Bridging the gap between academia and industry remains at the core of the learning culture at the Institute of Business Management (IoBM). This concept is deeply embedded in its ethos, as IoBM prioritizes equipping students with practical insights to complement their academic knowledge. This ensures they are prepared to thrive in the ever-competitive professional world. To achieve this, IoBM actively pursues opportunities for students to engage with the corporate sector through the academic year. One such annual event is the IoBM Career Fair where this philosophy is personified. This event serves as a platform to connect students with leading national and international organizations from diverse sectors. By developing meaningful interactions between students and industry professionals, the event reflected IoBM’s commitment to preparing its students and graduates for the ever-competitive demands of the professional world.
On Wednesday, February 12, 2025, IoBM organized the 2025 edition of its Career Fair, a flagship event designed to connect students - particularly those in the final-year - with leading national and multinational organizations across diverse sectors. This year, the event welcomed over 100 esteemed companies eager to engage with the next generation of professionals and showcase exciting career opportunities.
IoBM’s philosophy of nurturing collaboration between academia and industry was evident throughout the Career Fair. Designed to complement classroom learning and experiential initiatives, the event ensured students are prepared to transition effortlessly from academic life to professional careers. Beyond facilitating networking and career exploration, the event served as a treasured feedback mechanism for IoBM. The conversations with industry representatives provided students with the insights into the evolving skills and aptitudes required by employers in today’s competitive job market. These insights will evolve IoBM’s curriculum and pedagogy, ensuring graduates are equipped with the concepts, theories, best practices and skills needed to succeed in the 21st-century workplace.
The inauguration ceremony for IoBM Career Fair 2025 was graced by the presence of Prof. Dr. S. M. Tariq Rafi, Chairman of the Sindh Higher Education Commission (HEC); Bashir Janmohammad, Chairman of the Board, IoBM; Talib Karim, President of IoBM; and Usman Bashir, a Shark from Shark Tank Pakistan. Also in attendance were the Institute's Deans, faculty, and department heads.The inauguration ceremony was graced by the presence of Prof. Dr. Tariq Rahim Soomro, Rector of IoBM; Prof. Dr. Muhammad Kashif, Dean of the College of Business Management (CBM); and Prof. Dr. Muhammad Abbas, Dean of the College of Computer Science and Information Systems (CCSIS). The guests and senior management of IoBM visited the exhibitor stalls, engaging in meaningful discussions on a variety of topics.
Over the years, IoBM’s Career Fair has firmly established itself as a premier event among Pakistani universities. Its reputation is associated with its steadfast commitment to bridging the gap between academic learning and industry expectations. By showcasing job opportunities while aligning them with academic expertise, the event emphasizes the importance of preparing students with the tips and ideas they need to excel after graduating from IoBM. The direct interaction between students and industry professionals added a unique attribute to the experience. Students asked pertinent questions about job roles, required skill sets, and organizational values, enabling them to access information beyond what job postings offer.
The primary objective of the IoBM Career Fair was to foster meaningful connections between students and industry leaders. These interactions offered students networking opportunities, providing the foundation for professional insights that could shape their future careers. This initiative reflects IoBM’s commitment to preparing students for the corporate world by facilitating them with knowledge and practical exposure to industry demands.
The Career Fair was organized by IoBM's Internship, Placement & International Cooperation Department, led by Ms. Juveria Baig, Head of the Department, alongside Mr. Abdul Khaliq, Assistant Manager, and Ms. Ghazala Rizwan. The event was a collaborative effort involving several key departments, including General Administration, Housekeeping, IT, Maintenance, Security, MARCOM, and Purchase. IoBM's student society, the Strategic Human Resource Society (SHRS), played a vital role by providing on-ground support, ensuring the event's seamless execution.
The IoBM Career Fair 2025 successfully reinforced the Institute’s pledge to empowering students, developing their skills, enhancing their employability, and instilling confidence among them to navigate the career challenges. Through events like this, IoBM continues to solidify its role as a leading institution that bridges the academic and professional worlds, helping students realize their limitless potential and pursue fulfilling careers.
A highlight of the IoBM Career Fair was the dynamic opportunities it provided to students. They explored potential career paths, learned about open vacancies, and gained insights into company cultures and professional trajectories. The company representatives offered on-the-spot career counseling, providing students with personalized guidance based on their interests and career aspirations.
By enabling direct conversation between students and employers, the event created a mutually beneficial exchange. Students gained insights into employer expectations and the evolving job market across Pakistan, while companies identified emerging talent and shared their perspectives on industry trends.