Employability Masterclass

Speaker Note

Background:

If there are three major issues a Bangladeshi graduate face while standing in the transition phase
between academic journey and career journey, first that they don’t possess the necessary skills to
start, second that they are not adept in selling themselves in the employment market, and final that
they don’t know where exactly to learn and where to apply. As rate of unemployment is
proportionally growing with the number of graduates outcoming each year, it is indeed a
prerequisite for any learner who aspires to have a successful career, to have clear idea of how and
why employers select a candidate.

“Employability Masterclass” is a 40-Minutes long career guidance session by a successful senior

level corporate/development personnel, upon the end of which, the learners will get a clear idea of
the prerequisites to launch a career. Tertiary level students of different disciplines are the
audiences of masterclass.

Objective:

- To create awareness on necessity of preparedness for future employment

- Guiding youth to plan their career
- To motivate youth for taking the challenge to become a skilled workforce

Speakers Introduction:
- Addressing the guests and audiences of the program
- Academic Background (Discipline and institution of Undergrad, Grad, and Postgrad education)
- Professional Introduction (Workplace, Designation and responsibility of the current and the most
recent positions)

Key Structure of the Masterclass

1. Personal Branding Tools (i.e., CV Creation)
2. Employability Skills
3. Company Research
4. Transferable Soft Skills
5. Transferable Tech Skills
6. Administrative Tools
7. Business Communication Tools
8. Career Mapping & Planning
9. Self-assessment
10. Apply for Jobs

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1. Personal Branding Tools

Having a professional grade CV is important for a career aspirant, because-

• Initial Impression: A professional CV creates a strong first impression, crucial for entry-level
professionals. It effectively showcases your skills and qualifications.

• Competitive Advantage: In a competitive job market, a polished CV distinguishes you from

other candidates. It boosts your chances of securing interviews and employment.

• Credibility: Despite limited experience, a professional CV demonstrates professionalism

and commitment to your career, enhancing your credibility to potential employers.

2. Employability Skills

Major employability skills include communication, teamwork, problem-solving, adaptability, time

management, and leadership.

• Communication- Effectively conveying ideas and information.

• Teamwork- Collaboration and coordination with colleagues to achieve common goals.
• Problem-solving- Identifying issues, analyzing them, and finding effective solutions.
• Adaptability- Being flexible and responsive to changes in the work environment.
• Time management- Efficient prioritization and organization of tasks.
• Leadership- Guiding and motivating others towards shared objectives.

These skills are highly valued by employers as they contribute to productivity, innovation, and
overall success in the workplace, making individuals more attractive candidates for employment
opportunities.

3. Company Research

Company Culture and Values: Evaluate if the company's culture resonates with your values and
working preferences, considering factors such as work environment, leadership style, and diversity
initiatives.

Performance and Reputation: Investigate the company's financial stability, market position, and
reputation within the industry. Analyze customer reviews, industry rankings, and news articles to
gauge public perception and satisfaction.

Career Growth and Development Opportunities: Explore the company's offerings in terms of career
advancement, professional development programs, and opportunities for skill enhancement.
Consider benefits, training initiatives, and promotion policies to determine if the company supports
your long-term career goals.

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4. Transferable Soft Skills-

Learning transferrable soft skills is imperative for career advancement due to their universal
applicability across diverse roles and industries. These skills encompass communication,
teamwork, problem-solving, adaptability, and time management, facilitating adept navigation of
complex professional environments. In today's dynamic job market characterized by rapid
technological advancements and shifting industry landscapes, possessing transferrable soft skills
ensures resilience and adaptability. Employees adept in these skills can seamlessly transition
between roles, departments, or industries, rendering them invaluable assets to any organization.
Employers highly prize these skills as they contribute to fostering a positive work culture, enhancing
employee satisfaction, and driving overall business success. Ultimately, mastering transferrable
soft skills not only bolsters one's career prospects but also cultivates personal growth and
professional development.

5. Transferable Technology Skills-

Transferrable Technology encompasses several key fields, including biotechnology, information

technology (IT), renewable energy, advanced manufacturing, nanotechnology, and artificial
intelligence (AI). Proficiency in these areas allows for the transfer of groundbreaking innovations,
such as genetic engineering in biotechnology, cybersecurity in IT, and robotics in advanced
manufacturing. Learning these fields equips individuals with versatile skills applicable across
industries, enabling them to pursue careers in diverse sectors. For example, expertise in renewable
energy technologies can lead to roles in environmental engineering or energy consulting, while
proficiency in AI may open doors to careers in data science or autonomous systems development.

As technology transfer continues to drive innovation and economic growth, professionals adept in
these fields play pivotal roles in translating cutting-edge research into practical applications.
Whether it's developing new pharmaceuticals in biotechnology, optimizing supply chains in
advanced manufacturing, or creating intelligent systems in AI, individuals skilled in transferrable
technology are in high demand. Their ability to facilitate the seamless transfer of knowledge, data,
and innovations between organizations and industries not only shapes their own careers but also
contributes to the advancement and competitiveness of various sectors in the global economy.

6. Administrative Tools-

Several important segments where admin tools are necessary-

• Time Management: Calendar apps, project management tools, and scheduling software
help you organize time effectively, meet deadlines, and prioritize tasks.
• Data Management & Analysis: Spreadsheets, databases, and data visualization tools
empower you to analyze information, generate reports, and present findings clearly.
• Communication & Collaboration: Communication platforms, document management
systems, and file sharing services enable seamless communication and collaboration with
colleagues and clients.
• Problem-Solving: Automation tools, workflow management software, and troubleshooting
skills help you overcome common administrative challenges and find solutions efficiently.

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7. Business Communication Tools-

In a recent survey, 74% of employers said that communication skills are very important when hiring
new employees. Especially the use of tools like email, chat and video conferencing. By using these
tools, you can communicate with colleagues and clients more quickly and easily than you could by
using traditional methods, such as phone calls and in-person meetings. By using project
management tools and collaboration software, you can stay organized and on track with your work.
By using social media and other online tools, you can connect with potential employers and
colleagues.

If you are a potential graduate or jobseeker, there are several things you can do to learn how to use
business communication tools effectively. You can take online courses, attend workshops, or get a
certification in business communication. You can also practice using these tools in your everyday
life, such as by communicating with friends and family members using email and chat.

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To be adept in employability skills, soft & tech skills and to learn the use of administrative and
business tools, a learner can adopt the following methods-

• Online Courses & Certifications: Numerous online resources, courses, and certifications
can equip you with administrative tool proficiency. Skilling platforms like futurenation
([Link]) can act as a key enabler for youth in this aspect.
• On-the-Job Experience: Look for internships or volunteer opportunities where you can gain
practical experience.
• Self-Learning & Exploration: Take advantage of free trials, tutorials, and online guides.

_____________________________________

8. Career Plan Development-

Students shall be briefed about why a solid plan is a prerequisite for career development- mainly
how having a plan gives them a cutting edge over others, and how not having a plan can be a
potential derailer.

“A goal without a plan is just a wish.” ~ Antoine de Saint-Exupéry.

5 Steps of Career Planning should be discussed-

• Assess your current situation.
• Identify your desired end goal.
• Perform a gap analysis.
• Create a roadmap with SMART objectives.
• Review regularly.

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9. Self-assessment-

Self-assessment is an individual review performed –

- To identify skills that can be improved to achieve certain determined goals.
- To analyze himself/herself to improve perspective about his/her capabilities and potential in the
workplace.

Communication skills, analytical ability, and problem-solving are some of the key employability
features, which any employer prefers to see in their employees. Taking self-assessment to review
the basic competency in these fields can act as an eye-opener and a guide to a learner.

Futurenation offers a comprehensive self-assessment feature, which a student can access through
the platform.

10. Apply for Jobs

The final step is applying for suitable jobs and applying in right manner. 3 key steps-

• Enrolling into relevant recruiting platforms and being updated on circulars.

• Modifying the resume before every application as per recruiter’s requirements and
modalities.
• Incorporating feedback from previous application/interviews before new applications.

Speaker Concluding Remarks: The speaker should draw a closure of the session by
thanking the audience and mentioning that a career journey is challenging, but at the same time it’s
enjoyable for any applicant who is keen to learn and grow with each passing day.

Notes:
1. Based on the composition of the audience, speaker can adjust the talking points.
2. If any speaker presents any ppt, that should follow the futurenation PowerPoint template.
3. Speaker can consider an wider job market while speaking, as the audience are to be embarked
on an unknown sector.