Two hundred students of the Ghana Communication Technology University (GCTU) in Accra have received special training on ways to effectively boost their careers away from academics.

The event held under the theme, ‘Your Career Trajectory: After Graduation What Next’, empowered the students to prioritise entrepreneurial skills.

It focused among other things on effective and modern ways to transition academic skills into workplace proficiency. 

Speaker and Global Human Capital Expert, Dr Pascal Brenya, emphasised the importance of students equipped not only with academic knowledge but entrepreneurship initiatives. 

“Just having a degree for four years won’t be enough. You won’t be the only person who will have that degree. So, we need an engineer who is a pilot.

"So, while you are waiting for a good job to come, you can pick up anything that you can do aside from academics. We need people who will have the mindset of creating jobs to employ other people.”

Dr Brenya also admonished the participants to adapt strategies to develop co-curricular activities and academics for better career development.

“…it is important to learn how to craft a compelling personal statement in a CV, as it serves as the initial point of contact for potential employers.

"Taking time to create a concise and appealing introduction showcasing qualifications, skills, and experiences is crucial for career readiness,” he said. 

It also covered career navigation, networking, interviewing techniques, crafting personal statements, effective CV writing, and job search strategies. 

Then in-depth preparation, and research before job interviews.

Dr. Brenya emphasised the need for students to develop their emotional intelligence - being able to answer tough questions and staying calm under pressure, active listening and confidence.

He gave insights into what he called “My level 100 experience: What I wish I knew or had known.” 

Dr. Brenya encouraged the students to get mentors, form good relationships on campus, do away with aggressive behaviours, dress well and be time-conscious.

“…enjoy your rights with integrity, express your feelings with honesty, ask for what you want with directness and state your views with respect.” 

The event was organised by GCTU business school in collaboration with the African Centre for Career Enhancement and Skills Support (ACCESS) project with support from the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development and DAAD.