“IIT’s successful alumni speaks volumes for the Institute”
“Many successful entrepreneurs around the world wouldn’t be where
they are today if not for IIT” says Hiran Wickramasinghe, an Executive
Director of Informatics International (Pvt) Ltd and Director of
Informatics Holdings (Pvt) Ltd.
Having joined the Informatics Institute of Technology (IIT) in 2001,
Hiran is glad that he made this initial decision. Not only did the
Institute afford him an opportunity to study right here in Sri Lanka but
also ensured that his final degree – Information Systems from the
Manchester Metropolitan University UK – was conducted of the highest
standard by IIT both nationally and internationally; given the exposure
and depth of knowledge learnt at IIT.
Hiran Wickramasinghe |
Speaking to the alumni of IIT, and especially Hiran, the general
sentiment when speaking of their college is that IIT speaks for itself.
One only needs to take a look at its past students and see that almost
every single person who has graduated from IIT now enjoys successful
positions in leading industries all across the world.
Hiran 29 years of age holds a vital position at Informatics
International and Informatics Holdings. His passion towards both the
Information System Industry as well as his acute business sense has led
Hiran to succeed in his own right as an enterprising entrepreneur.. “The
experience at IIT, encourages independent thinking”. The combination of
Information System Engineering with Business ensures that a student
receives a comprehensive well rounded education as opposed to just the
technical aspect of the degree. The Institute encourages creativity and
above everything else is extremely supportive.”
The support spoken so highly of, originates not only from the
lecturers but also from the close knit community of students .. Although
a batch can contain up to 200 or more students – in both the full time
and part time classes, each student is given personal attention. Every
effort is made to encourage all students to actively participate not
only in education related matters but also in sports, extracurricular
activities, and social activities. This is an essential practice. Most
students studying at various other institutions tend to move only in one
direction. However at IIT an all round achievement for every single
student is a goal that is strived to be achieved.
The curriculum structure incorporates assignments that involve team
building, presentations and communication activities.Enhancing skills of
listening, effective communication, attention to detail, documentation
etc are invaluable skills that go a long way when ultimately dealing
with clients and engaging in business.
“The placement year in the third year of study really puts the
knowledge we gained into perspective when working in a real business
environment.
“Students are able to execute what they learnt in their first and
second year of study during their placement and thereby gain insight
into the real business world.
Hiran had the opportunity to do his placement in Norway, which is
another area IIT supports and encourages should there be an opening
overseas.
Industry giants especially in the International arena are impressed
and have high regard for IIT students because of the high standards
achieved.
In fact most have been impressed to learn that certain successful IIT
alumni have gained their foundation in Sri Lanka. The dedicated
lecturers too have an immense role to play in this regard. Not only does
IIT attract industry experts to lecture at the Institute but also brings
in immediate past students who have won gold medals and other
prestigious awards to teach the juniors.
This approach is vastly productive as these young lecturers are more
in tune with the students and can understand their problems better and
relate appropriately to them. “I truly enjoyed my years at IIT and I’m
glad that it has a family culture incorporated into its system. There is
more to education than just academics and I think this is where IIT has
truly set itself apart” said Hiran. |