Description

Career Gateway 1.0 – Session 01, titled “The Art of Interview Preparation,” was conducted as a professional development session organized by the IEEE Student Branch of the University of Sri Jayewardenepura. The session was held virtually via Zoom with the objective of helping undergraduates improve their interview readiness, professional communication, and confidence when facing recruitment processes. The session was conducted by Ms. Dinusha Wijayagunarathna , Manager – HR & Talent Development at Hutchison Telecommunications Lanka Pvt Ltd . As an experienced HR professional, she shared valuable insights on how students can prepare effectively for interviews, understand employer expectations, present themselves professionally, and respond to common interview questions with confidence. The session focused on important areas such as interview preparation strategies, effective communication during interviews, building a strong professional presence, and avoiding common mistakes made by candidates. Participants were able to gain practical knowledge on how to approach interviews in a structured and confident manner, especially as they prepare for internships, entry-level job opportunities, and future career development. This session marked the first session of Career Gateway 1.0 , an initiative aimed at enhancing students’ career readiness by connecting them with industry professionals and providing guidance on employability skills. The event contributed to the professional growth of participants by bridging the gap between academic learning and industry expectations. Objectives The main objectives of the session were to: Improve students’ confidence and preparedness for interviews. Provide practical guidance on answering interview questions effectively. Help participants understand employer expectations during recruitment. Develop awareness of professional presence and communication skills. Highlight common interview mistakes and ways to avoid them. Support students in becoming more career-ready through industry guidance. Key Outcomes By the end of the session, participants were able to: Understand how to prepare for interviews in a structured and professional manner. Identify effective techniques for answering common interview questions. Recognize the importance of body language, communication, and professional attitude. Learn how to avoid common mistakes during interviews. Gain practical career guidance from an experienced HR professional. Improve their readiness for internships, job interviews, and future career opportunities.