On March 29th 2024, the University of Ghana Actuarial Science and Statistics Society (UGASS) organized an engaging webinar that brought together students, lecturers, and industry professionals to discuss the theme Staying Relevant in the Future World of Data. The event featured Prof. Richard Minkah, an Associate Professor of Computational Statistics in the Department of Statistics and Actuarial Science, Mr. Francis Lavoe, an experienced Statistician with the World Bank, and Mr. Gyimah Nicholas, a final-year student pursuing Statistics and Economics, as the keynote speakers.
Prof. Minkah emphasized to students that the foundation for success is built in the classroom, highlighting that it’s not merely about memorizing material to pass exams but about developing the skills and mindset to stand out. He shared three key pieces of advice:
Take projects seriously: Projects are invaluable for bridging theory and practice. Whether it's building models in R or analyzing data in Excel, they demonstrate how statistical concepts apply in real-world scenarios.
Master software tools: Employers seek candidates with practical skills, not just theoretical knowledge. Proficiency in tools like R, Python, and Power BI can provide a significant competitive advantage.
Be intentional with course selection: Instead of choosing electives arbitrarily, students should select courses that align with their long-term career goals. Mr. Lavoe opened his talk with a surprising confession: I was once one of the most confused students in the department of Statistics and Actuarial Science, but I'm currently at the World Bank. It was hard to imagine someone in his esteemed position once felt so uncertain, but that was precisely his message—everyone starts somewhere. He candidly shared his struggles with self-doubt and the uncertainty of his career path. Yet, he used those challenges to inspire students to embrace their own journeys. His key advice included: Embrace confusion as growth: Feeling stuck or uncertain is not failure; it’s the beginning of learning and development.
Prioritize practical skills: What you practice today—be it data cleaning, analysis, or visualization—lays the foundation for your future success.
Be open to opportunities: You do not need a perfect plan. Say yes to new experiences, take risks, and learn as you go.
Mr. Lavoe’s journey is a testament to the fact that confusion doesn’t hold you back—only giving up does. His story resonated deeply, offering a powerful reminder that perseverance and adaptability lead to success.
Mr. Nicholas Gyimah, a final-year student and the UGASS Programs Director, wrapped up the discussion with practical advice that resonated deeply with his peers. Addressing the challenge of balancing academics, leadership roles, and personal development, Nicholas posed the critical question: How do you manage it all and still grow?
His recommendations were straightforward and actionable:
Prioritize personal development: Growth outside the classroom is essential. Take time to acquire new skills, whether through online courses or mastering public speaking. Investing in yourself is key to standing out.
Be intentional with your commitments: Avoid overextending yourself. Focus on what truly matters—your academic success, personal growth, and mental well-being.
Leverage LinkedIn effectively: Employers are not just reviewing CVs; they are researching you. Nicholas emphasized the importance of building a presence on LinkedIn. LinkedIn is not just for job seekers, he said. “It’s for students who want to share their journey and tell their story.
Nicholas left the audience with a powerful message: You can succeed academically and still grow as a person, but you must prioritize showing up for yourself first. His words served as both motivation and a roadmap for navigating the demands of student life while preparing for a successful future.