By Our Reporter
The 10th edition of the NSSF Career Expo has come to an end. The annual event which targets students at higher institutions of learning as well as fresh graduates concluded on Friday after running virtually for three days.
The event featured panel discussions where speakers dissected different topical issues aimed at opening up students to new opportunities beyond their degrees so they are better prepared for the versatile job market.
The panelists included industry experts in the business, banking and tech sector such as Ron Kawamara, the CEO Jumia Uganda; Juliana Kaggwa, the Head of Corporate Relations at Uganda Breweries Limited; and Emma Mugisha, the Executive Director & Head Corporate and Investment Banking at Stanbic Bank Uganda among others.
During the expo, the need to upskill was underscored and participants were advised to keep learning and acquiring more skills beyond their university degree.
“Arriving at your first job is not the destination. You need to stay curious and keep learning. Continuous learning and reading the right books will come in handy.” Emma Mugisha noted.
The other speaker, Ms Kaggwa added that learning new skills does not require one to sit in a traditional classroom because one can easily learn online. “You do not need to be in a classroom to upskill yourself. There is a lot of content online.” Juliana Kaggwa said. “Also keep looking for gurus in different fields, expose yourself to the right people who can impart digital skills since it’s the way to go.”
“What will make a difference for you is the soft skills, and these are not taught in class.” Ron Kawamara, the CEO Jumia Uganda also noted.
The NSSF Career Expo is a platform for students to network and learn from established industry practitioners for career advice, personal growth as well as extend opportunities to land internship and practice opportunities.
Started in 2011, the expo has reached over 300,000 university, tertiary and vocational institutional students from 18 institutions; and directly impacted over 167,000 students with unique skill sets in the professional job market and business start-up projects.