In Ghana, many young people, even those with university degrees, continue to struggle finding jobs. It’s reported that only about 10% of Ghanaian graduates secure employment immediately after completing their mandatory national service.
Business students at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology now have a dedicated digital resource to support their job search. CARISCA’s Career Services Office has launched a website to connect students and recent alumni with employment opportunities and resources to enhance their professional skills.
“We want to see the university help students find career opportunities,” says Dale Rogers, CARISCA executive director. “We hope to move to 100% employment of graduates.”
CARISCA launched the new website in September during a two-hour virtual event. Speakers included Jeffrey Moore, director of business strategy for Dell Technologies, who delivered a keynote address on “Strategic Talent Acquisition: Navigating the Evolving Landscape of Recruitment.”
“It is a magnificent leap forward for those going through the educational experience and seeking employment opportunities after that,” said Moore about the new website. “To have this digital way of connecting with prospective employees is phenomenal.
“Everything is going digital, and this website announces to the world that KNUST is ready to enter into that space,” he continued. This is going to change the lives of students.”
To accommodate the new digital approach, the Career Services website connects students with employers online and creates opportunities that were previously out of reach.
Key features of the website include:
- Online job board: A user-friendly interface for browsing job listings and application processes.
- Resources and tools: Comprehensive tools for resume building, interview preparation and career planning.
- Alumni and employer pages: Dedicated sections tailored to the needs of alumni and employers.
- Updates on workshops and events: Section highlighting upcoming programs on building professional skills and networking opportunities.
Over 160 participants, including students, alumni, faculty and industry professionals, attended the virtual launch. In addition to the keynote address from Moore, the event featured a panel discussion with key players from industry, government and academia.
The panelists spoke on embracing digital transformation in the workplace. They shared insights on the need for interdisciplinary learning, ethical considerations in digital transformation, and the role of partnerships between academia and industry.
Visit the website to explore its features at careerservices.carisca.org
Student Mentorship Program
The Career Services Office has also launched a pilot mentorship program.
This initiative seeks to bridge the gap between academic knowledge and real-world experience by connecting students with mentors who can guide their personal and professional development.
“Through this program, students will not only gain valuable insights but also build a network that aligns with their career goals,” says Nana Ama Tawiah, Career Services Office manager.
During the pilot program, about 25 KNUST School of Business students will be paired with industry professionals for six months. Experienced professionals in fields such as supply chain management, human resources, finance, and more have applied to become mentors.
Following the pilot phase, the mentorship program will be expanded to all KSB students.