LAHORE: Punjab University, in collaboration with the Higher Education Department, Punjab, and Tech Valley Pakistan, held an orientation and outreach session for the 'Google Career Certificates' program. The event aimed to address the gap between academic learning and industry requirements by offering students access to internationally recognized IT and digital certifications. Students from various departments participated, exploring 13 specialized certification tracks, such as data analytics, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, project management, and user experience design.
According to University of the Punjab, the session offered on-the-spot enrollment, allowing students to immediately access their Coursera invitations and embark on their educational journeys. Notable attendees included Director HED Naveed Hassan, Tech Valley Google Program Manager Madiha Hussain Mongol, Deputy Director Mujtaba Ali Gondal, and Dr. Asim Tanvir. Naveed Hassan highlighted the initiative as a significant program by the Government of Punjab under Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif and Minister for Education Rana Sikandar Hayat, aimed at equipping youth with modern technical skills.
Dr. Asim Tanvir emphasized the importance of obtaining professional certifications alongside traditional university degrees, noting their value and necessity in the current job market. He encouraged students to take advantage of the opportunity to enhance their career prospects. Madiha Hussain Mongol delivered a presentation, motivating students to complete the certifications, which she described as crucial for modern professional development. The program concluded with a commitment to improving digital literacy and technical skills across the province.