Ensign Global College recently hosted an exceptional and informative career development seminar on April 13th, 2023, that was graced by the presence of the distinguished guest speaker, Professor Anna Lartey. The Leadership and Research Seminar Series was a resounding success, with participants gaining valuable insights on how to prepare for and achieve a successful professional career.

Prof. Anna Lartey, a world-renowned Professor of Nutrition at the University of Ghana, shared her extensive knowledge and experience in the field, having previously served as the Director of Nutrition at the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations in Rome, Italy.

During her lecture, she emphasized the crucial role of meeting children's nutritional needs in achieving uniform growth and how her extensive research has enabled her to participate in numerous professional meetings, sharing her expertise with the world.

The seminar covered critical areas of career development, including setting career goals, building extensive networks of professionals, attending conferences, and taking up professional association memberships to connect with other professionals in their field. Prof. Lartey encouraged participants to take advantage of these avenues to open doors and provide invaluable career opportunities.

One of the most significant takeaways from the seminar was Prof. Lartey's emphasis on the importance of having a mentor in developing one's career. She shared her personal experience of having a mentor who helped her navigate the different stages of her career and provided guidance on how to overcome challenges. Participants were inspired by her journey and her ability to overcome adversity in her academic and professional life. She encouraged participants not to be discouraged in the face of challenges and to seek guidance and assistance when needed.

She discussed the five stages of career development and emphasized that understanding each stage is crucial in making informed decisions about one's career path. This advice was invaluable for participants looking to establish themselves in their chosen fields.
She explained the five stages of career development as follows:
1. Exploratory Stage: this is the point where many are scouting for professions or careers, they can fit in.
2. Establishment Stage: this is also known as the entry level stage, where an individual is starting off a major career and meeting new people.
3. Mid-career Stage: at this point, one has worked for a number of years and is experiencing progression and some stability in their career. Many people gain skills and experience and encounter promotions. The quest for greater challenge and more responsibilities is a key component of this stage. This results in many job transition or change.
4. Late-career Stage: more experience and skills have been gained at this point and one journeys on a path of teaching and mentoring with their experience. There is more stability and consolidation of positions. One begins to think about retirement, hence few job changes.
5. Distinguished Retirement Stage: at this final stage, one has compounded many years of experience in their career and is ready to retire or enjoying their retirement.

MPH candidate, Desmond Opare, expressed his inspiration and motivation to achieve his goals after attending the seminar, while Feodora Ofei, another MPH candidate, praised the seminar's informative and insightful content, stating that it would help her make informed decisions about her career path.

Ensign Global College's commitment to providing opportunities for personal and professional growth was evident in the seminar's success. The seminar left participants feeling inspired and motivated to achieving their career goals, thanks to the invaluable advice and knowledge shared by Prof. Lartey. Her exceptional achievements and experience made the seminar a truly enriching and valuable experience for all participants.