Unilever Pakistan, in partnership with Express Media Group, hosted an insightful event titled “Essential Skills for the New Age” at Habib University, aimed at helping students navigate the ever-changing digital landscape. The session gathered leading industry professionals who discussed the skills needed for success in the modern workforce.
Key speakers included Ammar Hassan, Founder and CEO of Bypass; Javed Jafri, Media, Digital, and Data Lead at Unilever; and Faisal Sheikh, Co-founder and CCO of Jack of Digital. These experts shared their experiences and advice on professional development, emphasizing the importance of evolving alongside new technologies and societal changes.
The panelists stressed the need for students to go beyond traditional education and cultivate crucial skills such as self-confidence, problem-solving, creativity, and critical thinking. They encouraged students to engage in extracurricular activities, form meaningful connections, and leverage digital tools to remain competitive in today’s job market.
Maryam, Unilever’s Talent, Learning, and Organization Manager, highlighted the company’s ongoing efforts to bridge the gap between academia and industry. Through the Reimagine Talent Generation for Pakistan campaign, Unilever aims to enhance the personal and professional competencies of students, preparing them for roles in both corporate sectors and entrepreneurship. The campaign will host five sessions across various universities to equip students with skills that meet industry demands.
Azfar Nizami, Executive Director of Express Media Group, emphasized the importance of students identifying their passions and aligning their education with their career aspirations. He also noted the significant role of Express Media’s platform in spreading awareness about the importance of acquiring new-age skills, with its reach of 40 million users.
Javed Jafri from Unilever further reinforced the importance of critical thinking, self-learning, and effective communication. He encouraged students to enhance their analytical abilities and apply them to solve real-world problems, emphasizing that social skills are just as vital as academic knowledge.
Faisal Sheikh of Jack of Digital shared practical advice on progressive learning and the value of mentorship. He advised students to base career choices on their skills rather than relying solely on academic qualifications and to hone their ability to think critically.
Ammar Hassan, CEO of Bypass, spoke about the importance of self-confidence and clear expression. He urged students to embrace continuous learning, follow industry leaders, and specialize in their areas of interest to stand out in competitive fields.
The session reinforced the need for bridging the gap between academic education and corporate expectations. The speakers collectively encouraged students to stay engaged in extracurricular activities, develop their digital presence, and build their skills in alignment with industry needs.
Students who attended the session praised the initiative, appreciating the valuable insights they gained from the industry experts. They recognized the efforts of Unilever and Express Media Group in creating a platform that helps prepare them for the challenges of the modern world.
With the successful conclusion of this inaugural session, the campaign is set to inspire and equip students nationwide, providing them with the skills needed to excel in a rapidly evolving world.
