With the COVID-19 infections still surging around the globe, most of the organizations are adapting virtual career fairs as part of their hiring strategy. It may be an old concept, but it has garnered popularity over the last few months especially since the pandemic began1.
Viknesh Thevar (bottom row, first from right) during his final year tradeshow presentation with his teammates and lecturer, Miss Robina (top row, first from right).
Some would have been doubtful about landing a job via a virtual career fair, but some hopeful individuals like Viknesh Thevar successfully secured a job at Vettons Malaysia, a smart shopping experience provider that only sells original products from the brands Malaysians love and with features that are tailor-made for users. It’s a marketplace for a new generation of smarter shoppers2.
Starting the month of August as a Backend Developer at Vettons Malaysia prior to his graduation in September, Viknesh is excited to have obtained a job through the week-long career fair held by INTI International University and Colleges (INTI) last June. “While many of my friends outside of INTI are still looking for a job in the current uncertain economic condition, I’m thankful to INTI for this opportunity,” said the appreciative Viknesh who was a Bachelor of Computer Science student at INTI Subang.
Viknesh who is part of the maintaining and developing new features for Vettons application using cloud technologies team, also shared his experience about being interviewed by his current employer, “I had a Face-To-Face interview with the hiring manager. It was a nerve wrecking experience as I had to adhere to numerous Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) besides focusing on the interview. Social distancing was strictly practiced at the organization.”
Applauding the efforts taken by INTI’s Career Services team, Viknesh shared, “My job applications were effortless since all the positions offered were organized systematically based on its specific requirements. All I had to do was, submit my resume through a link provided by INTI’s Career Services department. It was that easy, kudos to the entire team for putting together the first virtual career fair by INTI.”
Viknesh Thevar (first from right) with his friends at the Selangor Information Technology and E-Commerce Council (SITEC) event.
The week-long Virtual Career Fair comprised of one-to-one discussions, virtual interviews, webinars and forums including three panel discussions on ‘Graduate Employability in the New Normal’, ‘How to Build Your Career: Adding Value and Getting Noticed’ and ‘Essential Jobs and Critical Skills needed for the New Normal’. More than 100 industry partners came together to support and participate INTI’s Virtual Career Fair.
Tan Lin Nah, Chief Executive Officer, INTI International University & Colleges shared, “In the perfect storm we are currently experiencing, we need to develop individuals with character, people who can deal with complex and difficult situations and act as forces for good. The younger generation are advised to be open to different work models, such as project-based work or being independent contractors. The new norm is being defined at this stage and there is no doubt that work models will change. Moreover, with the world’s increased dependence on technology, students could invest in digital skills such as applications development, technology-based problem solving, digital marketing and digital finance. Last but not the least, the traditional way always works best, building one’s networks. Connect with your alumni, use your LinkedIn profiles and use your internship to build a good rapport with the industry.”
1 https://www.cnbc.com/2020/08/01/virtual-career-fairs-how-to-land-a-job-offer-at-an-online-event.html
2 https://www.vettons.com/about-us.html