University of Jammu Alumni Association (UJAA) as part of its Global Mentoring Programme (GMP) organized an online interactive session on the theme “Personal Branding for Career Growth” with Dr. Taranum Khan, an international alumni of the Department of English, University of Jammu. She is currently working as optimization consultant in the area of education and recruitment at Canada. UJAA started its GMP with an objective to connect with the international alumni of University of Jammu and create opportunities for interaction with international alumni with the existing students of University.

While speaking on the theme, Dr. Taranum Khan stressed upon the importance of creating personal brand, especially in the era when there is tremendous competition among professionals to position themselves in front of recruiters. She urged upon the students to think beyond the traditional curriculum, and leverage social media platforms like LinkedIn to network & market themselves as a professional at the global arena. She also said that while studying, students should identify various opportunities to volunteer themselves with corporate, NGOs and government departments and gain real world knowledge.

Prof Prakash C Antahal, Dean Students Welfare, University of Jammu and President, UJAA is his welcome address briefed about the objectives of UJAA & GMP and informed that a series of events are planned under the banner of UJAA. He informed that UJAA is now a registered society with over 200 life members and the team is committed to curate innovative initiatives for alumni engagement which will benefit the university and students at large. He invited all the alumni to proactively come forward and support their association. He acknowledged the Patron and Vice Chancellor, Prof. Umesh Rai as the driving force behind the growth of UJJA.

Prof Sucheta Pathania, Dean and Head, Department of English appreciated the efforts of the UJAA team in creating this innovative programme through which the students got an opportunity to have global perspectives of themes of contemporary relevance. She said that alumni of University of Jammu should create a vibrant association which is self sustaining in its initiatives in the long run.

Prof Monika Sethi, Department of English, University of Jammu while introducing the resource person, who is also the alumnus of her department, was elated and said that successful alumni can act as role models for the younger generation and give them confidence that they can also establish themselves at the global level.

Dr. Anil Gupta, Associate Dean (SW) and Secretary, UJAA presented the formal vote of thanks while Dr. Divya Sharma, from Department of English conducted the proceedings. Among other present included Dr. Garima Gupta, Treasuer, UJAA, Dr. Ginny Dogra, Deputy Director, DIQA in addition students, scholars, faculty members from various departments & offsite campuses of university, life members of UJAA and also the members from civil society.