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Essential Skills That Make Fashion Design Students Stand Out: A Few Tips to Note

by Catalina Forbes January 28, 2026

There are many components that contribute to becoming a successful fashion designer. Taste and creativity play a part, but there is much more involved in being a well-rounded professional in the fashion industry, which this read will explore.

The Marketing Catch

Even if you have strong pieces and designs, marketing your work takes up a significant portion of successfully launching a collection. It is crucial to have at least a basic understanding of the business side of fashion, which is why it is best to look for a course that includes a unit such as Fashion Marketing or Fashion Brand Management. When searching for a fashion design degree in Sri Lanka, there are several options, such as NIBM University, that offer these units.

Networking and Participation

Networking is a great way to build new connections while also supporting your career growth and helping you stand out as a fashion design student. One effective way to do this is by attending university events, joining clubs, and optimising your LinkedIn profile. These activities will also help you become a strong team player during group projects and improve your ability to communicate effectively with different people.

Being Tech-Savvy

Having a solid understanding of key industry-standard software can give you a head start and help you stand out in your studies and beyond. When it comes to design, it is essential to convey the story behind your pieces and accurately create design plans. Software such as Adobe Suite and AutoCAD can be extremely helpful throughout your design journey.

Creativity and Curation

Image by Van3ssa 🩺🎵 Desiré 🙏 Dazzy 🎹 from Pixabay

Creativity is essential in any design course, especially in fashion, so it is important to keep up with current trends, as the industry is fast-paced and constantly evolving. At times, it can be challenging to keep the creative juices flowing. A great way to stay inspired is by experimenting and having fun with different styles during your classes. Ever heard the saying, “School isn’t a fashion show”? In this case, it does not apply. Testing out different styles can help you stand out and spark fresh ideas.

January 28, 2026 0 comment

Higher Education Learn

Top Career Paths After a Degree in Management Studies – Exploring Opportunities Beyond the Classroom

by Roland Lefevre January 7, 2026

written by Roland Lefevre

A degree in Management Studies is your gateway into the corporate world, as it equips you with the proper knowledge and understanding of how organisations function, make strategic decisions, and manage people and resources effectively. And, as it always has been, career options are plentiful.

1. Management Consultant

When organisations need professional help solving complex business problems and improving overall performance, it’s the management consultants who are called on to assist. From analysing current business processes and identifying inefficiencies to conducting market and competitor research and recommending strategic improvements, the role of a management consultant is of vital importance to business growth.

2. Marketing Manager

Almost no organisation could survive without marketing, making marketing managers an essential role in the corporate world. While conventional responsibilities, such as understanding customer needs, developing branding strategies, planning promotional campaigns, and driving sales growth, form the foundation of the role, marketing managers in the modern business world also require at least a basic understanding of digital marketing. The ability to work with online platforms, social media marketing, performance analytics, and customer relationship management tools is key, as they are essential in implementing even traditional marketing practices and strategies in today’s digital era.

Image via NIBM

3. Human Resource Manager

Managing the most valuable resource of any organisation is no easy task, which is why HR professionals are so crucial in any corporate environment. The conventional responsibilities of a human resource manager may include overseeing recruitment, training and development, performance management, employee engagement, and organisational culture, but their role within an organisation extends far beyond — building and sustaining a productive workforce.

4. Financial Analyst or Finance Manager

Managing budgets, analysing financial data, forecasting future performance, and advising management on investment decisions — these responsibilities of a financial analyst or finance manager are crucial for the functioning of organisations. Management degree holders specialising in finance can pursue careers as financial analysts and finance managers and take up analytical and decision-oriented roles in the finance sector.

5. Operations and Supply Chain Manager

If you hold a business management degree in Sri Lanka from a business school such as the NIBM, one of the promising job opportunities you could take on is to work as an operations and supply chain manager. From managing production schedules and optimizing logistics to controlling costs, and maintaining quality standards, operations and supply chain managers play a vital role in ensuring that an organization’s day-to-day processes run smoothly and efficiently.

6. Entrepreneurship and Startups

Aside from the wide variety of employment opportunities, management graduates can also take up entrepreneurship. Be it launching your own startup or managing your family-owned business, a degree in Management Studies equips you with a strong foundation in business planning, marketing, finance, and operations, critical for running a successful enterprise.

7. Project Manager

A common role in industries such as IT, construction, consulting, and product development, project managers are responsible for planning, executing, and completing projects within defined timelines, budgets, and quality standards. They coordinate teams, manage resources, identify risks, and communicate with stakeholders throughout the project lifecycle.

January 7, 2026 0 comment

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5 Emerging Trends Shaping Higher Education in Sri Lanka – Designing Future-Facing Careers

by Roland Lefevre January 6, 2026

written by Roland Lefevre

Driven by an annual 10% increase in STEM enrolment, a rapid growth in private sector participation, and a drastic shift towards digitisation, Sri Lanka’s higher education sector is undergoing a significant transformation. Here’s what you need to know.

1. Modernised Hybrid Learning

Adapting to the changing needs of the intellectual environment, higher education providers in Sri Lanka are integrating technology into their programmes. From innovative multimedia learning tools and personalised virtual platforms to digital resources and interactive learning modules, traditional classroom instruction is reinforced with Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), Learning Management Systems (LMS), and collaboration tools that enhance peer-to-peer communication. For example, AI-powered tutoring systems can be tailored to each student’s needs and learning styles while freeing up time for lecturers to create a more engaging learning environment. Additionally, Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) play a crucial role in fields such as engineering and medicine by creating realistic simulations of high-stakes scenarios for students to put their skills to the test.

Image via NIBM

2. Leveraging International Collaborations

Along with removing geographical boundaries and bringing immersive experiences from across the world into the classroom through virtual tours and guest speakers, Sri Lankan higher education institutions have partnered with renowned foreign universities. In line with the transitional education (TE) trend, these strategic collaborations enhance local academic standards by modernising local curricula in accordance with global benchmarks. Additionally, these partnerships are enhancing the quality of local education by fostering innovation, improving research capabilities, introducing quality assurance practices, and implementing new-age teaching frameworks. Suppose you’re looking for a reputable higher education institution in Sri Lanka. In that case, NIBM trains future leaders to stay ahead of global trends and address local challenges through the lens of international experts.

3. Honing Industry-Specific Competencies

The growing demand for STEM and industry-linked education has led to curriculum reforms that move away from exam-centric models and towards practical, competency-based skills. This shift to tech-enhanced learning and vocational training has been a response to the growing divide between the technical, vocational, and language skills of the Sri Lankan workforce and the dynamic requirements of technology-driven job markets. The best higher education providers in Sri Lanka strive to bridge these skill gaps through innovative teaching methods and hands-on learning experiences in real-world environments, achieved through industry collaborations.

4. Future-Proofing Careers

While digital literacy and data fluency are crucial for career success, honing soft skills like effective communication, critical thinking, emotional intelligence, and creativity are equally important. They bridge the gap between technology and human connection, while maintaining an innovative streak as automation takes over operations in various industries. For instance, future financial professionals are no longer called to perform repetitive manual tasks, data gathering, and financial modelling, allowing them to focus on high-value strategic and analytical roles. Therefore, the best institutes for higher education develop a well-rounded skillset in their students, enabling them to drive progress and bring fresh perspectives in a digital world.

5. High-Impact Internships

Whether it’s enhancing interdisciplinary communication, creative thinking, and industry-relevant insights or learning how to understand and respond to market changes with data-driven dexterity, internships are an excellent way for future professionals to kickstart their careers. Effective internship programmes offered by higher education institutions provide undergraduates with invaluable industry exposure, networking opportunities with professionals, and hands-on experience that align with their career goals.

January 6, 2026 0 comment

Higher Education Learn

Top 10 Project Management Skills Every Business Student Should Master – Skills That Matter Long After Graduation

by Roland Lefevre December 9, 2025

written by Roland Lefevre

Project management skills are no longer limited to formal project roles. Across industries, business graduates are expected to organise work, coordinate people, and respond to change from the beginning of their careers. Building these skills early helps students move from academic settings into professional environments with greater confidence and clarity.

1. Defining Clear Project Objectives

Many projects lose direction because goals are vague or poorly understood. Business students who learn how to define outcomes, scope, and success measures early are better equipped to make sound decisions later. Clear objectives reduce confusion and help teams stay on the same page as work goes on.

2. Time Management in Real Project Conditions

Managing time in projects is different from meeting coursework deadlines. There are overlaps in tasks, and dependencies and delays are common. When students learn how to make realistic schedules and set priorities, they are better able to handle stress when they have a lot of things to do at once.

3. Effective Communication Across Teams

Project communication requires clarity rather than volume. Sharing updates with teammates, addressing concerns, and reporting progress all demand different approaches. In structured academic environments such as leadership programs in Sri Lanka, students are often exposed to collaborative settings that reflect how communication functions in real project teams.

Image via NIBM

4. Risk Awareness and Early Problem Detection

Projects rarely fail suddenly. Issues often appear in small warning signs, such as unclear roles or limited resources. Learning to recognise and raise these risks early allows teams to respond calmly instead of reacting under pressure. This skill is central to effective project management.

5. Team Coordination and Collaboration

Projects depend on people working well together. Assigning responsibilities, balancing workloads, and navigating differences in working styles are everyday challenges. Business students who gain experience managing group dynamics are better prepared for professional environments where collaboration is essential.

6. Decision-Making with Incomplete Information

In project settings, decisions often have to be made before all the facts are known. Students learn how to look at information, think about what might happen, and act responsibly. This skill is becoming more and more important in the business world, where things move quickly.

7. Adaptability When Plans Change

Projects change, even when they are well-planned. Things like what the client wants, how long they have to do it, or what resources they have may change without warning. Students who learn to be adaptable and find solutions can change plans without making things harder or lowering team morale.

8. Stakeholder Awareness

Knowing who a project will affect and how expectations differ helps prevent misalignment. Exposure to structured business environments, such as those offered at NIBM, often helps students recognise the importance of managing stakeholder relationships alongside tasks and timelines.

9. Accountability and Ownership

Project management extends beyond completing assigned tasks. Taking responsibility for outcomes, including mistakes, builds credibility and trust. Students who develop this mindset early tend to adapt more quickly to professional roles and leadership expectations.

10. Leadership Without Formal Authority

Not everyone who leads a project has a title. To get people to do what you want, you often need to persuade them instead of just telling them what to do. You can improve this skill by working with others in school or at work and watching what they do.

December 9, 2025 0 comment