The Marketing Alumni Association (MAA) of the University of Sri Jayewardenepura launched the fourth phase of its Corporate Mentoring Program on 29 January 2026 at the university premises.

The program is a joint initiative of the MAA and the Department of Marketing Management and is the first of its kind within the Sri Lankan university

system, collaboratively designed and implemented by alumni and academia.

The inauguration was attended by lecturers, third-year undergraduates of the Department of Marketing Management, corporate mentors, and members of the MAA, with the shared objective of bridging academic learning and industry expectations.

The Corporate Mentoring Program is conducted specifically for third-year

undergraduates and has evolved from a supportive alumni initiative into a structured program incorporated into the undergraduate curriculum, enabling participants to earn academic credits. This integration reflects the program’s academic relevance and long- term value in undergraduate development.

This phase brings together 50 corporate mentors, each assigned to two undergraduate mentees, ensuring personalized guidance, close supervision, and continuous engagement throughout the mentoring period.

The well-structured program focuses on key areas essential for undergraduate development, including early corporate exposure, workplace

practices, career pathways, communication, teamwork, leadership, adaptability, problem- solving, professional conduct, and career planning.

A key strength of the program is the active involvement of alumni mentors who are proud graduates of the Department of Marketing Management. These mentors, now established professionals across various corporate sectors, view their participation as a meaningful way of giving back to the institution that shaped their own careers.

Their participation reflects a strong alumni culture and a shared commitment to nurturing future marketing professionals.

Beyond the Corporate Mentoring Program, the MAA actively supports several

undergraduate development initiatives in collaboration with the Department of Marketing Management. These include Fine Touch, a guest lecture series that provides undergraduates with exposure to industry best practices and emerging trends, and a scholarship scheme for deserving undergraduates to support the continuation of their studies.

Together, these initiatives demonstrate the MAA’s sustained commitment to

holistic undergraduate development.

The MAA extends its sincere appreciation to all corporate mentors for their time,

dedication, and support in shaping confident, industry-ready graduates. The Association is also working on further enhancing mentors’ capabilities, with the aim of creating greater value and impact for undergraduates in future phases of the program.

Special acknowledgement is extended to the academic leadership of the Department of Marketing Management of the University of Sri Jayewardenepura.

The MAA gratefully recognizes the guidance and support of the Head of the Department, Professor Sandamali Galdolage, and the lecturers of the department for their role in the successful

implementation of this initiative.

Through initiatives like this, the MAA continues to strengthen the link between alumni and academia while contributing to the development of well-rounded, industry-ready graduates.