Last week, I had the pleasure of spending over an hour with a group of Computer Science final-year students at the University of Southampton Malaysia for a career talk and also to share my journey with Infinity Wave. A big thank you to Dr. Marwan D. Saleh for the kind invitation.
I shared my career journey, I was once a student, becoming an engineer, moving up as a department head, and eventually into my current role as an entrepreneur.
The context I was trying to give them was that it was never a straight line or a standard template for any career path. The students need to know that they need to walk their own route. Anyone can tell them and show them the path, but they have to walk it on their own.
One of the key topics I touched on was the final-year project. It’s your opportunity to solve real problems and show what you’re capable of, especially when it comes to job interviews. Your grades matter, but your final-year project is your mic drop moment, the one that really leaves an impression.
We also talked about what most employers are looking for. It’s not just about what you can do alone, it’s about what you can achieve as part of a team. Being a good team player, knowing how to collaborate, and having a positive attitude are the traits that truly set great candidates apart.
The energy in the room was fantastic, with plenty of interesting questions from the students.
I can conclude that the University of Southampton Malaysia career talk with Infinity Wave was a successful brief engagement.
By the way, I always get asked this question, “What is the number one trait an employer is looking at?” My answer is always the same: “Attitude.” What’s your take on this?