On Friday, August 30, 2024, the University of Energy and Natural Resources (UENR) Alumni Association hosted its inaugural Job and Career Fair. Themed “Empowering Futures: Building Careers and Driving Innovation,” this event was designed to provide valuable career guidance to students, recent graduates, and school leavers at no cost.
The fair was a highlight of the Alumni Association’s annual Alumni Month celebrations in August, which also included other development projects like the renovation of the UENR Clinic’s Antenatal Unit, the Sports Directorate, and the Alumni Secretariat. The primary objective of the fair was to connect final-year students and recent graduates with employment opportunities, internships, and expert career advice. The event drew over 800 participants, featured 15 corporate institutions, and showcased numerous exhibitors.
Speaking at the event, Ing. Lewis Ofori Amankona, the Global Alumni Chairman of the UENR Alumni Association, highlighted the significance of the Job and Career Fair as a vital bridge between academia and the professional world. He remarked that the fair was specifically crafted to address the needs of participants, offering students and recent graduates access to resources, workshops, and mentorship opportunities that are crucial for enhancing their employability and professional skill set.
Ing. Lewis Ofori Amankona, Global Alumni Chairman
Gracing the occasion was the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Elvis Asare-Bediako, who emphasized the rapidly evolving nature of our world, with technology advancing at an unprecedented pace and global challenges growing increasingly complex. He underscored that UENR is not just a center of learning, but an incubator of talent, a hub of innovation, and a catalyst for societal progress.
Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Elvis Asare-Bediako
Prof. Asare-Bediako stressed that work experience is no longer an optional extra for university students but an essential part of preparing graduates for the job market. He outlined the strategic steps UENR has taken to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and values needed to navigate the complexities of the modern world. The Vice-Chancellor also encouraged employers to recognize the unique value that UENR graduates bring and to invest in their growth and development. He said, “Graduates of the University of Energy and Natural Resources are uniquely positioned to drive innovation in their respective fields. The university has trained students to think critically, solve problems creatively, and approach challenges with an open mind.”
The Fair also featured a panel discussion where experts shared their experiences and offered guidance on how students can address some of the world’s most pressing problems. The panel covered a wide range of topics, including the skills needed to succeed, the future of technology, entrepreneurship, hospitality, and innovation. Participants were encouraged to show determination in gaining experience through internships, short courses, and other opportunities available during their time at the university. They were also advised to network, learn to drive, and use their free time to develop skills sought by potential employers.
Cross-section of participants.
The insightful panel discussion provided graduates with advice on how to carve out their career paths, helping to combat the wave of unemployment faced by many after university. Additionally, participants were taught how to write effective CVs, craft standout applications, and prepare for job interviews.
The Career Fair attracted diverse employers, including banks, insurance companies, mining industries, IT firms, fashion designers, small and medium enterprises, hospitality businesses, management consultants, and government organizations. The event provided a valuable opportunity for businesses to engage directly with students, offering them insights into the skills that 21st-century employers are seeking.
