On October 11th, 2024, the Department of Textile and Apparel Engineering, together with the Moratuwa University Textile Association (MUTA), successfully conducted the Mock Interview Session 2024. This event was designed to help students of the 2021 intake develop critical skills and confidence as they prepare for the competitive job market.

The session featured 95 eager students who were divided into two groups. Each group had the opportunity to participate in both interview rounds and interactive workshops. To further enrich the experience, over 50 graduates generously volunteered their time to participate as interviewers, providing students with invaluable feedback on their interview performance and tips for improvement.

Event Highlights:

Opening Remarks and Keynote Speech: The evening began with a warm welcome by Mr. Kosala Ridmal, followed by a keynote address by Dr. Rukshan Perera, an internationally renowned trainer, motivational speaker, and corporate coach. With over 800 training sessions across 7 countries, Dr. Perera’s speech, titled "Unleash Your Potential," provided students with powerful insights on personal growth and career readiness. His expertise and motivating words left a lasting impression on the attendees.

Interactive Workshop by Mr. Ruwan Weerasinghe: The session was further enhanced by the involvement of Mr. Ruwan Weerasinghe, a Distinguished Toastmaster from Colombo Toastmasters, who led interactive sessions focused on "Understanding Your Competition" and preparing for the competitive job market. His engaging and insightful session offered students practical advice on how to differentiate themselves and excel in interviews.

MUTA Website Launch: As part of the session’s proceedings, Mr Deeptha Gunawardane, officially launched the brand-new MUTA website, which was developed by Mr Dulaj Ariyaratne, a fellow MUTA alumnus. The website serves as a central hub for MUTA activities, resources, and opportunities for both current students and alumni.

Strategic Plan Unveiling: Another key moment during the event was the unveiling of MUTA's Strategic Plan for the years 2023-2033 by Mr. Thushara Mudalige. The plan outlines the long-term vision and mission of MUTA, with goals to further strengthen the connection between industry and academia while providing more opportunities for professional growth, networking, and development for both students and graduates.

Interview Sessions and Feedback: Students participated in realistic interview rounds where they were interviewed by panels of industry professionals. The feedback provided by the interviewers gave students actionable insights into improving their interview performance, resumes, and overall professionalism. The sessions were designed to mimic real-world interview scenarios, helping students understand the expectations of the industry and how to position themselves as strong candidates.

Networking and Refreshments: Following the interviews, students and industry professionals had the opportunity to connect over refreshments. This informal networking session allowed students to seek further advice from professionals, discuss career paths, and build meaningful connections.

Looking Forward:

The Mock Interview Session 2024 was a significant step in preparing students for their future careers in the textile and apparel industry. MUTA is committed to continuing its support for students and graduates, offering more opportunities to build essential skills, connect with industry professionals, and develop their careers.

We would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to all the graduates, industry professionals, and volunteers who participated in the event, as well as the students for their enthusiasm and engagement. Together, we are shaping the next generation of textile leaders.