December 21, 2024

Written by Dr Nur Auni Ugong

FSSH Alumni Day, an initiative by the Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities,  is a significant event dedicated to fostering meaningful relationships between alumni, faculty, and students. The event serves as a dynamic platform where alumni share their professional journeys, contributions to society and industry, and discuss collaborative opportunities across various sectors. Through this exchange, current students gain valuable insights, inspiration, and mentorship from alumni who have excelled in their fields.

The alumni session was held in a casual forum format, encouraging open dialogue and interactive exchanges between students and alumni on career experiences and growth strategies.

This year’s gathering was especially memorable, featuring six notable alumni—Mr Goh Chen Hong, Dr Bemen Wong Win Keong, Miss Rebecca Richard, Miss Ratnawati Lukas, Miss Grace Sumol, and Mr Robinson Benedict Mugok. These accomplished individuals offered firsthand accounts of their achievements and challenges, providing both students and the Faculty with an inspiring perspective on the possibilities that await FSSH graduates. Alumni shared stories of their first jobs after graduation, reflecting on how those initial roles shaped their career paths by instilling important skills and values. They also discussed the greatest challenges they faced entering the workforce and strategies for overcoming them, such as seeking mentorship and continuous learning.

Furthermore, the six alumni emphasized the essential skills students should cultivate before entering the professional world, including effective communication, critical thinking, and time management. They shared insights on how they balanced personal development and career growth, noting that setting boundaries and prioritizing well-being were key to achieving this balance. Some alumni highlighted routines and habits, like regular goal-setting and skill development, that helped them stay focused on long-term objectives.

Dr Bemen Wong, who is now a senior lecturer at FSSH, and Enix Goh were among the panelists at the event. Enix advised the students to always plan ahead and not to adopt the “wait & see attitudes”. While Dr Bemen Wong reminded the students that if they are struggling academically or personally, to seek help from university as the University offers services such as counselling services and academic advisors.

The event was attended by 583 first-year students, supported by 69 facilitators, with the program organized and managed entirely by the PSSK. This robust participation highlighted the faculty’s commitment to building a collaborative and supportive academic environment.

A group photo of the participants with alumni and the FSSH HEPA committee.

Understanding the pivotal role that alumni play in enhancing the educational landscape, FSSH leverages this network to bolster academic excellence and expand career pathways for students. FSSH Alumni Day thus acts as a bridge connecting academia and industry, with alumni actively engaging in faculty activities and sharing practical knowledge. This initiative aligns with the university’s mission to cultivate a relevant and competitive educational environment, enriching students’ academic journeys and preparing them for real-world challenges.

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