by Nabilah Yusnasri
Edited by Izyan Nazihah
GOMBAK, 27 October 2023: ELITS organised The New Normal BENL Alumni (TNNBA) 9.0 to help students know what to expect for their future careers. Four BENL alumni were invited to share their know-hows for balancing life as students and the importance of having great networking skills based on their past experiences as students.
According to Br. Azrul, currently the co-founder of Ikhlas Creative House, students should find their own study style and learn how to manage their time, along with choosing classes according to their own abilities. Stress management is also significant, and students are encouraged to find their talents and outlets to express their feelings. Br. Azrul mentioned that he himself joined taekwondo and theatre because he needed an outlet as a student.
Photo credited to Sr. Qamarina
Next, Br. Amirullah, currently the Assistant Secretary of the Ministry of Education, advised the students to set their goals right and avoid deviating too far from them, which can be done by using the Blue Ocean Strategy. He encouraged students to start asking questions in class and create an environment that could capture their lecturers' attention. He also mentioned that building connections with others is important; however, some people are connected to us as friends and others as acquaintances.
The third speaker, Br. Riezman, currently the Assistant Case Manager at the Rehabilitation Centre PERKESO Melaka, stated that his tenure was the first to start the TNNBA series. He advised the students to manage their co-curricular activities and their studies.
He believes there are three main reasons why students pursue their studies. The first reason is to obtain a qualified certificate, leading to more job opportunities, the second reason is for personal development, involving the pursuit of their own worldview, and the third reason is to enhance how students present themselves to others. Hence, students should understand the reason they pursue their studies.
Photo credited to Sr. Qamarina
Lastly, Sr. Fara, currently a lecturer at Tunku Abdul Rahman (TAR) University of Management & Technology, shared that students should set their niat or intention correctly and know their personalities well in order to extend beyond who they are. According to her, students should aim for “connection” and not simply “networking”. She encouraged the students to get out of their Malay Muslim surroundings and engage more with different people with kindness, sincerity, and without being judgemental.
She also shared her opinion that there is no such thing as “idealistic balance”, but there are “setting priorities”. In order to achieve this, students should think about the long term value before prioritising something.
A Q&A session was held between the students and the speakers. The questions were about the students’ problems regarding socialising and organising. The speakers answered the questions with clear elaborations based on their experiences, which should help solve the problems.
After the Q&A session, TNNBA 9.0 successfully ended with an appreciation ceremony and a photography session with the students and speakers. ELITS will conduct another TNNBA session that focuses on UX writing this Friday, 3rd November 2023, from 9.00 a.m. to 12.00 p.m. at ADM LT1. Everyone is welcome to join this upcoming programme!***
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