The TECH FEST at UCL sharpens students’ skills and showcases fascinating opportunities in the IT Industry

Keeping abreast with the changing paradigms of the IT Industry, UCL kept pace with the dire need to educate students on the opportunities in the IT Industry. The Tech Fest held recently at the picturesque UCL Campus roof-top, was symbolic as the intention of the event was that students would literally reach the top in the dynamic IT Industry in the future.

A warm welcome was accorded to the students and teachers-in-charge of the representative schools by CEO Mr. Gihan Silva, who stated that it was of paramount importance for students to get qualified in IT to compete and leverage in to top posts in the future. He also highlighted the dynamic and cost- effective programmes tailored at UCL to cater to the exacting demands of the IT Industry.

The Tech Fest is seen as an impetus by the Management and IT Faculty of UCL to get bright young minds to further their interest in IT and reach for the stars. UCL a leader in ICT Education offers high quality industry relevant programmes for discerning students and is proud to have many courses that promulgate quality education in Sri Lanka. These include, the Bachelor of Computer Science and Bachelor of Applied Computer Science offered by the Dalhousie University, Canada, The Monash College Diploma in IT leading to a degree in a number of IT related fields at the M o n a s h U n i ve r s i t y and the BSc Software Engineering Degree offered by the University of Central Lancashire, UK. (www.ucl.lk)

The Tech Fest had an interesting panel discussion lead by the Dean of the Faculty. Dr. Dananjaya Kulkarni, who himself is an

IT expert, having a wealth of experience. The panel comprised Mr. Thepul Ginige Mr. Haren Lalchand, Ms. Madushi and current students of the Software Engineering degree programme, Heshan and Samadhi, who shared their collective expertise.

The themes discussed during the panel discussion enlightened the students about IT trends in the market, the UCL faculty’s’ experience in their respected fields, and also touched on the life experiences of current IT students in terms of their knowledge gained and student-life experiences.

Pertinent questions that are of paramount importance to the industry were addressed, so that students had awareness and accurate information on trends and emerging opportunities for the future. These included the diverse opportunities in the IT Industry and the relevant qualifications students should have as requisite to compete in the dynamic IT Industry, inclusive of soft-skills.

It was good to witness participation from many leading schools in the island, including Royal College Colombo, Ananda College Colombo and International Schools such as OKI International College. The event witnessed a quiz competition, and it was great to notice the level of knowledge and interest the students had within them. An IT exhibition complimented the event.

UCL thanks all the participants, teachers and representatives who took time off to congregate this special ICT event. More events of this nature will be on the card for interested audiences. For more information on how to participate at future tech events and on the UCL Programmes can be obtained through 0774 777 000 (Monash and Dalhousie) / 077 411 0000 (University of Central Lancashire) or through info@ucl.lk