Another Success Story of IIT- Yauwanan Wigneswaran (Category Manager – Anchor & Ratthi)
View(s):A tertiary education provides many opportunities to develop a multitude of skills and abilities that will enhance the student’s future candidacy in the ever increasing competitiveness of today’s job market. Thus it is vital that you choose the best educational specialisation for yourself and the best institution from which to obtain this qualification.
Yauwanan, a former student who graduated in 2005 in BSc (Hons) Information Systems from Informatics Institute of Technology (IIT) is today employed at Sri Lanka’s number one dairy company Fonterra Brands Lanka (Pvt) Ltd as Category Manager for Anchor and Ratthi. He is also an Associate member of the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants UK and is currently reading for his MBA. Discussing his chosen path for higher education, he highly endorses IIT as an option that brings out the talents of their students, gearing them to climb the corporate ladder successfully. Yauwanan lists three reasons to chose IIT – respectability, reputation and results.
Yauwanan noted that since the early 90’s, IIT “has built a sound reputation” as being ‘the’ place for bringing out the best Information Technology related talent. “When looking for job opportunities (post degree completion) the competitive advantage lies in whether you belong to a recognised and reputed body. This advantage comes from the fact that IIT has gained credibility through actual results which helped through its one year work placements for students. The ongoing success of IIT is clearly evident in its competent alumni currently enjoying rewarding careers in reputed companies.
Yauwanan Wigneswaran (Category Manager - Anchor & Ratthi)
During his period of studies, Yauwanan recalls immense support being provided by fellow students and the highly advanced and state of the art IIT facilities – which were vital to navigate the very rigorous curriculum. “Learning based on assignments enabled students to analyse a situation in the real business context, develop solutions and finally to test the selling ability of their ideas”, Yauwanan expressed. “The inclusion of group project assignments ensured student learning through discussion, which is probably one of the better learning techniques, facilitating a more interactive and interesting approach.”
Yauwanan as well as his fellow students were exposed to the logical approach needed in programming, which he said helped him in making appropriate decisions in the corporate world. “The various ‘what-if’ type of mental attitude allows for analytical thinking and contingency planning. Group work with students from different backgrounds during the degree programme developed my ability to work in teams in the corporate environment.”
While studying at IIT, Yauwanan also pursued his hobby in the field of music. Having done sound tracks with the likes of Iraj, Ranidu and Krishan who have topped the Sri Lankan charts, Yauwanan also made his mark in the international music industry, having performed at multiple cities from LA to Melbourne. He explains that through the flexibility offered with the Institute’s programme, he managed to balance both education and music successfully. “There was no interference. Rather, it actually helped foster some creativity.” Currently IIT’s Stage Craft programme has helped a number of students find their creative talents while studying at the Institute.
Tracing his career progress at Fonterra Brands, Yauwanan stated that he initially joined in 2005, soon after his graduation. “I worked on Anchor Newdale and was given the post of Assistant Brand Manager in 2006. Thereafter in 2008 I moved to Dubai as the Anlene Brand Manager for the Gulf. In 2010 the designation was extended to cover Middle East, Africa and the Commonwealth of Independent States.” He returned home in 2011 as Consumer Insights and Media Manager for Fonterra Brands and recently in 2012 he was promoted as Category Manager, managing Sri Lanka’s biggest brand Anchor along with Ratthi.
The one year internship program encouraged by IIT certainly helped him, he said. “The internship has been very instrumental for the start of my career. I was a Junior Analyst Programmer at John Keells Computer Services. Through the internship not only did I get a chance to understand corporate culture and business ethics early on but also realized the practicality of the theories and concepts I learned during my studies. The main project I was involved in was the design and development of the Content Management System for Sri Lanka Airlines. I also helped develop an internal resource allocation system for JKCS.”
For future students, he has this to say: “As change accelerates itself there is an abundance of opportunities that emerge in the market. As Asia has moved to become the world’s fastest growing economic region, developing countries such as Sri Lanka will provide you with immense opportunities. I saw 26 years of conflict in our country, whereas students of today will be able to graduate in a country of new opportunities uninhibited by war. Education should ideally give you the grooming to capture those opportunities.”
“Choose wisely when deciding on your higher education. Respectability, reputation and results of an institute is important when it comes to applying for jobs. Remember this and choose the best option for your future and without any hesitation I can recommend IIT.
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