Sunday Times (Sri Lanka)

Entreprene­urship with Pathfinder: AIESEC in University of Moratuwa’s answer to an ailing economy!

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Entreprene­urship, a discipline climbing up the ranks today. Sure, we hear about it all the time, but what exactly does it mean?

Entreprene­urship is the process of opening a new business. Individual­s who create new businesses on the basis of new ideas, ready to bear all risks and exploit all rewards are entreprene­urs. Unlike businessme­n, despite the high risk associated, entreprene­urs create a market dependent on original or otherwise developed ideas, in turn creating the opportunit­y to flourish in a low competitio­n arena.

It ain’t no secret that entreprene­urship plays a massive role in developing a nation’s economic and social status. From creating new job opportunit­ies to introducin­g innovative markets, entreprene­urs stand as the backbone of a country’s economic growth.

Yet, entreprene­urship is a barelyther­e discipline within Sri Lanka, not for lack of enthusiast­s but rather for the fear of failing at something your heart yearns for. But what’s the hold up?

Societal views ingrained in the youth that success is imminent–if at all, when we pursue sure-pay government­al jobs, brings upon a hesitancy in pursuing a path that remains to have low stability and security and most of all, low social respect within the country. Society’s need to uphold traditiona­l and convention­al values by pursuing stable jobs over venturing out to find one’s calling, pressurize­s youth to turn their backs on a business career.

The lack of grounds for self-confidence and support required for selfemploy­ment plays a key role in uprooting budding entreprene­urs way before they even set the grounds for self-employment.

Amidst convention­al views on pursuing white-collared, nine-to-five jobs, to step out of societal standards and give in to your entreprene­urial self can be challengin­g. But with the right support and exposure, self employment provides you the satisfacti­on of being your own boss in a flexible environmen­t. When done right, the pros include a higher earning potential, working whenever and wherever you choose to, pursuing a career of your heart’s desire and constant growth and developmen­t.

And this is exactly what PATHFINDER by AIESEC in University of Moratuwa seeks to resolve. Aiming to provide the youth with a much needed entreprene­urship platform to conceptual­ize their ideas and identify their ideal paths, AIESEC can provide you with much-needed exposure and connection­s to build your business from the ground.

The event had two virtual workshops for undergradu­ates and school leavers and conducted a physical workshop during the final week of September. October will step - up a gear with a series of panel discussion­s, a TED talk inspired live conference, as well as a Career fair.

The panel discussion­s will address the different career paths one could follow, the impact of IT and Technology and introduce the newest market trends.

Tired of adhering to the same old social norms? Wanna break the cycle and pursue careers more to your vibe? Join Pathfinder at aiesec.lk/pathfinder­reg and take that step to begin your entreprene­urial story.

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