The IGNITE 2024 workshop, held on 8th November 2024 at the Main Auditorium of the Faculty of Technological Studies, Uva Wellassa University, was an engaging and transformative session aimed at enhancing the professional profiles and career readiness of fourth- and third-year students from the Department of Animal Sciences.

The workshop, organized as part of the annual initiatives of the Animal Sciences Alumni Association (ASAA), focused on providing students with insights into maintaining a professional image, developing the right attitudes, and leveraging online platforms like LinkedIn for career advancement.

A significant highlight of the workshop was the involvement of resource persons from Hemas Pharmaceuticals (Pvt.) Ltd., who led expert sessions on key areas essential for students’ career development. The workshop also included practical demonstrations, including mock interviews, which resulted in an unexpected and exciting outcome for one of the participants.

Key Sessions

The workshop featured three key sessions conducted by professionals from Hemas Pharmaceuticals (Pvt.) Ltd., providing students with a comprehensive understanding of essential skills for career success:

• Professional CV Creation – Ms. Wasana Jayasundara: Ms. Wasana Jayasundara, Senior Executive – Human Resources at Hemas Pharmaceuticals, led a session on how to craft an effective CV.
• LinkedIn Profile Creation – Ms. Nipuni Lamahewa: Ms. Nipuni Lamahewa, Executive – Human Resources at Hemas, provided students with a practical guide on how to build a strong LinkedIn profile.
• Attitude Development and Business Etiquettes – Mr. Naveen Illapperuma: Mr. Naveen Illapperuma, Senior Manager – Field Sales and Modern Trade at Hemas, conducted a session on attitude development and business etiquette. He discussed how maintaining the right mindset, communication skills, and professional demeanor can make a significant impact in any career.

Mock Interview Session

As a part of the program, a mock interview session was conducted to give students a firsthand experience of what to expect during real job interviews. The surprising outcome of the mock interview was that the Hemas team was impressed by one of the participants and offered them a permanent job position. This unexpected and exciting development was met with much enthusiasm and highlighted the effectiveness of the workshop in preparing students for real-world career opportunities.

Workshop Impact

IGNITE 2024 successfully achieved its objectives by providing students with valuable tools and knowledge to build a professional image and enhance their career prospects. The partnership with Hemas Pharmaceuticals was particularly impactful, offering students a chance to learn directly from industry professionals and gain insight into the expectations of the corporate world.