Xandria, an alumna of Sunway University College, returned to the institution five years after leaving it to impart her wisdom on how to carve a successful career in showbiz. She reminisced about the times she was pursuing the Canadian pre-university programme at Sunway and her days as a member of the Student Council then.
“I cannot stress enough the importance of extra-curricular activities,” she said emphatically to the students “This is the time for you all to start honing your management skills through organizing events and activities. I took advantage of that in my year at Sunway.”
Also on-hand to dish out advice to students contemplating the Journalism field was Niki Cheong, an Assistant Editor of The Star and author of the famous Bangsar Boy columns.
Other guest speakers throughout JUMPSTART included Faridah Hameed, Programme Director of Graduan Milenium Series, who spoke on “Where do I go from Here”, Winnie Loo, Founder and Creative Director of A Cut Above Salon, who shared her success story on being an entrepreneur, and Douglas McLean, Managing Director of GE Engine Services who spoke on “Being At the Top Young”.
A Career Test Centre was also set-up where students could sit for the John Holland typology and Myers-Briggs type indicator workshop to better understand their own personality and subsequently choose the careers most suited to them.
In addition, a Work and Travel USA booth was set up for students to explore the possibilities of a working holiday to the United States. The ‘worldly’ experience gained from traveling overseas allows students to stand out in the eyes of potential employers.
Students also benefitted from company visits to Malaysian Airline Systems (MAS) and NatTV7, where they had a glimpse of how organisations function in the ‘real world’.
JUMPSTART wrapped up with the Prominent Business Leaders Seminar, with Tan Sri Dato’ Seri (Dr) Jeffrey Cheah, Founder and Chairman of Sunway Group, who is also the Founder, Chairman and Trustee of SyUC, sharing his experiences with students. His was a truly inspiring story, as he revealed the ups and downs he faced as an entrepreneur, and the triumph of Sunway Group over three recessions. “During tough times, a leader has to be like a swan. Above the surface of the water, you must put on a brave front so that your followers are reassured,” he advised “But below the surface, you have to paddle like crazy to stay afloat.”
The Career Development and Training Unit at Sunway University College was formed with the purpose of grooming Sunway students for the world of work. Its central function consists of a wide range of activities structured to equip students with non-academic yet essential skills while studying at Sunway.
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