NSU Workshop Equips Students with Skills for the Global Job Market
Aligning with the global job market demands a fusion of technical expertise, cultural competence, and unwavering determination; National Skills University (NSU) Islamabad has taken a commendable step in preparing its students for the challenges ahead. A recent three-day workshop, Understanding Citizenship, Democracy, and Legal Compliance: Building Responsible and Skilled Individuals, featured inspiring sessions that imparted practical knowledge and ignited a transformative spark among its participants.
Led by Dr. Javed Ahmed Malik, Team Leader for Goal Service Delivery at the British Council, the session was a masterclass in equipping students with the tools and mindsets essential for thriving in a fast-evolving professional landscape. Dr. Malik’s discourse on “Enabling Skills for the Job Market” was not just a lecture; it was a call to action for the young minds gathered in the room, urging them to reimagine their potential and align their aspirations with the realities of the modern workplace.
At the heart of his message were key traits that every job seeker must possess: a hunger for success, proficiency in English, strategic thinking, problem-solving, and the ability to communicate effectively. He stressed that these are not just skills but necessities in a world where competition knows no borders and opportunities favor the prepared.
Dr. Malik’s approach was refreshingly interactive. He challenged students to rate themselves on these competencies, sparking introspection and dialogue. This self-assessment and lessons drawn from history and contemporary leadership gave the session a unique depth. From the visionary educational reforms of Sir Syed Ahmed Khan to the resilience of Muhammad Ali Jinnah in the face of overwhelming odds, Dr. Malik painted a vivid picture of how ambition, perseverance, and a commitment to learning can transform lives.
Dr. Malik emphasized the importance of dreaming big but staying grounded in the practicalities of execution. His advice to students was clear: cultivate hope and self-belief, focus with relentless diligence, and treat setbacks as stepping stones rather than stumbling blocks.
Particularly striking was his emphasis on softer skills often overlooked in traditional educational settings. Gender sensitivity, diversity management, and civic-mindedness were positioned as non-negotiable qualities for anyone aspiring to leadership roles. Dr. Malik offered a roadmap for students to navigate their careers and roles as responsible global citizens by instilling a worldwide outlook and encouraging an understanding of safeguarding and inclusivity.
Participants left the session invigorated, their minds buzzing with ideas, and their spirits lifted by realizing their dreams were valid and achievable. They described the experience as motivational and pragmatic, a blend that too often eludes conventional career seminars. The transformative impact of the workshop left the audience feeling inspired and motivated.
According to Mr. Muhammad Younus, an organizer of the workshop, “By integrating character development with skill-building, the university is addressing the immediate employability needs of its students and shaping a generation of thoughtful, capable, and socially conscious leaders. This emphasis on character development reassures the audience about the future of the workforce.”
In a country where the youth population is both a challenge and an opportunity, initiatives like these are more than just educational events—they are investments in the future. As Dr. Malik aptly illustrated, success is not merely a product of talent or luck but a result of preparation, perseverance, and purpose. In fostering these qualities, NSU has set a benchmark for regional institutions.
Mr. Muhammad Bin Qasim, Lecturer of Islamic studies in his remarks says that in a world often consumed by rapid technological changes and shifting job markets, the timeless lessons shared at this workshop serve as a reminder: the most valuable skill of all is the ability to learn, adapt, and lead with integrity.
Prof. Dr. Muhammad Mukhtar, Founding Vice Chancellor of the National Skills University Islamabad congratulated the entire team from the Departments of General Studies and Health Sciences Technology for organizing this event.
