Degrees don’t guarantee success Nevindaree Premarathne’s advice on staying one step ahead

It starts with a simple but powerful question—”How do I stay one step ahead?”

For many, life follows a predictable path: school, university, a degree, a job. But for Nevindaree Premarathne, this linear progression was never enough. She understood early on that in a world where industries are evolving at breakneck speed, staying relevant requires more than just qualifications. It demands continuous learning, adaptability, and a proactive approach to personal and professional growth.

Today, as an entrepreneur, mentor, and advocate for tech innovation, Nevindaree embodies the philosophy of creating opportunities rather than waiting for them. She has carved a unique path in Sri Lanka’s technology and entrepreneurship ecosystem, guiding aspiring professionals and students on how to bridge the gap between education and employability.

But her journey wasn’t one of privilege or convenience, it was one of strategy, resilience, and a commitment to staying ahead of the curve.

Not just a degree, the mindset that sets you apart

Long before she became the Founder of Makers Global, a company making significant strides in the tech and startup space, Nevindaree was already a strategic thinker.

Her academic journey was meticulously planned: a Bachelor’s in Software Engineering, a Master’s in Business Management, and a PMP certification, a combination that ensured she had both the technical expertise and business acumen to thrive. But she knew that certifications alone would not define her success.

What made the real difference was her ability to take initiative, adapt, and step outside the traditional boundaries of education.

A degree is a foundation, not a guarantee of success. What you do beyond that is what truly counts”, she remarks.

From her early career days, Nevindaree sought experiences that pushed her beyond comfort zones. She took on freelance projects, explored emerging technologies, and networked with industry leaders, all while still a student. This proactive mindset laid the groundwork for her future endeavors.

And this is exactly what she advocates for today. In her interactions with students and young professionals, she often asks a hard-hitting question: “If a single job opening gets 2,000 applications, how will you stand out?”

This question is not meant to discourage but to highlight the reality of the modern job market. Gone are the days when simply holding a degree was enough to secure employment. The workforce is more competitive than ever, and employers are looking for individuals who bring more than just theoretical knowledge to the table.

The hard truth: why many graduates struggle to get hired

One of the biggest challenges Nevindaree sees today is a disconnect between academic learning and real-world expectations. Many students, despite years of education, graduate unprepared for the professional landscape.

She frequently encounters CVs riddled with grammatical errors from IT students who could have easily used Grammarly, or generic job applications that lack personalization or research into the company.

The harsh truth? Most applicants don’t even realize they are sabotaging their own chances. “Your degree is just a piece of paper. What matters is how you apply your knowledge, how well you communicate, and how you differentiate yourself.”

She has witnessed countless students applying for internships without understanding the company they are applying to, failing to highlight their strengths, or missing opportunities simply because they did not take the initiative to upskill or network.

“In today’s job market, you need to be proactive. You cannot sit back and expect opportunities to come to you. You have to create them.”

And one of the most powerful ways to do this? Networking.

Your network = your net worth

One of the biggest mistakes students and young professionals make is underestimating the power of networking. University is not just a place to get a degree, it is a place to build relationships, seek mentors, and open doors to opportunities.

Nevindaree has seen firsthand how a single conversation with an industry expert can change the course of a student’s career.

She recalls an instance when the CEO of one of Sri Lanka’s top five IT companies was so impressed with a student’s well-thought-out response during a session that he immediately connected the student to HR for an opportunity.

“That’s the impact of being in the right place, at the right time, and showing up prepared.”

Her advice?

• Seek mentors. The best guidance comes from those who have walked the path before you.
• Research before you apply. Understand what companies are looking for and tailor your applications accordingly.
• Engage in industry events. Whether it’s a seminar, panel discussion, or networking event, be present, be vocal, and make an impression.

The internship dilemma: should you work for free?

A recurring question among students is whether they should accept unpaid internships.

“If you have the chance to work at an incredible company, and the only thing holding you back is the lack of a paycheck, then it’s time to think about the long-term value. What matters to you the most.”

She firmly believes that sometimes, experience is more valuable than immediate financial gain. Many of the most successful professionals started with unpaid or low-paid internships, leveraging the experience and connections to secure high-level roles later.

However, she also emphasizes that no one should be exploited.

“Understand the difference between an opportunity that will help you grow and one that takes advantage of your skills without giving you anything in return.”

The key is to assess whether the internship offers meaningful learning, exposure, and connections, if it does, it might be worth the investment of time.

Creating an ecosystem of growth

Nevindaree’s journey is not just about personal success. It is about creating opportunities for others.

As the Founder of Makers Global, she is actively working towards fostering innovation, entrepreneurship, and leadership in Sri Lanka’s tech industry. She mentors young entrepreneurs, judges at prestigious competitions such as Innovate Lanka, IEEE Innovation Nation, HackX, and She Loves Tech, and plays a crucial role in helping students bridge the gap between education and employability.

“True success is not just about what you achieve, it’s about what you contribute.”

Her message to students and young professionals is clear:

• Don’t wait for opportunities—create them.
• Your degree is a stepping stone, not a destination.
• Networking and industry exposure are just as important as academics.
• Wonderful things happen when you step out of your comfort zone
• Because at the end of the day, success doesn’t happen by chance. It happens by choice.

And the question remains: What are you doing today to get out of your comfort zone and achieve your success?