Certificate in DMP Career Plus Beyond Graduation Skills Development Program
DMP Career Plus Beyond Graduation Skills Development Program was offered for the Inter Semester Skills Development Program from 20th November to 14th December, 2023. This is a Certificate Course designed and offered by the Career Guidance Unit, Faculty of Arts. The program was offered to 170 undergraduates of the faculty. A number of sessions with practical exposure was conducted under various topics which are specifically designed to enhance and sharpen the soft skills of undergraduates of Faculty of Arts.
This Program was conducted under the esteemed guidance of Senior Professor Lasantha Manawadu, Dean, Faculty of Arts, University of Colombo and Mr. Saman Wanasinghe, Senior Lecturer and Director of the Career Guidance Unit, Faculty of Arts, University of Colombo.
On 20th November 2023, a session on the topic ‘Interpersonal Skills Confidence Building How to Make a Dynamic Personality, Be a brand to become an excellent entrepreneur and dignified professional, Identifying Personality Styles’ was conducted by Mr.Saman Wanasinghe, Senior Lecturer and the Director, Career Guidance Unit, Faculty of Arts, University of Colombo. Students were able to enhance their comprehension in various areas, such as interpersonal skills, decision-making, problem-solving, and critical thinking. They were able to learn ways on how to develop their individual personalities and gained a deeper understanding through engaging in practical activities.
A session covering the topics ‘Mindfulness, Stress Management and Yoga for a Healthy Life’ was held on the same day and was conducted by Mr.Srihan Ariyasinghe who is a Professional Mindfulness Coach and a Yoga Practitioner. Students acquired techniques for managing academic stress and learned effective strategies for handling stressful situations. Additionally, they were instructed in simple yoga practices and their application in overcoming life’s stressors.
On 26th November an informative session was conducted by Mr.Saman Wanasinghe, Senior Lecturer and the Director, Career Guidance Unit, Faculty of Arts, University of Colombo. Students were able to get a broader understanding of interview facing skills, presentation skills and CV writing skills. The students were able to learn the methods of creating impactful CVs and essential interview techniques. Additionally, during the session students were able to learn into interview strategies, including body language, communication skills, and answering common interview questions.
On 27th November a session on Safe Online Money-Making and E- Commerce Opportunities was conducted by Mr.S.Benjamin, Founder & Managing Director of AGE Enterprises Pvt. Limites and a Financial Consultant to educate students on safe and reliable methods of generating income online. Covering various aspects of digital entrepreneurship, the session provided insight into legitimate avenues for earning money on the internet while emphasizing safety and security measures.
On 1st of December a session on ‘Entrepreneurship Skills’ was conducted by Professor B.Nishantha, Senior Lecturer, Department of Management and Organization Studies, Faculty of Management and Finance, University of Colombo. The session was designed to equip students with the essential tools and knowledge needed to thrive in the world of business and innovation. Covering a wide range of topics, the session explored the fundamentals of entrepreneurial thinking, idea generation, business planning, market analysis, and the practical steps involved in launching a venture.
The session held on 03rd of December on Email, Letter and Memo Writing’ which was conducted by Dr.Shashinie Thenabadu, Senior Lecturer, Department of English language Teaching, Faculty of Arts, University of Colombo was centered on enhancing students’ proficiency in professional written communication, specifically focusing on email, memo, and letter writing skills. Through practical examples and interactive sessions, students learned the essentials of structuring emails for clarity, professionalism, and appropriate tone. The workshop emphasized the importance of precision in memo writing, covering formatting, content organization, and conveying information efficiently. Additionally, participants gained insights into the formalities of letter writing.
On 09th and 10th of December the Outbound Training Program was held on two days where they were able to develop their leadership skills and team working skills through a series of outdoor activities, challenges, and team-building exercises. They were able to develop their leadership skills, teamwork, problem-solving abilities, and communication. This was conducted by Mr.Dhanushka Udayanga, Managing Director of Titan Leadership Academy.
During the session held on 12th of December on ‘Balancing Work Life’ conducted by Dr.Rajitha Silva, Senior Lecturer, Department of Human Resources Management, Faculty of Management and Finance, University of Colombo, students were able to learn strategies to harmonize academic responsibilities and personal well-being. The session on ‘Financial Literacy’ conducted by Professor Nihal Hennayake, Dean, Faculty of Management and Finance, University of Colombo was aimed to empower undergraduates with essential knowledge and skills to manage their finances effectively. The session emphasized the importance of responsible financial practices and informed decision-making that would benefit students throughout their academic journey and in their future.
The session on ‘Emotional Intelligence’ which held on 13th of December which was conducted by Dr.Tissa Ravinda, Head, Department of Management and Organization Studies, Faculty of Management and Finance, University of Colombo, focused on developing crucial skills essential for career success. Participants engaged in discussions, activities, and self-assessment exercises to deepen their understanding of emotional intelligence and its significance in professional settings. Students learned strategies to manage stress, navigate conflicts, and harness emotions positively to enhance decision-making and teamwork. The ‘Time Management Skills’ session conducted by Mr.Sampath Abeysooriya, Trainer in Human Potential Development, Founder-Empowering Academy taught the undergraduates about practical tools and strategies to optimize their use of time. Participants learned effective techniques for setting priorities, planning tasks, and organizing schedules. The session aimed to empower undergraduates to maximize their productivity, reduce stress, and achieve a healthy balance between academic life and personal life.
The session on ‘Meeting Skills and Negotiation Strategies’ which was held on 14th of December helped students develop vital communication skills. Through practical activities, participants learned effective meeting management, facilitation techniques, and active participation. They were also able to learn negotiation tactics and methods to reach mutually beneficial agreements. The workshop aimed to provide undergraduates with the confidence and skills needed to lead productive meetings and negotiate successfully in both academic and professional environments. This was conducted by Mr.Mohan Samaranayake, Head, Department of English Language Teaching, Faculty of Business Studies and Finance, University of Wayamba.
The Certificate in DMP Career Plus Beyond Graduation Skills Development Program concluded as a resounding success. Over the duration of the program, students received invaluable guidance and mentorship that significantly contributed to the development of their soft skills, essential for both their professional and personal growth. Through comprehensive sessions and expert input, participants were equipped with the necessary tools to enhance their communication, interpersonal, and professional skills, preparing them effectively for the challenges beyond academic life.
