INFOCTESS-UEW Holds Summit for Final Year Students
In a significant initiative aimed at equipping final-year students with essential tools for their future careers, the Information and Communication Technology Education Students (INFOCTESS) at the University of Education, Winneba (UEW) held a summit, dubbed “Beyond the Degree.”
The event took place at the North Campus Mini-Conference Room of UEW and attracted a diverse audience of students, educators, and industry professionals.
Centred around the theme, “From Campus to Career: Leveraging Technology for Career Growth in the Digital Age,” the summit sought to address the pressing challenges students face as they transition from academic to professional life. It featured a series of keynote speeches, analytical discussions, and interactions to enhance participants' understanding of how technology can be harnessed to boost career prospects.
Opening the summit, Ms. Esther Gyimah, a senior lecturer at the Department of Information and Communication Technology Education (ICTE), UEW, underscored the significance of technology in today’s job market. "With the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) and other innovative technologies, the job market has evolved, and this summit is designed to help students navigate their career paths post-graduation," she stated. Ms. Gyimah encouraged attendees to consider various options, including job opportunities and further studies.
Prof. Benjamin Ghansah, the chairman of the event, delivered a compelling speech, highlighting the necessity of building a strong online presence. "Your digital experience is one of your most valuable assets in the job market," he asserted, urging students to utilise platforms like LinkedIn and job search tools to enhance their employability. He also discussed the importance of continuous learning and adaptability in a rapidly changing technological landscape.
Dr. Delali Kwasi Dake, Head of the Department of ICTE, addressed the importance of entrepreneurship, urging students to embrace risk-taking and innovation. "The job market is competitive, and creating your own opportunities can be a viable path," he stated. Dr. Dake emphasised the need for passion and persistence in entrepreneurship, encouraging students to pursue their ideas despite challenges.
Ms. Belinda Osei-Mensah, a lecturer at the School of Communication and Media Studies (SCMS), UEW shared insights on personal branding and networking. "In a saturated job market, what makes you stand out is your personal brand," she explained. Ms. Osei-Mensah provided practical tips for students to build their brands, emphasising the need for authenticity and effective communication.
Dr. Joseph Kwarteng, a research associate at the Open University in the UK, who presented by virtual mode, focused on scholarships and funding opportunities for further education. He outlined various types of scholarships, including merit-based and needs-based options, and encouraged students to seek out those opportunities to enhance their academic credentials actively.
Mr. Confidence Mawusi, Community Engagement Coordinator at QS ImpACT, concluded the summit with a call to action for students to take responsibility for their futures. "Your life is your CV," he remarked, stressing the importance of building a strong personal and professional identity. Mr. Mawusi highlighted the significance of networking and developing human skills, which he deemed essential for success in any career.
The summit provided a platform for students to engage with industry professionals and gain valuable insights into navigating their future careers. As the event wrapped up, attendees left with a renewed sense of purpose and direction, ready to leverage technology and personal branding in their professional journeys.
With events like “Beyond the Degree,” INFOCTESS-UEW is setting a precedent for educational institutions to follow in preparing students for the complexities of the modern workforce, emphasising the essential integration of technology in professional growth and development.
