Mandari Pabasara Wijerathna
Daejeon
Summary
Student-centered Professor with expertise in human resources. Offers 10-year background supporting students, developing instructional plans and organizing and grading exams and tests. Commended for sustaining effective learning environment through prepared classes and relevant assignments and consistently achieving classroom management and academic goals. Inspiring lecturer brings advanced teaching skills and department leadership experience. Goal-oriented to advance department, improve teaching and modernize courses. Extensive background in research and university fundraising. Self-motivated international lecturers and foreign student coordinator brings proven leadership, organizational and customer relations skills. Independently solves problems and keeps teams on task to handle diverse requirements.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
Work History
HRD Specialist
Freelancer
01.2022 - Current
- Processed and distributed correspondence within required time frames for optimal HR communications.
- Registered and maintained digital and electronic files of employees to enable tracking history, maintain accurate information and standardize process.
- Supported management in strategics and delivering ongoing improvements across HR processes.
- Worked meticulously to enable timely intervention for minimized operational disruption.
- Communicated with vendors and administrators to address queries and concerns and support internal and external requests.
- Processed and distributed correspondence within required timeframes for optimal HR communications.
- Formulated and submitted activity reports to brief management regarding developments, issues and updates.
- Supported management in strategising and delivering ongoing improvements across HR processes.
- Devised supporting documentation for disciplinary, suspension and grievance to comply with intervention procedures.
- Supported performance management analysis, building reliable cases for follow-up.
- Managed contracts, on-boarding and screening to facilitate smooth employment processes.
- Conducted reference and background checks and screened ideal candidates to issue employment contracts.
- Remedied contract queries swiftly and diligently, aiding smooth-running business operations.
- Organized orientations and training to enhance level of awareness, improve skills and motivation of employees.
Global Legal Translator
Freelancer
08.2020 - Current
- Developed understanding of specialised concepts for translation by consulting subject matter experts and other colleagues.
- Conveyed high-quality professional translations in high-pressure environments, successfully meeting deadlines.
- Attended meetings and conferences and translated messages clearly, facilitating communication.
- Accurately interpreted spoken and written conversations between different languages for clients.
- Identified and defined translation needs through interactions with customers to gauge feasibility.
- Interpreted conference calls and other workplace communications in real-time to help individuals convey messages quickly.
- Assisted law enforcement investigators with translating languages during interviews, conveying interpretations in specific lingo.
- Pinpointed terms, expressions and words with conflicting meanings to identify alternatives for conveying original purposes of messages.
- Imparted original speakers' thoughts, tones or emotions from source to target languages without additions or omissions to convey intended meaning.
Lecturer (Visiting Professor) of HRD
Korea University of Technology and Education
03.2018 - 08.2019
- Engaged undergraduate and postgraduate students in complex theoretical concepts through innovative, engaging teachings.
- Monitored emerging technology to provide ongoing development and evolution of practical and theoretical learning.
- Created targeted funding bids to improve external department investment and increase research and development possibilities.
- Created positive, productive university learning environments to enhance student performance, achievement and experience.
- Maintained in-depth, up-to-date subject knowledge, aiding insightful, innovative curriculum development and teachings.
- Delivered quality, innovative teaching and student supervision, supporting high-achieving undergraduate and postgraduate degree completion.
- Expertly integrated research, teaching and technical development to improve faculty progress and achievements.
- Coordinated research with academic and industry partners, improving cross-disciplinary research programmes.
- Delivered dependable academic leadership, supporting smooth, effective department and faculty management.
- Demonstrated a proven track record in published research, from peer-reviewed journals to key international publications.
- Evaluated assessments and assignments to identify areas for improvement and provide feedback to students and vocational faculty.
- Responded to student enquiries and concerns to undertake action and suggest alternative avenues of support.
- Sought ways to improve performance by reflecting on teaching design, obtaining feedback and incorporating findings into content delivery.
- Built internal contacts and participated in external networks to exchange information and form relationships for future collaborations.
- Successfully managed, coordinated and counselled international students and assisted them to socially integrate into Korean culture and university life.
- Modeled respect for students' diverse cultures, language skills and experiences to create welcoming environment.
- Supported Korean and international students to reach curriculum goals with tailored coaching style.
- Managed to handle a classroom with both Korean and international students and mentored international students' to eliminate acculturative stress and successfully integrate into the university life.
Legal Advisor
Samsung Life Insurance
01.2016 - 12.2016
- Managed client insurance onboarding by enrolling customers onto plans and sending contracts as needed.
- Responded quickly to client requests with excellent systems knowledge.
- Proactively contacted customers near renewal dates, increasing repeat purchases.
- Assessed customer insurance needs through in-depth analysis and consultative sales approach.
- Liaised with customers and answered queries through email, webchat and phone.
- Processed client paperwork to calculate premiums and enrol in insurance plans.
- Maintained extensive knowledge of insurance products to provide detailed specifications to customers.
- Secured accurate records of interactions with customers with focus on confidentiality and attention to detail.
- Provided relevant information along with attentive customer service to all customers.
- Tailored solutions to client's unique needs to avoid customers feeling that one-size-fits-all approach.
- Guided parties through insurance processes, mid-term adjustments and term renewals to verify customers fully understood policies and had complete faith in coverage.
HRD Expert /Lead Trainer
HRD Service of Korea
04.2015 - 03.2016
- Managed smooth operations and communicated timely updates to coordinate administrative activities.
- Provided team members with resources needed to complete project work to maximise efficiency.
- Helped interview, train and onboard staff members to build team of high performing individuals to boost productivity.
- Collaborated with clients, finance teams and other team members on allocating resources to achieve project needs.
- Selected vendors to deliver elements impossible to produce in-house, negotiating prices to get best deal at competitive prices.
- Communicated with clients about project expectations and goals to deliver satisfying outcomes.
- Scheduled and distributed work to other staff members to enhance productivity and avoid scheduling conflicts.
Graduate Assistant and Project Coordinator
Korea University of Technology and Education
09.2012 - 02.2015
- Designed, planned, created, implemented and monitored all aspects of the project.
- Proofread all text in project materials for perfect spelling, grammar and punctuation.
- Drew up project management calendar detailing timelines for fulfilling different project goals.
- Shared information and worked collaboratively with team members to achieve project objectives.
- Directed project correspondence by preparing and reviewing project proposals, memos and meeting minutes.
- Scheduled and facilitated face-to-face and online stakeholders' meetings to allow collaboration between project team and client teams.
- Adhered to budget by monitoring expenses and implementing cost-saving measures.
- Maintained strong relationships with external services to get discounted prices for services.
- Assessed project progress and created project status reports to keep project managers and stakeholders informed.
- Acted as positive student role model to encourage prospective international students to consider represented college.
- Supported international office staff with overseas fairs and events by contacting prospective students to assess interest.
- Shared interesting personal experiences about accommodation, academics and student life to influence prospective students' enrollment decisions.
- Helped accepted incoming international students with application procedures and worked with international office to provide written instructions and advice.
- Contributed to compilation of publicity materials and attended promotional events to encourage and grow new international student admissions.
- Built internal contacts and participated in external networks to exchange information and form relationships for future collaborations.
- Supported faculty members in the design, implementation, and analysis of various research projects or initiatives.
- Facilitated international student success by identifying areas of improvement and providing constructive feedback on assignments and exams.
Lead Trainer/Lecturer
Sri Lankan Bureau of Foreign Employment
04.2010 - 08.2011
- Reduced process gaps by effectively training new hires on best practices and protocols.
- Completed frequent assessments of training materials, structure and success rates in order to enhance programme.
- Created successful training courses based on evaluation of student needs.
- Developed long-term training strategies for new and existing employees across multiple departments.
- Approved qualification completion and registered achievement with examination bodies.
- Developed training programmes to meet business and learner requirements.
- Maintained learning caseloads across multiple training projects.
- Engaged employees in new learning and development schemes.
- Wrote thorough training manuals to reflect business needs.
- Delivered training programmes within allocated timeframes.
- Met individual needs through attentive, student-centred training approaches.
- Reported on learners' progress and predicted course completion timeframes.
Visiting Lecturer
University of Buddhist and Pali
01.2009 - 12.2009
- Designed, planned and taught lectures based on curriculum requirements and exams.
- Held regular student meetings to communicate strengths, weaknesses and areas for learning development.
- Planned and developed homework assignments based on lessons taught and student development required.
- Created presentations to deliver lecture material in classroom and online learning environments.
- Marked and graded homework, assignments, papers and tests, providing constructive feedback to improve learning development.
- Used diverse teaching methods, including lectures, presentations and class activities to deliver curriculum.
Assistant Lecturer
University of Kelaniya
01.2007 - 08.2009
- Conducted substitute seminars and lectures for students when teachers became unavailable.
- Increased student satisfaction by providing attentive care and support throughout academic struggles.
- Maintained excellent teacher relationships by proactively assisting with requests in a timely and efficient manner.
- Led students in assigned classes in absence of main teacher.
- Assisted in planning and development of teaching materials, workbooks and class projects.
- Significantly reduced teachers' workload by helping to plan and deliver classroom activities.
- Role-modelled exemplary behaviour and established lasting relationships with students.
- Nurtured students' social, emotional and academic development by providing in-class support.
- Recognised students' positive behaviour using established rewards system.
- Kept records of student attendance, progress and activities to assess individual mastery of subject matter.
- Worked with groups of students for remedial teaching and reinforcing learning processes.
- Coordinated learning and extra-curricular activities, supervising learner interactions to maximize experience.
- Delivered subject matter to learners under direction and guidance of lead teachers.
- Set up teaching aids, prepared classrooms for learning activities and distributed materials to coordinate instructional efforts.
- Split learners into groups for group-related activities and encouraged collaboration to nurture teamwork and social skills.
- Helped prepare meetings with numerous students to communicate important information regarding travels, school's destination and international exchange.
- Assisted in delivering a comprehensive orientation programme and assisted in Visa process, university life, and culture to foreign visiting lecturers and international students
Education
Doctor of Philosophy - Human Resources (HRD, HRM, Labor, & Counselling)
Korea University of Technology And Education
Republic Of Korea2019
Master of Business Administration - (HRD, HRM, Labor, & Counselling)
Korea University of Technology And Education
Cheonan2015
Post Graduate Diploma - Japanese Studies
University of Colombo
Sri Lanka2010
Bachelor of Arts - English Language and Literature, Korean Language and Japanese Language
University of Kelaniya
Colombo2007
Skills
- Course design
- Adaptive Learning
- Academic Writing
- Learning Management Systems
- Student Mentoring
- Qualitative Research
- Intellectual property
- Statistical software
- Teaching Support
- Publication Management
- Collaborative learning
- Interpersonal Communication
- Papers Evaluation
- Examinations Preparation
- Syllabi Development
- Examination Grading
- Student Engagement
- Student Needs Support
- Student Information Systems (SIS)
- Decision-Making
- Problem-solving abilities
- Research Support
Accomplishments
•Best Paper Award, AHRD Asia Conference, 2017
Awarded for the paper: “Buddhist Women’s Views on Boundaryless Career in Sri Lanka: A Qualitative Inquiry.”
•Grand First Prize, HRD Idea Contest, Korea University of Technology & Education, 2016.Awarded for the paper: “Korean Working Population: Are They Happy?”
•Honorary Award, Korean Government, 2016
Awarded for contribution to the local and foreign community in the Republic of Korea.
•Best Foreign Researcher’s Award, 2006.
Awarded for the paper: “A Comparative Study of Korean, Japanese, and Sri Lanka Culture and Rituals.”
•Best Drama Award, Korea University, Republic of Korea, 2006
Awarded for Traditional Korean Stage Drama at the International Students’ Drama Contest
•Best Poem Award-Ministry of Cultural Affairs, Sri Lanka, 2004, 2005
•Best Youth Speaker- Ministry of Cultural Affairs and Youth Council, Sri Lanka, 2003.
•Best Actress Award-Inter-school English drama competition, 2001
•Best Script Writer Award-Inter-school English drama competition, 2001
Additional Information
•Foreign students’ scholarship for achieving the highest scores and language skills, Korea University of Technology and Education, 2015-2017
•Foreign students’ scholarship for best results (GPA 4.5/4.5), Korea University of Technology and Education, 2016.
•Korean government scholarship (NIIED-KGSP) to conduct postgraduate studies in Korea, National Institute for International Education, Republic of Korea, 2011-2015.
•KOICA scholarship for best undergraduate student to learn Korean language and culture at the Kyunghee University, Korea International Cooperation Agency, 2006.
Languages
English, Sinhala
Native language
Korean
Proficient
C2
Japanese
Advanced
C1
Chinese
Intermediate
B1
Publications
- Wijerathna, M. P., & Chae, Y.B. (2024). Exploring the interplay of migrant entrepreneurship, emotional intelligence, and social integration of marriage migrant women in Korea. Asian and Pacific Migration Journal (Accepted:In the print). (Journal rank-SSCI)
- Wijerathna, M. P., & Hewapathirana, G. I. (2022).“Hidden stories behind global love”: Acculturative and social integration challenges of marriage migrant women in South Korea. International Journal of Intercultural Relations,89,111-123.https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijintrel.2022.05.008. (Journal rank-SSCI) • Wijerathna, M. P., & Hewapathirana, G. I. (2022). What drives? What restrains? Hidden dynamics of knowledge transfer from Buddhist male managers to female trainees. South Asian Journal of Business and Management Cases, 11(3), 205–226. https://doi.org/10.1177/22779779221126107. • Wijerathna, M. P., & Hewapathirana, G. I. (2019). An interplay between Sri Lankan employees and South Korean employers: Conflicting priorities, attitudes, and cross-cultural perceptions in a 3-D workplace. Journal of Business Diversity, 19(2),1-16. https://doi.org/10.33423/jbd.v19i2.2060..
- Wijerathna, M. P. (2019). Buddhist women’s views on boundaryless career in Sri Lanka: A qualitative inquiry. In R. Narendran & S. Jain (Eds.), Sustainable Development of Human Capital: Exploring Perspectives from Grassroots to Global Research and Practice. AHRD MLSU joint publication, 2019 (Accepted in March 2019).
- Wijerathna, M. P., & McLean, G.N. (2024). Sri Lankan Buddhist women leaders’ stories: The dark side of society, religion, and leadership. Leadership (Under review).
- Wijerathna, M. P. (2024).“What happened after Robinhood left Sherwood?” Exploring the interplay between emotional and cultural intelligence of international students in Korea (Under review).
- Wijerathna, M. P., & Hewapathirana, G. I. (2024). A phenomenological exploration of Sri Lankan Buddhist women managers’ knowledge transfer experiences. Knowledge Management Research and Practice (Under review).
- Wijerathna, M. P. (2024). Motivations, challenges, and adaptation strategies of international students in South Korea (Under review).
International Conference Presentations
1.Wijerathna, M.P., & Chae, Y. B. (2021, February 18-20). Acculturative challenges, critical issues, and adaptation strategies of foreign students in South Korea (Paper presentation). 28th AHRD Annual Conference in the Americas on Innovating and Leading in Times of Rapid and Unplanned Change, Academy of Human Resource Development (USA), Virtual conference.
2.Wijerathna, M.P., & Hewapathirana, G. I. (2021, February 18-20). Women entrepreneurs in COVID-19:Challenges and solutions (Paper presentation). 28th AHRD Annual Conference in the Americas on Innovating and Leading in Times of Rapid and Unplanned Change, Academy of Human Resource Development (USA), Virtual conference. 3.Wijerathna, M.P. (2021, February 18-20). Exploring knowledge transferring experiences of Buddhist women managers in Sri Lanka (Paper presentation). 28th AHRD Annual Conference in the Americas on Innovating and Leading in Times of Rapid and Unplanned Change, Academy of Human Resource Development (USA), Virtual conference.
4.Wijerathna, M.P., Chae, Y. B., & Hewapathirana, G. I. (2021, February 18-20). South Asian women’s views on leadership (Paper presentation). 28th AHRD Annual Conference in the Americas on Innovating and Leading in Times of Rapid and Unplanned Change, Academy of Human Resource Development (USA), Virtual conference. 5.Chae, Y. B., Wijerathna, M.P., & Hewapathirana, G. I. (2021, February 18-20). ‘Can women work with women without conflicts?’:Women’s views on working with women (Paper presentation). 28th AHRD Annual Conference in the Americas on Innovating and Leading in Times of Rapid and Unplanned Change, Academy of Human Resource Development (USA), Virtual conference.
6.Wijerathna, M.P., & Chae, Y. B. (2019, February 13-16). How workplace bullying leads to the social isolation of Sri Lankan working women (Poster presentation). 26th AHRD Annual Conference in the Americas, Louisville, Kentucky, USA.
7.Wijerathna, M. P., & Hewapathirana, G. I. (2019, June 24-26). A story of the modern Athenas: Korean women’s views on working with women.’ The University Forum for Human Resource Development Annual Conference, UK.
8. Wijerathna, M. P., & Hewapathirana, G. I. (2019, June 24-26).). Sri Lankan Buddhist male managers’ views on knowledge transfer to women employees: A Phenomenological inquiry. The University Forum for Human Resource Development Annual Conference UK: Academy of Human Resource Development, UK. 9.Wijerathna, M. P., & Hewapathirana, G. I. (2019, June 24-26).). Learning transfer in practice: A qualitative study of HRD practitioners’ perspectives. The University Forum for Human Resource Development Annual Conference, UK.
10.Wijerathna, M. P., & Hewapathirana, G. I. (2019, June 24-26).). When Robinhood left Sherwood: Social engagement, acculturative challenges, and personal identity of foreign students in South Korea. The University Forum for Human Resource Development Annual Conference, UK.
11.Wijerathna, M.P. (2018, November 8-10). Sri Lankan Buddhist women in leadership: A phenomenological inquiry (Paper presentation). 17th International Asian Conference of Academy of Human Resource Development, Bangkok, Thailand.
12.Wijerathna, M.P., & Chae, Y. B. (2018, November 8-10). ‘Once upon a time’: Ethnographic study of low-skilled Thai marriage migrant working women in South Korea (Paper presentation). 17th International Asian Conference of Academy of Human Resource Development, Bangkok, Thailand.
13. Wijerathna, M.P., & Chae, Y. B. (2018, November 8-10). Exploring the interplay of reflection, reflective practice, and teaching languages (Paper presentation). 17th International Asian Conference of Academy of Human Resource Development, Bangkok, Thailand.
14. Wijerathna, M.P., & Chae, Y. B. (2018, November 8-10). Parental influence on career identity and career aspiration of Sri Lankan undergraduates (Poster presentation). 17th International Asian Conference of Academy of Human Resource Development, Bangkok, Thailand.
15. Wijerathna, M.P., & Chae, Y. B. (2018, November 8-10). ‘Phee Noi’ (Little Ghosts): Explore the barriers of illegal Thai workers in South Korea (Poster presentation). 17th International Asian Conference of Academy of Human Resource Development, Bangkok, Thailand. 16. Wijerathna, M.P. (2018, February 14-17). The lived and career experience: Multi-cultural working women in South Korea (Paper presentation). 25th AHRD Annual Conference in the Americas, Richmond, Virginia, USA.
17.Wijerathna, M.P., & Lee, J. G. (2017, November 8-10). Buddhist women’s views on boundaryless career in Sri Lankan: A qualitative inquiry (Paper presentation). 16th International Asian Conference of Academy of Human Resource Development, Ahmedabad, India.
18. Godden, L., Neault, R. A., Roth, S., & Wijerathna, M.P. (2017). Policy, practice, and practical innovations: International perspectives on the 2017. International Education and Career Guidance Conference, Mexico City, Mexico.
19. Wijerathna, M.P. (2017). Current situation of Sri Lankan career guidance and public policy system: Sri Lankan country report. ICCDPP Conference 2017, Seoul, South Korea.
20.Wijerathna, M.P., & Lee, J. G. (2015). Cultural barriers that affect the employee performance of Sri Lankan workers in South Korea (Paper presentation). The Adult and Continuing Education of Korea International Conference, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
Professional Development Certifications & Programs
- Communication and Interpersonal Skills at Work University of Leeds and Institute of Coding, UK
- Korean Language Diploma Kyunghee University
- Preparing international students’ recruitment, graduation, and adjustment supporting program – Korea
- Coordinating and assisting international students to successfully adjust to Korea.
- Multi-cultural community adjustment supporting program – Migrant Center, Korea. Assisting migrant employers, marriage migrants, and foreign workers to successfully adjust to Korean culture and lifestyles.
- Coordinate career guidance and career counseling programs for Sri Lankan Career counselors.
- Conduct a training and development program for foreign workers in Sri Lanka Human Resource Management – Daejong, Korea.
- Training on women entrepreneurship development, International Center for Entrepreneurship and Career Development (ICECD).
- Training program for the Sri Lankan government officers in the Ministry of Skills Development and Vocational Training.
- Korean history proficiency exams
- Chinese character proficiency tests
- Training program for the Sri Lankan government officers, Samael Training Center
- Diploma in Japanese language, Japanese Language Education Association, Sri Lanka
- English language courses, British Council, Sri Lanka.
Memberships
• Association for Talent Development, USA
• International Association for HRM, USA
• Academy of Management, USA
• Academy of Human Resource Development, USA
• Academy of Human Resource Development, UK
• Qualitative Researchers’ Association, USA
• Qualitative Researchers’ Association, Republic of Korea
• International Centre for Career Development and Public Policy
Additional Skills
TECHNOLOGY PROFICIENCIES
· Dreamweaver, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe PageMaker, PowerPoint, Excel, Access, MS Visio Modeler, ANOVA, AMOS, Moodle, Web CT/Web Vista, Blackboard, Course cast, SPSS, SAS, Nvivo, Qualtrics, HRIS, ATS
SOFT SKILLS
· Leadership, interpersonal, problem-solving, communication, teamwork, adaptability, critical thinking, time management, conflict management, and resolution skills.
Timeline
HRD Specialist
Freelancer
01.2022 - Current
Global Legal Translator
Freelancer
08.2020 - Current
Lecturer (Visiting Professor) of HRD
Korea University of Technology and Education
03.2018 - 08.2019
Legal Advisor
Samsung Life Insurance
01.2016 - 12.2016
HRD Expert /Lead Trainer
HRD Service of Korea
04.2015 - 03.2016
Graduate Assistant and Project Coordinator
Korea University of Technology and Education
09.2012 - 02.2015
Lead Trainer/Lecturer
Sri Lankan Bureau of Foreign Employment
04.2010 - 08.2011
Visiting Lecturer
University of Buddhist and Pali
01.2009 - 12.2009
Assistant Lecturer
University of Kelaniya
01.2007 - 08.2009
Doctor of Philosophy - Human Resources (HRD, HRM, Labor, & Counselling)
Korea University of Technology And Education
Master of Business Administration - (HRD, HRM, Labor, & Counselling)
Korea University of Technology And Education
Post Graduate Diploma - Japanese Studies
University of Colombo
Bachelor of Arts - English Language and Literature, Korean Language and Japanese Language
University of Kelaniya
Similar Profiles
Saikiran GurramSaikiran Gurram
Sports Masseur & Massage Therapist at FreelancerSports Masseur & Massage Therapist at Freelancer
MARIA IZABEL BARROSO MAIAMARIA IZABEL BARROSO MAIA
Pharmaceutical and Medical Freelance Translator at FreelancerPharmaceutical and Medical Freelance Translator at Freelancer
Carrie WittigCarrie Wittig
Administrative Assistant at FreelancerAdministrative Assistant at Freelancer