By: Dr. Nurul Akmal Mohamed (Coordinator of Graduate Employability, EDGE).
In a move aimed at enhancing the employability of the graduates, the Entrepreneurial Development & Graduate Employability Centre (EDGE), UPSI holds an online workshop on the gig economy for 500 final-year students. The workshop, which is conducted by trainers from Dotme Group Sdn. Bhd., is set to run for eight sessions, already started on 24th February 2023 and will be ending on 19th March 2023.
The gig economy, which is characterized by short-term, project-based work arrangements, has gained significant traction in recent years, and this workshop seeks to equip students with the necessary skills and knowledge to thrive in this type of work.
Each session of the workshop will run for five days, with three days dedicated to the actual training and the remaining two days for mentoring. This approach is designed to ensure that students not only gain theoretical knowledge but also receive practical guidance on how to apply what they have learned.
The workshop will also teach students how to use freelancer.com, a popular online platform for finding freelance work. By providing students with hands-on training in using freelancer.com, the workshop will enable them to effectively navigate the platform and connect with potential clients. This is an important skill for anyone looking to work in the gig economy, as online platforms have become a key avenue for finding freelance work.
According to EDGE’s Director, Dr. Sharul Effendy Bin Janudin, the workshop is part of UPSI’s ongoing efforts to ensure that the students are adequately prepared for the job market. “In today’s fast-paced and rapidly evolving job market, it is important for students to be equipped with the relevant skills and knowledge that will enable them to succeed. The gig economy presents a unique opportunity for students to earn a living and gain valuable work experience, and this workshop will help them to do just that,” he said.
The workshop has already generated significant interest among students, with many expressing enthusiasm for the opportunity to learn about the gig economy and its potential benefits. “I am very excited about this workshop and the prospect of learning more about the gig economy. I believe that this type of work can offer great opportunities for those of us who are just starting in our careers, and I am eager to see what the trainers have to teach us,” said Nor Uzma Izzati binti Omarbakhi, a final-year student from Fakulti Sains dan Matematik, UPSI.
Overall, this workshop is a clear demonstration of UPSI’s commitment to providing its students with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in today’s rapidly evolving job market. By endorsing this workshop, the university is ensuring that its students are well-prepared for the future and have the tools they need to thrive in the gig economy and beyond.