Workshop on Youth Skills Identification & Assessment
Celebrating International Day of Women in STEM
HerWILL, in partnership with the Department of Computer Science and Engineering, at the University of Asia Pacific, successfully organized a workshop on Youth Skills Identification & Assessment to celebrate the International Day of Women in STEM. The event aimed to address the skill gaps faced by undergraduate students and equip them with the necessary knowledge and guidance to transition smoothly into the job market after graduation.
Highlights Of The Day
Workshop Introduction & Ice-Breaking
The workshop, facilitated by Tahiya Islam, Country Manager, Bangladesh at HerWILL, began with an introduction to HerWILL and its initiatives. 25 final-year students actively participated from the beginning, while an additional 14 students joined later due to their class schedules.
Associate Professor Shah Murtaza Rashid Al Masud delivered an inspiring speech, emphasizing the impact of HerWILL's six-month-long Data Science Bootcamp in enhancing students' technical and leadership skills.
An engaging ice-breaking activity followed, where participants explored HerWILL online and shared three key takeaways, highlighting themes of women's leadership, mentorship, and empowerment across Bangladesh, Syria, Egypt, and beyond.
Skills Gap & Career Exploration
A discussion on skills gap and career exploration was led by Tanjina Helaly, Assistant Professor, Department of CSE, UAP, who stressed the need to bridge skill gaps for better job market integration. Students shared their personal career challenges, including the need to balance technical and communication skills, career uncertainty, and aspirations beyond core CSE roles. Tahiya Islam advised students to identify their strengths, enhance leadership and communication skills, and explore diverse industries before specializing. This session helped participants gain clarity on how to strategically approach their careers and navigate future opportunities.
Interactive Knowledge Sharing & Skill Development
An interactive knowledge-sharing session featured a QR code-based survey where students identified essential post-graduation skills, including public speaking, networking, AI, programming, and creative problem-solving. Discussions revolved around Datathons and project-based learning as effective ways to reinforce these skills. Participants explored real-world applications of creative thinking, discussing how innovative problem-solving can address global challenges. The session emphasized the importance of continuous learning, adaptability, and hands-on experience in preparing for future careers.
Women in STEM & Career Opportunities
A key highlight of the workshop was the discussion on "Women in STEM & Career Opportunities," which addressed the gender gap in STEM fields, where only 20% of graduates are women. HerWILL’s commitment to bridging this gap and fostering equal opportunities was emphasized. Tahiya Islam was assisted by Noor Mairukh Khan Arnob, Neelima Monjusha Preeti, and Ramisha Tasnim, all HerWILL STEM Team Members, who helped facilitate discussions and activities throughout the workshop.
Key Speakers & Facilitators
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Tahiya Islam – Country Manager, Bangladesh at HerWILL
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Tanjina Helaly – Assistant Professor, Department of CSE, UAP
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Shah Murtaza Rashid Al Masud – Head of CSE department, UAP
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HerWILL STEM Team Members: Noor Mairukh Khan Arnob, Neelima Monjusha Preeti, Ramisha Tasnim
HerWILL’s Initiatives & Opportunities
Internships
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Six-month skill development training
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Mentorship programs
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Project-based contests
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Fellowship opportunities
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Key student interests from our interactive workshops reveal valuable insights for Herwill Foundation's opportunity creation and economic development initiatives, demonstrating which programs most effectively address community needs and aspirations.
End Note
The workshop concluded with participants reflecting on what they had learned and setting career goals. The interactive discussions, hands-on activities, and insights from industry leaders made it an enriching experience for all attendees.
HerWILL remains dedicated to empowering youth, especially youth in STEM, by providing essential skill-building opportunities and career guidance. Stay connected with us for more transformative events!