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Recently, the School of Marketing and Management (SoMM) at Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU), hosted a career-focused webinar.

Led by Ms Harjinder Kaur (Senior Lecturer and IAP Coordinator, SoMM at APU), the webinar, which was streamed live on Facebook and attended in-person by several students, focused on bridging the gap between academic learning and real-world application, preparing students with essential tools for the job market.

The webinar featured Mr Joshua Jerico Ferido, Growth and Partnership Executive at Skilio, who provided students with practical strategies for resume building, personal branding, and understanding the latest industry trends.

Preparing for Professional Success

Mr Joshua’s presentation highlighted how students can enhance their professional profiles and prepare for the competitive job market.

He offered expert guidance on crafting resumes that effectively showcase achievements, skills, and relevant experiences.

On top of that, students were introduced to key strategies for successful career development:

1. Networking: How to build and leverage professional relationships for career advancement.
2. Interview Preparation: Tips on answering common questions and presenting oneself confidently.
3. Personal Branding: Creating a LinkedIn presence and curating a personal image aligned with one’s goals.
4. Industry Trends: Awareness of the current job landscape and opportunities across sectors.

Student Perspectives

Kelyn Zhuanda, a student from Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Marketing Management with a specialism in Digital Marketing, found the webinar to be insightful, as it highlighted the importance of developing soft skills, engaging in real-world projects, building strong professional networks, and practical strategies, that are essential for standing out in today’s fast-evolving job market.

Teh Su Anne, a student from Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Marketing Management with a specialism in Digital Marketing, found the webinar valuable, as it offered insights into building a strong personal brand on LinkedIn, showcasing essential soft skills, motivating her to take consistent steps toward achieving her career goals.

Prasham Reiyn Karunanithi, a student from Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in International Business Management, found the webinar valuable as well, as it provided relatable insights and personal experiences about the internship application process, helping him gain clarity on key concerns and inspiring greater confidence in navigating future career opportunities.

Reflections on the Webinar

Ms Harjinder, on her thoughts about the webinar, emphasised the importance of blending academic learning with real-world opportunities, enabling students to broaden their perspectives and understand the value of hands-on experience in building successful careers.

“Overall, the webinar served as a crucial touchpoint for students looking to gain a competitive edge in the job market, reinforcing APU’s commitment to empowering future proof professionals through industry engagement and career-readiness initiatives.”