The AIESEC in University of Sri Jayewardenepura successfully conducted Launchpad 3.0, a Career Fair and Professional Development Forum at University of Sri Jayewardenepura premises.
Launchpad was created to equip Sri Lankan youth with the skills and competencies needed to enhance employability, strengthen competitiveness, and prepare them for a dynamic job market. It seeks to nurture leadership qualities, provide access to global internship and teaching opportunities, and support long-term career growth. The programme also strives to raise awareness of emerging career pathways and evolving industry trends, while creating a platform for leading corporate professionals to share insights, experiences, and strategies for navigating today’s rapidly changing professional landscape.
The morning sessions of Launchpad 3.0 focused on career guidance where fresh graduates were given the chance to learn from top corporate leaders about overcoming challenges and pursuing opportunities that enhance their professional growth. They were able to gain knowledge from the Guest Speaker Sampath Soysa – Founder and CEO of Good Grooming Global, a seasoned entrepreneur and professional marketer with over 12 years of experience in the service industry. The Panel Discussion was the next item on the agenda where Yanika Amarasekara – Founder of Silver Aisle, Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia Honoree, Dharshana De Silva – Assistant Group General Manager at Prima Group with 30 years of global corporate experience and Dilupa Pathirana – CEO of Barista Coffee Lanka, delved into their years of experience in various fields to provide insightful tips and advice to the large audience.
The afternoon session featured a Career Fair with dedicated workshops, connecting participants to local and international internships and job opportunities. This segment helped individuals build skills, gain global exposure, and discover the right path for their career aspirations across diverse industries. It also provided a valuable space for participants to review and enhance their CVs and LinkedIn profiles with guidance from industry professionals, ensuring they present themselves effectively to potential employers.
A student participant at the event stated, “The Launchpad 3.0 event was a great experience and very well organized. It provided valuable insights into different companies and career opportunities. I was able to learn more about internship options, job roles, and how to create a strong CV that helps me stand out in the job market. Overall, it was an informative and motivating event and I thank the organizers for arranging such a meaningful platform for students.”
Prima Group Assistant Group General Manager Dharshana De Silva commented, “A big shout-out to the organizers and fellow participants for putting together an engaging and thought-provoking event. The panel discussions covered some truly relevant topics. I am grateful to have been part of such an energetic environment. I am sure there will be more to come from the Launchpad Team in the future.”
Ceylinco Life Insurance Limited led LaunchPad 3.0 as the Title Partner while Baurs, Glomax, FlyBeyond Ceylon, IAAC, George Steuart Health, Great Place to Work, Ahasa Consultancy and 4rever contributed to make LaunchPad 3.0 a success story.
With Launchpad 3.0 being a bigger and better event than the previous years, the team is planning to further develop the event to empower youth by equipping them with all the necessary tools to succeed in an ever-changing business world thereby helping them to realize their full potential and excel in their professional journeys.
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