AWA’s Social Welfare committee hosted its “Community Day” activity with the launch of a one-day business skills training course for sponsored university students in April. Social Welfare Chairperson Nicole Thompson said that, according to feedback from Indonesian employers, many students lack the basic skills that would allow them to qualify for and succeed in job interviews with some of Indonesia’s top companies. In today’s tightening labour market, students need solid workplace skills to stand a chance of getting on a successful career path, and AWA sees it as its mission to empower them.
30 students attended the course, which was presented by professionals from companies across Jakarta, including Stephen Hartono of Deloitte Consulting, AWA member Irawati Wisnumurti, Robert Gardiner of Pretasi Junior Indonesia, Chad Thompson and Stacie Summerhill, as well as Yulinda Basir of Prudential Life Assurance. Topics ranged from mistakes to avoid on the resume and cover letter, preparing for an interview, the importance of soft skills development, financial literacy and why volunteerism matters.
Febi Putri, a final-year student at the Atma Jaya University in Jakarta, said that her favorite part of the course was “ the hands-on exercises which got me and others engaged, and also learning about the importance of setting goals in order to be successful. I was really inspired to prepare and work hard for my next opportunity.”
Reflecting on the success of the business-training course, Nicole said that “AWA hopes to make this an annual event as we work to arm our students with knowledge and employability skills.”
Photo courtesy of jaden thompson
