mr. Thilan Sampath, Country Head at Uzabase, Sri Lanka. Ms. Zahara Ansary, Country Manager at AICPA & CIMA. Prof. Ravi Dissanayake, Professor at University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka. Throughout the session, a series of novel questions that outlined various dimensions of the impact of AI were addressed. Panelists elaborated on the pressing need for adaptation and reskilling in response to the rapid advancements in AI technology, emphasizing the importance of acquiring new skills to not only remain relevant but also to succeed in the job market. Furthermore, ethical considerations inherent in AI integration were thoroughly examined, while explaining the potential ramifications and the importance of maintaining ethical standards amidst technological progress. Moreover, industry perspectives on employment opportunities within the context of AI were extensively discussed, providing an analysis on how different sectors are adapting to and leveraging AI-driven changes. The discourse also included an exploration of prevalent AI tools and applications, showcasing the diverse ways in which AI is being utilized across various industries to enhance productivity and
efficiency. Additionally, the dialogue touched upon the critical role of education and training in preparing the workforce for the AI-driven future, underscoring the necessity for educational institutions to equip students with the requisite skills and knowledge to navigate the evolving landscape. Concerns regarding job displacement due to AI automation were also addressed, prompting discussions on potential mitigation strategies and the importance of proactive measures to safeguard employment opportunities. Furthermore, the panelists provided valuable insights into the global perspective of AI's impact on employment and professional growth, drawing comparisons with trends and experiences in other parts of the world. Finally, the dialogue concluded with an exploration of future outlooks, envisioning significant changes and developments in the coming decade as AI continues to reshape the employment landscape. The panel discussion, streamed via the Rotaract UOK YouTube channel, served as a platform for deepening understanding and fostering dialogue on the dynamic intersection of AI and the workforce. As Sri Lanka adopts AI integration, the insights gleaned from this panel discussion offer valuable guidance for individuals, industries, and policymakers alike, ensuring a proactive approach towards harnessing the potential of AI for sustainable employment and professional advancement. Career Fair 2024 64
Fruits of Career Fair 2024 Career Fair 2024 65 Total Registrants 1300+ Average CVs Collected Per Open Day 320+ Average CVs Shortlisted Per Open Day 120+ Interviews Conducted 700+ Insights in Numbers: A Statistical Synopsis
I am writing to express our sincerest gratitude for the opportunity to participate in the University of Kelaniya Career Fair 2024. MAS Holdings was honoured to be part of such a well-organized and impactful event, and we commend the efforts of the entire organizing team, including the Career Guidance Unit and the Rotaract Club. Excellence Breeds Success: A Testimonial from MAS Holdings Career Fair 2024 66 Mr. Lahiru Gunarathne From the initial discussions to the completion of the Open Day, every aspect of the event was very well planned and flawlessly executed. We were particularly delighted to conduct a workshop on modern-day CV writing and interview techniques, which we believe played a crucial role in preparing the students for their future endeavors. The enthusiasm and active participation of over 100 students truly demonstrated their eagerness to explore potential career opportunities. We are proud to have absorbed some of the best talents into our organization through this platform, and we are confident that these individuals will make significant contributions to our team. Events like the University of Kelaniya Career Fair play a pivotal role in fostering a corporate culture within academic institutions. By bridging the gap between academia and industry, such initiatives provide students with invaluable exposure to real-world scenarios and industry expectations. Participating in events of this nature not only benefits the students but also provides organizations like MAS Holdings with a competitive edge. It allows us to identify and recruit top talent directly from the source, ensuring a seamless integration of fresh perspectives and innovative ideas into our workforce. We look forward to continued collaboration and mutual growth in the future. Assistant Manager – Talent Attraction MAS CAPITAL (PRIVATE) LIMITED
Expressing Heartfelt Gratitude to our Sponsors Career Fair 2024 67
Organizing Committee Career Fair 2024 68 Roshan Rathnayake Adeesha Abeydheera Dhanika Kumarasiri Gaveen Buddhika Delishia Fabian Nuzha Farook Safaa Amir Sapna Sewmini Dulith Silva Thanuj Abeyrathne Pabamini Ahangama Akshana Wickramasinghe Chamangi Weerasinghe Gayani Randika Danindu Pathirage Sudheera Gamalath Rahma Zuhri Ashen Neththikumara Deepna Ileperuma Semini Premadasa Gimhan Perera Shashmitha Bandara Amani Najumudeen Dilini Tharaka Rotaract Bawantha Wedagedara Akila Jayawardana Kevshan Vinishka Himashi Nimthara Iruni Senarathne Sasith Ranishka Gishani Chamodya Janidu Wijesundara Thilakshani Nipunika Ramitha Iddamalgoda Ravindu Denuwan Inura Rathnayake Leo Ama Niyangoda Thasneema Hilmy AIESEC Ms. Heshani Jayathilaka Ms. Isuru Dissanayake Ms. H. B. H. Pravini Ms. Minoon Perera Mr. Viraj Abeysinghe Dr. Chatura Liyanage Special Thanks