In a bid to bridge the gap between academia and industry, the Ruhuna University Computer Science Department, in collaboration with SLASSCOM, recently hosted the RUHUNA IT & BPM Career Fair 2024.
With a turnout of approximately 200 students, the fair served as a platform for budding tech enthusiasts to explore career avenues and interact with industry leaders. For many, it was their inaugural experience facing interviews, where numerous students seized the opportunity to secure job offers and internship placements, while others showcased their talent by submitting resumes for potential future endeavors.
Professor Sujeewa Amarasena, the Vice Chancellor of Ruhuna University, graced the occasion, joined by Haridhu Abeygoonarathne, Board Director at SLASSCOM. Through the collaborative partnership between SLASSCOM and Ruhuna University, the key goal was to equip students with the necessary tools to navigate and excel in today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape. This collaboration extends beyond the confines of traditional academia, bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application. By leveraging SLASSCOM’s industry expertise and the academic resources of Ruhuna University, they collectively offer students a comprehensive learning experience tailored to the demands of the IT sector.
Haridhu Abeygoonarathne, Board Director at SLASSCOM said ‘Our programs and initiatives aim to cultivate not only technical proficiency but also critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration skills essential for success in the modern workplace. Through workshops, seminars, internships, and mentorship opportunities, we will provide students with hands-on exposure to real-world challenges and industry best practices. By immersing themselves in these experiences, students gain valuable insights into the intricacies of the IT industry and develop a competitive edge in the job market. Ultimately, our partnership with Ruhuna University exemplifies our commitment to nurturing the next generation of tech talent. Together, we strive to empower students with the skills, knowledge, and confidence they need to thrive in today’s digital economy and make meaningful contributions to the IT industry and beyond.
Professor Sujeewa Amarasena, the Vice Chancellor of Ruhuna University added ‘ we will actively engage our faculty members with SLASSCOM to identify emerging trends and industry needs, ensuring that our educational offerings remain relevant and up-to-date. By fostering a culture of innovation and continuous learning, we will empower students to adapt to technological advancements and seize opportunities for growth and advancement in their careers.
The success of the event was made possible through the generous support of a diverse array of sponsors, each playing a vital role in ensuring its seamless execution and impactful outcomes. Among these sponsors were Creative Software, 99X, Fortude, hSenidBiz, IFS, Cambio, Asyncdot, and SimCentric. These sponsors, representing a mix of established industry players and innovative startups, not only provided financial support but also brought to the table a wealth of expertise, resources, and networking opportunities. Their involvement underscored a shared vision of empowering the next generation of tech professionals and driving the growth and development of the IT industry as a whole.
The RUHUNA IT/ BPM Career Fair 2024 was a testament of what can be achieved when academia, industry and aspiring professionals collaborate for a common goal—to drive innovation and harness talent for the ever-evolving IT landscape.