September 13th marked yet another milestone for APIIT – Sri Lanka’s Corporate Social Responsibility initiative; CSR projects are undertaken with a view to contributing to manpower development and socio-economic advancement of the country.

 “Shaping Futures – Higher Education and Career Fair” organized by the Asia Pacific Institute of Information Technology (APIIT – Sri Lanka)  provided  our youth with an understanding of career options available and guided them through selecting a suitable higher education path to achieve their career goals. The programme was held at the APIIT City Campus at No 388, Union Place, Colombo 02 enabling participants to meet with corporate representatives and educationalists face to face and discuss current issues pertaining to employment and career progression.

The one-day programme covered higher education opportunities available in Sri Lanka as well as in the UK and Australia. The presentations made by the leading organisations drew attention to career options available and employer expectations. Students who had just completed their A/L examination were seen enthusiastically exploring prospects for employment in IT and business fields and also higher education opportunities that would take them in the desired direction.

In addition to career presentations, representatives from leading organizations provided individual consultations to students in planning their future career. Leading Banks who were present at this event provided information on financial assistance for higher education both in Sri Lanka and abroad. Students also had one-to-one discussions with financial institutions and explored the feasibility of customising various financial instruments to suit their unique requirements.

This event provided a wonderful opportunity for the participating students to appreciate that one’s aptitude and personal traits are important considerations in selecting one’s career path. In other words, to develop one’s potential through higher education, students should understand the careers that suit their personality.  Students were guided backwards from defining career aspirations to selecting appropriate higher education options.

Guidance of professionals could go far in determining careers and understanding future prospects. The Higher Education and Career Guidance Fair brought together professionals from education and corporate sector in one forum to highlight the association between right education and good employment.  Further, counsellors of APIIT – Sri Lanka were at hand to provide assistance to students in clarifying their doubts.  Selection of study programmes to suit one’s interests and strengths often lead to successful completion of higher education and rewarding careers.

APIIT-Sri Lanka focuses on developing the country’s future generation through quality higher education to become useful and productive citizens. Participation of more than 150 students witnessed the success of this event highlighting the need for career and education counselling.

If you missed this event, well, all is not lost.  You can always visit the APIIT City Campus to meet with a Counsellor to seek advice on career and higher education opportunities.  Call Senani, Kanchana, Jayan or Upeka on 2675060 to make an appointment for a counselling session.  APIIT City Campus is open on weekdays from 8.30am to 5.00 pm and on Saturdays from 8.30am to 1.00pm.