The University of Ghana Department of Earth Science has organised a job and career fair for continuing and final-year students

The event which took place at the school's Yiri Lodge on Wednesday, July 20, provided an opportunity for engagement, networking and potential partnerships between employers and students.

It was held in collaboration with the University of Ghana Earth Science Students' Association (UGESSA) and the Ghana Institution of Geoscientists (GhIG).

In his opening address, Head of the Department of Earth Science, Prof Patrick Asamoah Sakyi, described the process of securing employment as bilateral.

He explained that students, on one hand, need to make themselves attractive to employers, while employers - on the other hand - put in a lot of effort to ensure they select the best students or graduates.

"As students, you are on course to make the most important decision of your life, which is likely going to be the first step towards a successful career.

“Quite often, your first employer is likely to determine the path of your career and can leave a lasting impact on your life," he said.

Prof Sakyi encouraged students to make informed decisions about which career to pursue with the spectrum of companies and non-profit organisations present at the job fair.

Senior lecturer, UG Department of Earth Science, Dr. Prince Ofori Amponsah, advised final-year students not to chase money as they prepare to enter the job market.

Speaking on behalf of Azumah Resources Limited, Dr. Amponsah observed that it is imperative rather to focus on acquiring skills in the early stage while setting oneself on a high pedestal.

"In Azumah Resources, you should know how to integrate. It's all play-all. You are not only going to be there as Geologist but also as a business person.

“Because whatever is happening there is money and if you can't think money, no one needs you. You should be smart and buy into the vision of the company," he added.

Sheena Cash-Abbey, an alumna of the Department who is currently working with Intertek Minerals as a Business Development Associate shared an inspiring story of how she landed her first job after completing her first degree.

According to her, she got the opportunity to join the minerals' team of the company in Tarkwa after serving as a national service person.

Human Resource Manager for Schlumberger, Grace Kumi-Otopah, said they aspire to recruit more female Geoscientists.

She revealed that Schlumberger has a unit dubbed ‘Faculty of Future’ which promotes female participation in industrial activities.

Meanwhile, a representative from Sahara Natural Resources, Daniel Okyere Mensah, admonished students to take steps to learn other international languages, especially French.

He contended that Ghana is surrounded by Francophone countries; so, having proficiency in other foreign languages could boost one’s chances of landing a job.

The Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC), a major sponsor of the event, seized the moment to express profound gratitude to the UG Department of Earth Science for producing a considerable number of its personnel.

The company’s Human Resource Manager, Samuel Addoteye, indicated that they are looking forward to more years of collaboration between industry and academia.

“These are your old students working with me and they are doing extremely well. For University of Ghana, the only department we have a relationship with is the Department of Earth Science," he touted.

The job and career fair was attended by many distinguished academics including the Dean of the School of Physical and Mathematical Sciences, Prof Sandow Mark Yidana and the School's administrator, Mrs Mawuena Abortta.

Others were; Prof. David Atta-Peters, Prof. Chris Anani, Dr. Yvonne Loh, Dr. Daniel Kwasiyi, Dr. Samuel Nunoo, Mrs. Jennifer Agbetsoamedo, Mrs. Naa Afi Agra and Mrs. Abigail Ayikwei.

Executives of the UG Earth Science Students’ Association (UGESSA) - including the President, Angela Boye; Vice President, Jackline Ama-Timah; Secretary, Portia Danjuma and Public Relations Officer, Michael Agbo - were all present at the event.