The Department of Mathematics in the Faculty of Science and Technology, The UWI Mona hosted its 12th Annual Career Fair on November 14, 2024. The Fair served as a valuable platform for students to gain professional exposure and connect with leading Jamaican businesses. This event was designed to bridge the gap between academia and industry, allowing students to explore potential career opportunities and network with professionals across various sectors.
Preparing for Success: Soft Skills Seminar
In the lead-up to the Career Fair, the department recognized the need for soft skills training, a crucial component for students entering the workforce. To address this, a special seminar was held on November 8, 2024, in the Mathematics Lecturer Theatre III. The one-hour session was led by Ms. Chenille Mundell, a student from the department, and introduced by Ms. Laudonia Henry, also a student.
The seminar featured a compelling presentation by Ms. Yanique Grant, a Customer Consultant at Professional Training and Occupational Services (PTOS). Ms. Grant's engaging PowerPoint presentation focused on the importance of effective communication and other essential workplace skills. She discussed various aspects of professional conduct, providing students with valuable insights into how they can enhance their personal and professional development. To further support the seminar, brochures on soft skills and workplace manners were distributed to the attendees. The session concluded with a heartfelt thank-you from Ms. Stephanie Williams, a student of the department, and a token of appreciation presented to the guest speaker.
The Career Fair: A Platform for Professional Networking
The 12th Annual Career Fair officially kicked off with a warm welcome from the event's Coordinator, Mr. Horace Johnson, followed by greetings from the Head of the Department (HOD), Dr. Mahesha Narayana, and Dr. Andre Coy, Associate Dean for External Engagement, Faculty of Science and Technology. The opening ceremony set the tone for an inspiring day of career exploration and networking.
The event featured dynamic presentations from Mrs. Shayna Stennett-Jones, Assistant Vice President, and Ms. Jo-Ann McFarlane, Manager, both of whom are alumni of the department and currently work at Sagicor Corporate Actuarial Services. They shared their personal journeys, detailing how their experiences as students in the department paved the way for their successful transitions into the professional world.
Following the opening ceremony in Chemistry Room 5, attendees moved to Chemistry Rooms 6 & 7 for the Breakout Session. During this session, company representatives conducted mock interviews and engaged with students in group discussions, providing valuable feedback and tips on career preparation.
A Positive Experience for All
The event concluded with a vote of thanks from Ms. Danielle Hoilett, the Mathematics Representative. Tokens of appreciation were presented to the company representatives as a gesture of gratitude for their participation. Both students and company representatives expressed their satisfaction with the fair, highlighting its effectiveness in fostering meaningful connections and providing insight into potential career paths.
Participating Companies
The 12th Annual Career Fair attracted a wide range of companiesfrom the public and private sectors, each offering unique opportunities for students. Participating companies included:
- CG United Insurance
- Canopy Insurance
- First Global Bank
- New Fortress Energy
- Proven Wealth Limited
- Caribbean Broilers Group
- Statistical Institute of Jamaica
- Jamaica Public Service Co. Ltd
- Ministry of Education, Skills, Youth & Information
- Scotiabank Jamaica
- One on One Educational Services Limited
- KRYS Global
- Quantas Capital Limited
- Duggan Consulting
- Key Insurance Limited / Grace Kennedy Insurance
This event not only gave students the chance to explore various career options but also provided them with the tools and skills necessary for success in the professional world.
Follow the Faculty of Science and Technology on Instagram @uwimona_fst and on Facebook at The Faculty of Science and Technology, The UWI Mona. For inquiries, WhatsApp us at 1-876-552-4691, call us at 1-876-927-1660-9, or email us at fst@uwimona.edu.jm.
