The Career Services Centre at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Kumasi, in collaboration with GCB Bank PLC, Ghana National Petroleum Company (GNPC), and other partners, organized the 2024 Career Fair, a platform where employers and potential employees (top talents from KNUST) connect, collaborate, and share career opportunities.

The fair was held on the theme ‘Collaborating for Mutually Beneficial Outcomes’ on Tuesday, June 18, 2024, at the Great Hall of the University.

The Vice-Chancellor, Professor (Mrs.) Rita Akosua Dickson, in her address, remarked that the fair transcends a mere series of booth activities and presentations. It represents a pivotal opportunity for students to engage with potential employers and gain invaluable insights into the professional world beyond campus.

She emphasised that in today's rapidly evolving job market, students must be proactive, adaptable, and well-informed about the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead.

"This fair provides a unique platform to connect with industry leaders and ask relevant questions. The connections made here today will pave the way for internships, mentorships, and future employment opportunities," she advised.

Professor (Mrs.) Dickson also expressed her gratitude to the sponsors of the fair and the industry partners for their support.

According to the Director of the Centre, Mrs. Selina Angmor, the establishment of the KNUST Career Services Centre underscores the University's commitment to equip students with unparalleled resources and opportunities, to enable them to realise their utmost potential, as they build on their entrepreneurial acumen, and become internationally competitive.

She noted that the Centre stands as a beacon of hope and a nexus of opportunities, providing indispensable guidance, support, and resources to navigate the complexities of career paths, with unwavering confidence and determination.

Mr. Peter Bosrotsi, the Human Resource Risk and Operations Manager at GCB Bank PLC, noted that as the Bank celebrates its 70th anniversary, it is committed to identifying and nurturing talents for the next 70 years.

"We are seeking top talents from KNUST who will be the future Managing Directors of the Bank. Talents will have opportunities for internships and National Service to prepare them for leadership roles at GCB Bank PLC," he stated.

Dr. Caroline Aggrey-Fynn, the Deputy Manager of GNPC Foundation, highlighted that there is a gap between theoretical knowledge and practical skills required for industrial work.

She emphasised the importance of a positive attitude in the job market.

"As you prepare to enter the world of work, remember that your attitude can set you apart. Be open-minded, ready to learn, and seek continuous improvement," she encouraged.

Dr. Aggrey-Fynn urged students to identify their talents, explore new ideas, and add value to themselves and their communities to reduce the unemployment rate.

The Fair featured insightful talks on Workplace Expectations, Emotional Intelligence and Critical Thinking, Opportunities in the Agriculture Sector, Graduate Traineeship and Internship opportunities, Studying in the USA, and Student Competitions in Orator of the Year, Sales and Marketing Pitch, and Social Impact competition.

In the Students Competitions, Nana Abrefi Opoku Phillipa emerged as the Orator of the Year.

Doreenda Nti won the Sales and Marketing Pitch, and Nana Agyei Gyebi was adjudged the winner of the Social Impact Competition.

The winners received plaques and cash prizes for their outstanding performances.