On October 19th, 2023, the Moratuwa University Textile Association (MUTA) held an impressive and highly beneficial Mock Interview Session, bringing together students, faculty members, and esteemed alumni from the Department of Textile and Apparel Engineering at the University of Moratuwa. The event, which took place in the newly opened auditorium, commenced at 6 p.m., creating an engaging environment for participants to gain firsthand experience in preparing for their professional careers.

The evening began with a motivating and insightful opening ceremony. Mr. Udara Viduranga, a key figure from Douglas & Sons (Pvt) Ltd., kicked off the session with an inspiring talk on the importance of mastering interview skills. He emphasized how crucial it is for graduates to be well-prepared and confident during interviews, which often play a pivotal role in securing their dream jobs. His words set a positive tone for the evening, encouraging students to view the mock interviews as a valuablelearning opportunity.

Following this, Mr.Wazeer Mohomed, an expert in sourcing and supply chains, took the stage to delve deeper into the intricacies of the interview process. He provided an in-depth look at what employers typically look for during interviews, including the soft skills and technical knowledge required to stand out. His detailed insights and practical advice resonated with the students, leaving them eager to apply these strategies in their upcoming mock interviews.

After a short break, the event transitioned into the main highlight of the evening—the mock interview rounds. The students were divided into groups, each participating in two rounds of interviews designed to simulate real-world scenarios. These interviews were conducted by a team of seasoned professionals, as well as accomplished alumni from the Department of Textile and Apparel Engineering. With personalized feedback and guidance from the interviewers, students were given the chance to identify their strengths and areas for improvement. The interactive nature of the event allowed students to gain invaluable experience, boosting their confidence and preparing them for the challenges of future job interviews.

As the interviews concluded, the event wrapped up with closing remarks from two highly respected industry professionals, Mr. Lucky de Silva and Mr. Deeptha Wijegunawardhana from MAS Holdings. Their final thoughts provided students with additional practical advice, emphasizing the importance of preparation, adaptability, and self-assurance during interviews. Their words of encouragement left the participants feeling not only prepared but empowered to tackle their career pursuits with newfound confidence.

With over 90 students taking part in the mock interviews, and more than 60 alumni dedicating their time and expertise to help the next generation, the event was an overwhelming success. The dedication and hard work of the organizers, teachers, alumni, and students shone through, demonstrating the university’s strong commitment to student development and career readiness.

This event was a testament to MUTA’s ongoing efforts to provide meaningful experiences for students, ensuring they are equipped with the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in the competitive textile and apparel industry. The collaboration between MUTA, the university, and industry professionals continues to create opportunities that empower students to confidently navigate their future careers.