The American Chamber of Commerce (AMCHAM) organized a CEO forum titled "Entering the Corporate Arena" last week aimed at providing students with an insight into Corporate Sri Lanka, and identify the skills and competencies required to build their careers. The forum also provided an opportunity for students to interact and network with three of the leading CEOs in Sri Lanka.
The speakers who addressed the forum comprised Group Chief Executive, Dialog Telecom Plc, Dr Hans Wijayasuriya, Group Director MAS Holdings (Pvt) Ltd, Dian Gomes and President Asian Operations, Virtusa, Roger Keith Modder.
Dr Wijayasuriya spoke on "Insight into corporate Sri Lanka and what career opportunities are there" and emphasized that the students need to make an important rational decision after they graduate, whether to go overseas for work or to stay and work in Sri Lanka.
Mr Modder, addressing the forum on the subject, "You can acquire global exposure in Sri Lanka", said, students need to think twice before they make a decision to go abroad for studies or work in Sri Lanka . Emerging new players such as China and India have changed the level playing field, hence the need to become "Globally Savvy People" who can work in any country.
Mr. Gomes emphasized the importance of being multi skilled, willing to adapt to different working environments, communicate effectively and the ability to work in teams. He also said students need to understand their "Blind Spots" as well as their strengths and to get involved in sports and other extra-curricular activities so that they learn how to accept defeat and to work towards becoming winners.
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