On 14 May 2025, the Faculty of Cognitive Sciences and Human Development (FCSHD), Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS), organised Skill Sparks 1.0: Entering the Workforce, an employability-focused programme designed to prepare students for the transition from university to professional life.
Held at a teaching facility on the UNIMAS campus, the session brought together over 70 second-year students from various academic programmes within the Faculty of Cognitive Sciences and Human Development, including Human Resource Development, Counselling, Cognitive Science, and Psychology.
The session featured Dr. Victoria Jonathan, a Human Resource Development Programme lecturer, who shared insights on navigating the transition from university to the workplace. Her lecture focused on the importance of self-assessment in career planning. Students were encouraged to identify their skills, such as proficiency in Canva, Excel, or SPSS, and align them with the expectations of their target job roles.
“Know yourself and know the job,” she advised, emphasising that this alignment is essential for developing focused resumes and cover letters. Dr. Victoria also introduced tools such as resume builders and Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS), explaining how candidates can improve their chances of progressing through recruitment filters by optimising their application materials.
The session included a walkthrough of professional resume formats, tips for tailoring content to specific roles, and guidance on building a strong digital presence through platforms like LinkedIn. She also discussed the value of soft skills—communication, adaptability, and problem-solving—as critical components of workplace readiness.
Students were actively engaged throughout the session, which concluded with a Q&A segment that allowed participants to explore topics in greater depth. Also in attendance was Mr. Mohd Hafizan bin Hashim, Deputy Dean of Student Affairs and Alumni (FCSHD), who, on behalf of the organising committee, presented Dr. Victoria with a faculty appreciation card and a token of appreciation.
The event embodied the spirit of Unity: Reaching You, highlighting the shared commitment to growth and collaboration among the students, the speaker, and the organising committee.
Skill Sparks 1.0 reflects FCSHD’s ongoing commitment to fostering practical skills and confidence among students as they prepare to transition from academic life to professional careers. This programme aligns with UNIMAS’ commitment to developing graduates who are well-equipped, adaptable, and ready to meet the demands of the evolving workforce.
Contributed by Haziq Khan Ibrahim | Persatuan Mahasiswa Fakulti Sains Kognitif dan Pembangunan Manusia