IBSUniversity, through the collaborative efforts of its Student Affairs Division, Career Development Centre (CDC), and Centre of Excellence (COE), proudly hosted the Career Compass 2025 program – a two-day employability and career readiness training held from the 9th to the 10th of October, 2025.

Designed specifically for final-year students, the program aimed to equip participants with the essential skills, tools, and confidence needed to thrive in today’s competitive job market

A day before the Career Compass, on October 8th, the students had an insightful session with a representative from PNG Workforce, which focused on interview skills. In preparation for their mock interviews, the students participated in a dedicated pre-mock session by PNG Workforce representatives, aimed at equipping them with the essential skills and mindset needed to perform confidently during interviews. These preparatory sessions covered resume tips, interview etiquette, and self-presentation techniques to ensure students were ready to showcase their strengths effectively.

Facilitator Mr Imran Baptiste guided participants through common interview questions, techniques for structuring impactful responses, and the importance of body language and tone in professional communication. Students also learned how to research potential employers, understand job requirements, and align their personal goals with organizational expectations

The pre-mock preparation not only enhanced students’ readiness for interviews but also boosted their self-awareness, professionalism, and ability to articulate their skills — laying a strong foundation for their future career pursuits

Day 1 of the Career Compass began with a crucial session on Professional Image, led by Mr. Gordon Sailas, Head of People and Culture at IBS. He guided students through key aspects of professional conduct, including workplace etiquette, communication, and grooming standards. The session encouraged self-reflection on how personal branding and a strong professional image can influence career success.

Following this, Dr. Lemuel Nalugon, Senior Lecturer in the School of Information Technology, facilitated two sessions on SPSS Software Training. Students received valuable, hands-on exposure to data analysis using this widely used statistical tool. They learned the fundamentals of data entry, statistical analysis, and result interpretation, greatly enhancing their employability in data-driven professions.

The highlight of the first day was the Mock Interviews. These real-time sessions simulated actual job interview experiences, allowing students to enhance their confidence and refine their communication skills. The university was privileged to partner with the Special Economic Zone Authority’s (SEZA) HR team, who joined the IBSU’s HR team in facilitating the sessions and providing constructive, insightful feedback to the students.

Day 2 of the program centred on developing critical soft skills and personal effectiveness through interactive team-building activities. Facilitated by IBS Center of Excellence, the Team Building sessions were vital for helping participants understand the necessity of collaboration, communication, and adaptability in a professional setting.

Key focus areas included fostering self-awareness and emotional intelligence, developing strong planning and organizational skills like goal-setting and time management; inspiring motivation and leadership through initiative and accountability; engaging in problem-solving exercises to encourage critical thinking; and teaching conflict resolution strategies to maintain team harmony.

These sessions helped students strengthen their interpersonal skills, build resilience, and prepare for collaborative work environments.

By the end of the program, participants had gained a deeper understanding of workplace professionalism, acquired practical data analysis skills using SPSS, improved their interview techniques and communication confidence, strengthened leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities, and enhanced their self-awareness and career readiness.

The Career Compass 2025 reflects IBSUniversity’s commitment to nurturing well-rounded, career-ready graduates who are equipped to lead and contribute meaningfully in their chosen fields.

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