Preparing to Excel as a Job Seeker - An Online Session by Shakeel Mapara

The LUMS Career Services Office organised an online coaching session on “Preparing to excel as a job seeker” which was conducted by Mr. Shakeel Mapara Wednesday, September 16, 2020.

Mr. Shakeel Mapara is the Head of Human Resources at Sonofi-Aventis Pakistan Limited and adjunct faculty at IBA Karachi. He has conducted multiple training programmes on Human Resource, Training and Development, Leadership and Management, and Marketing and Sales.

Mr. Mapara initiated the session by highlighting the role of Syed Babar Ali, Founding Pro Chancellor, LUMS, in Sanofi-Aventis Pakistan Limited and gave a brief introduction of the company including its mission, strategies and global presence. He also highlighted Sanofi’s efforts to bring vaccines to cure COVID-19.

Focusing on fresh graduates, he advised the students to determine their goals and set sector-wise and function-wise priorities to avail maximum opportunities. Talking about the challenges of the job market during COVID-19, he motivated the targeted audience to continue exploring opportunities as many companies are still hiring.

Furthermore, he shared tips with the audience on how to ace the interviews by creatively selling ideas within just 10 minutes and advised them to sharpen their communication, decision-making, problem solving and leadership skills.

He also provided a few tips on how new employees can improve their position at their company after getting a job. He said that they must understand the culture, values and system of the organisation and suggested that new recruits should interact with seniors to learn from their experiences. Mr. Mapara emphasised on work ethics and a positive attitude no matter where they work.

At the end of the session, Mr. Mapara answered a range of questions from the audience.