The University of Ghana Careers and Counselling Centre (UGCCC) held its 10th Career Week on the theme 'Embracing Opportunities, Charting your Career Path'.
The three (3) day event which took place at the Cedi Conference Centre included an Industry-Academia Forum, a Career Fair, a Corporate Icon contest, and the ‘DCODED Show’ which is a mental health awareness programme interspersed with entertainment.
A cross-section of participants at the event
Dr. Bridget Ben-Naimah, Director of the Careers and Counselling Centre, welcomed participants to the Forum and expressed gratitude to companies and organisations that have collaborated with UGCCC over the years to hold the Career Week, which offers students with the opportunity to engage with industry in one space to understand the trends of the world of work so that they can prepare appropriately before leaving the University. She singled out the UG Confucius Institute, which collaborated with UGCCC to bring in several Chinese subsidiary companies to participate in the Career Fair, for special mention.
Mrs. Emelia Agyei-Mensah, Registrar of the University of Ghana, was the Guest of Honour at the Forum, which also served as the opening ceremony of the Career Week. In her address, she congratulated UGCCC for consistently holding the Career Week for ten years. She emphasised the need for students to plan their career paths by seeking counsel when making their career choices. She also encouraged students, not to focus only on academics, but to seize opportunities to learn and prepare themselves for the corporate world through internships during vacations or while in school if it is possible.
Mrs. Emelia Agyei-Mensah, Registrar
Panelists for the Forum took turns to share their experiences on seizing opportunities that led them into their current occupations, which they are benefiting from. They stressed on the need for young people to be willing to move out of their comfort zones so that they would not be limited in identifying their career choices. The panelists included Dr. Bella Bello Bitugu, the Director of Sports at the University of Ghana, Mr. Kafui Dey of GTV, Mr. Derrick Crentsil, Lead Consultant, La Lune Digital Consult and creator of 'Waakye Summit', and Mr. Joshua Ghanem, Country Director of Alx.
Mr. Caleb Kudah of Citi TV moderated the panel discussion. Students had the opportunity to ask panelists questions related to the discussion.
Other guests present were Mrs. Lydia A. Nyako-Danquah, Director of Academic Affairs; Dr. Helena Lamptey, Research Fellow and Supervisor at Noguchi Memorial Research Institute; and Mrs. Emma Ocran, Counsellor at NAFTI - UNIMAC.
Platinum, Gold, and Silver sponsors and partners included TotalEnergies, Moovemart, Alx, FBN Bank, L'aine Services, Obsidian Achenar, SEO Africa, Bel Aqua, and UG Confucius Institute.
The Career Fair, which showcased thirty companies, was highly attended by students who interacted with each company individually. Opportunities for internships, National Service, and long-term employment were provided to students.
Five students were shortlisted for the Corporate Icon contest. They were interviewed by a three (3) member panel of top officials from TotalEnergies and Moovemart.
A student being interviewed during the Corporate Icon contest
At the end of the contest, Mr. Abraham Kpirikai, a Level 400 Biochemistry and Molecular Sciences student, was selected as the Corporate Icon for 2023. In addition to items received as part of his award, he was offered National Service leading to training and permanent employment with one of the sponsoring companies. Other contestants received consolation prizes.
(Middle) Abraham Kpirikai being adjudged the Corporate Icon for 2023
The Career Week ended with the ‘DCODED Show’ which discussed the need for students to set their priorities right when it comes to books, economy, and love. Panelists included Ms. Emefa Apawu, a journalist with Joy FM; Dr. Cecilia Eliason, a Senior Lecturer at the School of Nursing, UG; UG-SRC Secretary, Miss. Emmanuella Boakye – Yiadom; Mr. Frank Tsikata, UG Student Activist. The host for the Show was Clinical Psychologist Rev. Fr. Anthony Afriyie Amponsah.
A group photo of panelist for the ‘DCODED Show'
