PIMA platinum AWARD winner, Sampath Jayasundara shares his view on ICT education
View(s):Sampath Jayasundara is known in the IT industry as a mastermind professional. He is in the process of transferring his knowledge and experience to the future generation and was privileged to be awarded with the Platinum Award by the Postgraduate Institute of Management Alumni (PIMA). We had a chat with him regarding the future of the industry, his experiences and many more.
If we start by asking how you entered the field of IT …
I began my studies at the Colombo University and after graduating in 1999, I started my career as a Business System Executive at Zillion Systems Solutions. Afterwards, I joined the hSenid Software International as a team leader and during the same period I completed my postgraduate degree in computer science at the University of Colombo. I gained immense experience between the years 2000 – 2004 as a Project Manager, Operations Manager, General Manager -Business Development and General Manager. 
Moreover, I was able to help take the brand name hSenid to countries such as Africa, India, Australia and gained much experience by visiting various other countries.
In 2009, I obtained my MBA in Business Administration from the Post Graduate Institute of Management, University of Sri Jayawardenapura. I also completed the Strategic Management course at the Indian Institute of Management in 2009 and completed the Effective Strategy Execution programme at the Indian School of Business, Hyderabad in 2011. I have to mention that I pursued my education while focusing on my professional career but never made it become an obstacle but a path to my success.
As of today, you’re holding multiple responsibilities. Can you elaborate on that?
Today, I’m with hSenid as the Director and General Manager of hSenid Business Solution, the leader in Human Resource Information Systems provider in Sri Lanka. Furthermore, I lecture at the Colombo University, Open University, IPM and provide my knowledge and expertise to the students at PIBT. It gives me great satisfaction in sharing my knowledge with students because they will become the future professionals in the industry. I find it a great privilege and honour.
How did you become a part of PIBT?
I am a Director at PIBT from the start of their venture and take part in their lectures and share my knowledge with students. PIBT started with the idea of creating world-class professionals from Sri Lanka to enter the global IT industry. International recognition is guaranteed for the certifications offered at PIBT since its affiliation with the University of Greenwich, UK. A specialty of PIBT is that priority is given towards practical knowledge of every student.
Hence, the students leaving PIBT will enter the industry with successful experience. PIBT helps them to find jobs without any competition and to go forward in their career and excel in the industry. As an example, PIBT students who joined hSenid as trainees are now Managers at international companies. PIBT will help you to obtain a job in a short period of time and help you reach the highest success.
What are your ideas about the IT industry in Sri Lanka?
The industry of information technology is a vastly expanding sector in the global business world and it can help the development process of Sri Lanka immensely. A high international demand is on offer for Software Developers in Sri Lanka. We have great human resources and their knowledge is extremely valuable. But only a handful of individuals enter the industry with proper practical knowledge. As for today, this situation has come to a better standard.
As a professional with years of experience and as a mentor working with students, what would be your advice for students entering the industry?
A student should have a genuine goal. I always tell my students to properly plan their lives for the next 5 years because the first 5 years of anyone’s career is very important. A lot of time and dedication should be put in these first 5 years, since the knowledge and experience you gain at this time will craft your future. You need not be afraid of change because people with different ideas and different approaches will only succeed in this industry.
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