On 14 th April 2019, an alumni experience-sharing session was held at the Faculty’s main hall (DKTM 1). The event was coordinated by Dr. Masni Mat Yusoff, and moderated by Dr. Noor Liyana Yusof, both from the Department of Food Technology. Both Dr. Masni and Dr. Liyana are the Faculty’s alumni, having finished their Bachelor of Food Science and Technology (BSTM) in 2009. All the five invited panels are also from the BSTM 2009 class, and currently employed in the food industries and government agency. Nearly 100 undergraduate students turned up for the event, majority of them being the final year students, who were especially keen to listen first-hand to what their successfully employed “seniors” had to say.

The panels started off the event by explaining the importance of the academic courses undertaken during their studies in the Faculty, and how those courses greatly facilitated them during the initial phase of their career. This was followed by further details on the differences between small- and medium-sized enterprises (SME) / businesses, and multinational industry in terms of job scopes as an intern, or as an employee. The panels also highlighted the importance of soft skills which the students should acquire before attending an interview in order to increase their employability, and how these skills could help them progress throughout their career path. The soft skills highlighted include leadership skills, communication skills, ability to work intra- and inter-departments or sections, and decision-making skills, particularly in an urgent situation.

The panels also emphasized the need to continuously develop and increase their confidence level and the desire to learn new things, in order to help them grow personally and professionally. The panels also shared real-life challenges that they faced throughout their career life, as well as tips on job-related time, financial, and stress management for a healthy, balanced, and meaningful life.

Overall, positive feedbacks were received from the participants on the panels, and it was suggested that the alumni experience-sharing session such as this could be organized annually to better equip the Faculty’s undergraduates before they embark in a new journey after graduation.

Date of Input: 02/11/2020 | Updated: 01/12/2020 | haniesa