| Lyna Mohamad |
EDUCATION plays a significant role in helping define career pathways; in the modern society, practical experiences are highly valued and help graduates open up career opportunities, said Universiti Brunei Darussalam’s (UBD) Career Fair 2018 Chairperson Gavin Crewe.
He made this statement during the launch ceremony of the UBD Career Fair 2018 at the university’s Chancellor Hall yesterday.
The annual fair, organised by UBD’s Centre of Networking, Employment and Career Training (CoNECT), will conclude tomorrow. The fair is open from 9am to 5pm, with a break from 12pm to 2pm.
To help students gain experience, CoNECT conducted the Summer Work Experience Programme (SWEP) from May to July. It provided students the opportunity to acquire hands-on experience in a workplace setting and gain new skills through internships, project collaborations, and work shadowing, added Gavin Crewe.
Permanent Secretary (Higher Education) at the Ministry of Education Dr Haji Azman bin Ahmad officiated the ceremony.
UBD Vice-Chancellor Datin Dr Hajah Anita Binurul Zahrina binti Pehin Orang Kaya Laila Wijaya Dato Seri Setia Haji Awang Abdul Aziz, principal officers, staff and students were also present.
The fair aims to support the UBD students in their career development by providing exposure to companies offering employment opportunities and internships.
Forty exhibitors are participating in this year’s event, more than last year’s 30. Around 200 jobs are up for grabs, including part-time and fulltime apprenticeships or internships. There will also be walk-in interviews for students and graduates.
CoNECT, which has an online portal for students to do book career guidance sessions and career events, held CV checks and interview tips sessions for students to prepare them for the walk-in interviews.
Students signed up for talks and workshops by business leaders and entrepreneurs.
The workshops aim to help the students enhance their job marketability and prepare them for the challenging career environment.