Description

Career Gateway 1.0 is a career development initiative organized by the IEEE Student Branch of the University of Sri Jayewardenepura with the objective of empowering undergraduates with industry readiness, professional networking skills, and career preparation knowledge. As part of this initiative, the third online session focused on “Career Fair Essentials: Prepare, Connect, Succeed.” The session was conducted by Mrs. Chathurangi Thennakoon , Senior Careers Advisor of the University of Sri Jayewardenepura. The session provided participants with practical guidance on how to effectively prepare for career fairs and professional networking events. Key areas covered included pre-event preparation strategies, building professional confidence, networking techniques, effective communication with recruiters, personal branding, and post-event follow-up practices. Participants gained valuable insights into maximizing opportunities at career fairs by presenting themselves professionally, building meaningful industry connections, and positioning themselves for internships and employment opportunities. The session was highly interactive and served as an important step in helping students bridge the gap between academic life and professional careers. Career Gateway 1.0 continues to support students through a combination of online sessions, industry exposure, and professional guidance to help them successfully navigate their career journeys. Key Topics Covered Importance of career fairs in professional growth Preparing CVs and professional profiles before attending Effective self-introduction and communication strategies Networking with recruiters and industry professionals Building confidence and professional presence Post-event follow-up and maintaining connections Outcomes Improved awareness of career fair best practices Better understanding of professional networking strategies Enhanced confidence in interacting with recruiters Increased readiness for internships and employment opportunities