Pasindhu Mendis, Talent Acquisition Coordinator, Alfa Laval

To help current students and recent graduates navigate the world of work, several USI Alumni shared their career paths and career story. Here the story of Pasindhu Mendis, Talent Acquisition Coordinator at Alfa Laval in Stockholm (S). USI Degree: Master in Cognitive Psychology in Health Communication, 2023.

How did you start your career?

I started my career which I was doing my master's and it made me realize that it was so much practical to do the studies and apply what I learn to the work environment.

Why did you choose a career at Alfa Laval?

I started to work at Alfa Laval because Alfa Laval's values directly aligns with my personal values and Alfa Laval sits on the technology that changes the world, crafting technological solutions to ease our life and solutions which are sustainable. This is why I fell in love with Alfa Laval.

What is your current role/duties?

My designation goes as Talent Acquisition Coordinator where my responsibilities lie in recruiting the right talent to Alfa Laval at the right time. Furthermore, I am also engaged in the employer branding of Alfa Laval mainly in the candidate attraction space where I engage in Early in Career activities in promoting Alfa Laval to the youth and also in Her Career activities where I engage in attracting female candidates to Alfa Laval. All in all, I represent Alfa Laval and I ensure that we will be the Employer of Choice for everyone.

In your opinion, what are the qualities necessary for a successful career at Alfa Laval?

In my opinion, in order to have a successful career pathway in any profession we need to have the passion to do what we do, and that is my main motivator to work for Alfa Laval and if you want to advance in your career pathway, you need to crave for learning and always have the hunger to learn more, to have a growth mindset in other words.

What positive aspects and qualities meant most to you during the study programme you attended?

During my time at USI I loved the way that the courses were distributed and the fact that it creates an interactive learning experience. What I gained the most are: Firstly, the people, if it wasn't for my friends, professors and the tutors I wouldn't have continued, I will have to give credit to them. Secondly in terms of learning, USI aroused my curiosity and the willingness to learn and to go that extra mile to learn. Thirdly the way that the lessons are structured makes you want to do more.

What competences and/or skills acquired in your USI Study Program have been useful/are useful to your professional career?

In terms of competencies, if I could highlight then would be: Interpersonal skills, growth mindset, and how to be resilient, being curios and having an open-minded approach to things we learn, and definitely emotional intelligence which plays a major part in the day-to-day activities I do.

What is your advice to USI students entering the job market?

My advice would be that remember that everyone's journey is unique, and it's okay to face challenges along the way, that is the beauty of life. Stay focused on your goals, be adaptable, and continue learning as you navigate the job market. It is a competitive world that you will be entering to so be prepared, proactive and try to differ from the norm, enhance your skillset, be open to learn and have the willingness to try different things, and build a strong networking system.