By Victor Turinawe
Information Communication Technology (ICT) experts have advised Computing and Technology Engineering students at Uganda Christian University (UCU) to embrace postgraduate ICT certification programs as a way to help them stand out from the job-seeking crowds.
The experts addressed students in their second and third years of study at a one-day career development programme under the theme “Emerging Computer Careers, Shaping the Future”.
“After the university has laid this ground, then definitely, what happens thereafter is personal choice. It is not just about classroom stuff. Adding a certification on top of your degree pushes you from the crowds as many universities are releasing very many graduates every year but your certifications will do you a favour,” Martin Obora, the Director in charge of Academic Relations at Information Systems Audit and Control Association (ISACA), Kampala Chapter said.
Bernard Wanyama, the former president of the ISACA Kampala Chapter, tipped the students to expand their mindset and collaborate in their careers.
“When you innovate and start up a technology company, also think about how to exit it,” Wanyama added.
Dr. Patrick Muinda, the Acting Commissioner of Library, E-learning, and Information and Technology in the Ministry of Education and Sports, encouraged the students to discover opportunities outside the industry.
“Many graduates are class-minded. Once you take them away from the knowledge they obtained from class, you become dangerous to them. Develop and have skills before you leave UCU on top of the knowledge you are acquiring from class,” said Muinda.
Winnie Thakker Kasujja, the Senior Human Resource Officer at UCU, advised students to brand themselves to thrive in the job market. “Your degree gets you shortlisted; your behaviour gets you retained. Many technically strong interns fail due to poor workplace conduct. Every action contributes to your professional reputation,” Kasujja advised.
The experts further told students to utilise the already available certification association and get certifications such as Certified Information System Auditor (CISA), Advanced in Artificial Intelligence Audit (AAIA), Certified Cyber Security Operations Analyst (CCOA), Certified Data Privacy Solutions Engineer (CDPSE) and many others to boost the value of their degree certificates and transcripts.
