A Masterclass on LinkedIn and Personal Branding was held on 4 March 2026 at the T150 Sesquicentennial Anniversary Commemoration Building Auditorium, bringing together around 80+ participants, including staff members and students from the senior grades.
The event was hosted by the Trinity College Centre for Excellence in collaboration with the School Officers’ Guild, as part of the College’s continued efforts to equip students with skills and perspectives that extend beyond the classroom and prepare them for the evolving professional landscape.
The masterclass was conducted by Rumeth Dasanayaka, Marketing Lead at CueGrowth and Co-Founder of The Better Post, and Ovini Nishadi, Co-Founder and Growth Lead of The Better Post. Rumeth Dasanayaka is also a Trinity Old Boy from the 2020 batch, returning to share insights from his professional journey and experience in digital marketing and LinkedIn-driven growth. The session was moderated by Sheshan Abeysekara, Senior Executive in Corporate and Sustainability Communications at Dialog Axiata PLC, who is also a Trinity Old Boy from the 2018 batch.
The masterclass explored the growing importance of personal branding and digital presence, particularly for students preparing to enter universities and the professional world. Through practical examples and engaging discussion, participants were encouraged to reflect on how their communication, interests, and online presence contribute to shaping their reputation.
A key message highlighted during the session was that everyone already has a personal brand, whether intentionally developed or not. Reputation is shaped by what individuals say, what they share, and how others perceive them both offline and online.
Participants were encouraged to begin shaping their professional identity early by exploring their interests, learning publicly, and sharing their journeys. The speakers emphasised that building credibility and visibility over time can open doors to future opportunities.
LinkedIn was presented as a platform uniquely designed for this purpose. Unlike entertainment-driven social media platforms, LinkedIn focuses on professional reputation, knowledge sharing, and meaningful connections, enabling individuals to connect with professionals, organisations, and opportunities around the world.
The speakers also addressed common misconceptions about LinkedIn, including the belief that it is only for job seekers or experienced professionals. Instead, participants were encouraged to see it as a platform where students can begin learning, observing professional journeys, and building meaningful networks even while still in school.
The session also highlighted how digital platforms have removed geographical barriers, allowing students in Kandy to connect with professionals, ideas, and opportunities from across the world. Participants were encouraged to view visibility and networking as long-term investments that can support their future academic and career aspirations.
The masterclass included interactive activities designed to engage participants and reinforce learning. One such activity was a Kahoot quiz, where attendees tested their understanding of the concepts discussed during the session. These interactive segments encouraged students and staff to reflect on how they could begin building their own professional presence online.
The event concluded with reflections on the importance of building networks and credibility early in life. By developing their digital presence and connections now, students can graduate not only with academic qualifications but also with a professional network that supports their future ambitions.
The masterclass provided a valuable opportunity for both staff and students to gain practical insights into how digital platforms can shape careers and opportunities, reinforcing Trinity’s commitment to nurturing future-ready Trinitians who are prepared to navigate both academic and professional landscapes with confidence.
