Efforts without integrity are meaningless, youth told

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Youth have been tipped on work discipline and to have better career goals to thrive in the corporate environment.

During the 2024 Makerere University Career Fair on March 15, 2024, hundreds of youth got insights from experts in higher education, banking, marketing and human resources on issues of employment opportunities, networking and choosing a proper career path.

Stanbic Bank head of personnel Israel Arinaitwe told the youth who want to venture into self-employment to think in terms of problem-solving to get clients. According to him, creating a solution to a problem has the biggest market, especially since everyone is bound to have a problem.

“Be open-minded. Think about the problem you want to solve, the answer to the questions that people have and you must put in the hours to work. Even thieves work hard. There is no shortcut,” Arinaitwe said.

Arinaitwe also mentioned that however hard youth work, efforts without integrity are meaningless.

“You have to be a continuous learner. Remember that there is going to be failure; I have failed a lot, but in my failure, I have learnt a lot. Your degree is your licence to operate so don’t lose. At least fail and learn,” Arinaitwe said.

On her part, Faith Mirembe, the talent and resourcing manager at Bank of Africa highlighted the importance of soft skills in the corporate world. According to her, youth should not only limit themselves to the technical skills that universities offer.

“Do not ignore soft skills like how you greet your colleagues, teamwork, punctuality, and how you carry yourself at work. Be diverse and open-minded because work spaces are inclusive,” she noted, adding how the current generation is unique and can be of value to the corporate world.

Scholarship opportunities

Ezra Nuwenyine, the education advisor at the US embassy in Uganda, tipped on how to tap into scholarship opportunities.

He emphasized the need for them to look out for universities that match their personas, rather than high-end institutions only.

“When applying for these scholarships, make sure you get to know the co-ordinator of the programme you want such that when you write to them, they feel familiar with you. Look them up on social media and recognise their achievements. Nuwenyine explained, adding that academic excellence is not the only qualification considered by scholarship providers.

Nuwenyine further advised students to avoid direct requests for funding when applying for scholarships. Instead, it's important to express interest in participating in the programme before discussing funds.

Experts stressed the value of international education stating that it is a multicultural education system which helps youth to remain tolerant, helping them grow in life-long exposures.

A total of 66 job offers were made available at the Makerere University career fair, which partnered with 20 companies. Students applied for internship opportunities, training programmes and job vacancies.

Makerere University deputy vice-chancellor Umar Kakumba implored the partners to donate outdoor screens to a preferred faculty that matches their niche.

“If you can find a school that reaches the niche of your product and service and donate a smart screen that can continuously run your information, the school can utilise that screen for educational purposes and to showcase the school’s activities, isn’t that a good innovation?” Kakumba said.

The power of volunteering, internship

Exploring the impact of volunteering while sharing their internship experiences, experts further revealed the power of the two.

Coca-Cola human resource manager Alice Namugawe cautioned youth on approaching workplaces with the immediate intention of getting paid.  

Alice Namugawe HR Manager Coca Cola Uganda addressing participants during the Makerere University annual career fair on March 15, 2024. (Photo by Nancy Nanyonga)

“There is power in internship and volunteering. It is experience and you have to look beyond getting paid. If you get the opportunity, learn how to keep it, do not lag and get comfortable. Make sure you are good at what you do,” Namugawe mentioned.

She further implored youth to always ask questions as this will reveal to them information beyond that they know of.

The ‘connection’ perception

Responding to youth’s concerns of employment based on connections, Bank of Africa’s Faith Mirembe noted that the corporate world is one filled with talent and that there is competition on showcasing talent in work places.

“Stop the stereotyping. I got two graduates from this university and they are at the bank working. I can assure you that I do not know any of them or their families. Put yourselves out there. In an event like this, make sure you network and get contacts. Don't leave the same way you came” Mirembe said.

She emphasized the need for collaboration and teamwork among the youth to reach great heights.

Themed Breaking Barriers and Finding Purpose, the Makerere University Career Fair event is organized by the Makerere University Counselling and Guidance Centre in collaboration with the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program.

The goal for the Career Fair is to engage with 10,000 students across the entire university.