Essential skills of the new age: Experts highlight key competencies for success

Unilever Pakistan, in collaboration with the Express Media Group, organized an awareness session at Habib University.

Unilever Pakistan, in collaboration with the Express Media Group, organized an awareness session titled "Essential Skills for the New Age" at Habib University. The event brought together prominent industry leaders and experts who emphasized the need for students to adapt to the rapidly evolving digital landscape by acquiring skills essential for success in the modern era.

The session featured notable speakers, including 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. The panel shared valuable insights on professional growth, self-improvement, and adapting to new challenges.

Experts highlighted the importance of going beyond traditional curricula to develop critical skills such as self-confidence, problem-solving, and creative thinking. They urged students to build meaningful social connections, engage in community activities, and harness the power of digital tools to stay relevant in the modern workforce.

Unilever’s Talent, Learning, and Organization Manager, Maryam, explained the company’s initiative to bridge the gap between academia and industry through its Reimagine Talent Generation for Pakistan campaign. "We aim to enhance students' personal and professional competencies to prepare them for corporate roles and entrepreneurship," she said. Five sessions are planned across universities to equip students with essential skills that align with corporate needs.

Express Media Group’s Executive Director, Azfar Nizami, inaugurated the session by addressing the skills gap among Pakistani students. He emphasized the need for students to identify their interests and align their education with future career goals. He also pointed out that Express Media’s platform, with its vast reach of 40 million users, will play a crucial role in spreading awareness about new-age skills.

Javed Jafri from Unilever stressed the significance of self-learning, critical thinking, and effective communication. He encouraged students to identify their passions, enhance their analytical skills, and utilize their knowledge to solve real-world problems. "Social skills are just as important as academic achievements," he said.

Faisal Sheikh of Jack of Digital shared practical advice on progressive learning and leveraging mentorship. He emphasized that career choices should be based on individual skills rather than academic degrees. "The internet offers abundant information, but students need to develop the ability to think critically and connect the dots," he added.

Ammar Hassan, CEO of Bypass, highlighted the importance of self-confidence and effective expression. He encouraged students to embrace self-learning, follow thought leaders in their fields, and specialize in specific areas of interest to stand out in competitive industries.

The session underscored the need to reduce the gap between academic learning and corporate demands. The speakers collectively urged students to actively engage in extracurricular activities, utilize modern resources, and develop a strong digital presence that aligns with their real skills.

Students attending the session praised the initiative, calling it a valuable opportunity to gain insights from industry experts. They appreciated Unilever and Express Media Group’s efforts in organizing a platform to prepare them for the challenges of the new age.

With the successful conclusion of this first session, the campaign promises to inspire and empower students across the country, equipping them with the skills needed to thrive in a rapidly changing world.