Creating Future Global CEOs UCL combines with top-corporates to provide valuable Internship opportunities

The UCL Careers day held on June 9th at the UCL Auditorium was well represented by key multinationals and blue-chip companies in Sri Lanka, in the calibre of John Keells Holdings, Orel IT, Orel Corporation, Virtusa, Dialog, London Stock Exchange Group, Unilever, MAS Holdings and Brandix.

Whilst some representatives congreated at UCL some connected on-line, each entity offering value added opportunities to 2nd year undergraduates currently studying in the University of Central Lanashire, UK’s I n t e r national Business De g ree Programme.

Incidentally the Internship organised for the 4th conseutive year is stylised for undergraduates to gain valuable exposure and insights by working in relevant industries for a period of nine- months to one year.

“The best for the best”

Setting the pace for a fruitful session, Dr. Dhananjay Kulkarni, Dean of UCL, welcomed the distinguished representatives and undergraduates and re- iterated the theme of the event, “We create the workforce and you ( corporates) get the best interns”.

This was espoused by Mr. Gihan Silva, CEO of UCL who in his address stated that UCL produces outstanding, quality graduates aligned to UCL’s Vision of Creating a Skilled Workforce for Sri Lanka, as the best interns and future graduates are introduced to the job market from UCL.

An interesting panel discussion was a key highlight and was moderated by Ms. Maneesha Udawatte, moderating themes that are important to the recruitment proesses of Internship, which enlightened the undergraduates in terms of expectations, and professional benefits.

Internship Uplugged Q: What are the factors required to keep in mind in terms of the expetations of an Intern?

The represenatative from John Keells Holdings (JKH) Mr. Thamira Warnaka was positive to the point. “Enjoy the job!” JKH spanning 7 industries, which includes opportunities to join in the sports at company level. “We believe in having fun at work too”. This was endorsed by the Virtusa representative, Mr. Aniston Leo. He informed that Virtusa was expanding and it was an ideal time for interns to join the ranks, and work and play were both of paramount importance.

Q:

How have hiring strategies changed?

The representative from Orel IT, Mr. Nilesh Dandeniya, a proud alumni of UCL and University of Central Lancashire stated, “thinking patterns have changed with people having work from home options. The strategies may have changed but the goals remain the same”. The bottom-line is we look for people with certain key attributes to work with us. These include integrity, commitment to work and a positive attitude.

Q: What are the expectations of orporates in terms of Intern’s skills.

A combination of adaptability within the working context. Interns should be able to embrace change and be open to working is any department assigned to them. Being able to get on with people is paramount and getting adapted to the culture of the company is essential.

Being honest and trustworthy are oldfashioned norms that are a requisite today as well.

Q. What are the Top 3 Skills identified in terms of a post- covid milieu?

(Combined responses) Interns need to try and add value and be innovative. Cultivating adaptability and industry awareness. (What are you trying to get in to? ) Being innovative is also a trait that is much sought after.

Q

Is there an opportunity to translate

from Intern to Executive?

Yes it is. The Internship seen as a first initiative. The growth potential and being absorbed in to the Exexutive cadre is a definite step up the corporate ladder.

Q

What are the qualities looked for in an Intern? ( Combined responses)

“Wear your learning cap 24x7 is desired”, stated Mr. Chaminda de Silva, General Manager, of Orel Corporation. Get in to the job. Ask yourself the question, “How do I add value as an Intern?” Apply your knowledge, skill and passion! Honesty and integrity are valued perpetually.

A positive attitude which is maintained consistently, intrinsic motivation and youthful exuberance are key.

A self conviction of not giving up is also a admirable quality.

An innate sense of resilience.

Give it your best shot every day!

The interviews faced by the undergraduates were a first experience for many. However UCL had groomed the undergraduates and prepped them up to meet the challenge and put their best foot forward. The UCL undergraduates’ leadership skills and soft-skills have been championed and finetuned for them to rise up to the occassion.

UCL Management thanks the corporates for their time and magnanimity in aligning the ethos of internship to each company’s recruitment drive and including them in to the respective HR ranks. UCL also appreciates all the amasing company representatives who patiently listened to the briefings, participated in the panel discussion and interviewed all the candidates.

We hope you find the best interns to fit your company needs! UCL is on a mission to create a reliable, innovative and energetic workforce for Sri Lanka. As such let's get together do our part in rebuilding the economy of this beautiful island nation. Its is envisioned that the “cream of the crop at UCL”, will aspire to reach the pinnale in corporate Sri Lanka.