By Asenath Were
The transition from university to the professional world can be a challenging time for many graduates. With so many decisions to make, it’s important for students to be well-prepared for the next phase of their lives.
Recently, the Department of Computing and Technology under the Faculty of Engineering, Design, and Technology organized their first Career Launchpad for third-year students, which proved to be a valuable resource for those looking to transition to the working world.
At the event, students gained valuable insights into the working world and practical advice on how to navigate the job market and build successful careers. The sessions covered various aspects of career preparation, including how to package oneself in a CV, how to conduct oneself in interviews, and how to stay active in one’s field of interest. Students were encouraged to start preparing their CVs early and to work on projects that inspire them, as this is how they will learn and enjoy their jobs.
Florence Nakiyingi, the UCU Human Resource Director, encouraged the students to attach a lot of value to themselves through having a great CV because the world out there is very competitive.
“You’ve had your education; you’re graduating; this is more like a finishing; it’s as important as the foundation you’ve received; unfortunately, it can make or break you.” She said,
Winnie Thakker Kasujja encouraged students to do a lot of planning in preparation for their career phase, and this, according to her, started the moment the students started pursuing their bachelor’s degrees.
“Planning starts from the time you started the first year you entered university; you must have started planning for your career at that point.” she said
The speakers at the event emphasized the importance of planning and preparation in one’s career path. Students were encouraged to identify problems in their communities and find technology-based solutions to solve them. They were also reminded that careers are not static and can be changed at any time. Therefore, it’s crucial to plan for one’s career phase from the start of their university education.
Collins Benjamin Eyoga, a third-year BSIT UCU student, says this career launchpad has given him insight into the type of experience he can expect from the working world and that he is now better prepared for what the future holds.
“Students have allegations on what they think the outside working world would be but we have been given insight by the people who have been here to tutor us and now I know how to approach it from the time of interviews and I now know how to take the necessary steps.” He said.
The career talk attracted a number of people in the industry, including Mercy Nekesa, the founder and CEO of Sundetails Business Management Software, Simon Lubambo, the Senior Software Developer at UCU, Florence Nkiyingi the UCU Human Resource director and Winnie Thakker Kasujja, who is part of the UCU HR Department, among others.
In conclusion, the Career Launchpad organized by the Department of Computing and Technology was a valuable resource for third-year students, providing them with practical advice and insights into the working world. The event emphasized the importance of preparation, planning, and staying active in one’s field of interest. By attending this event, students were better equipped to make informed decisions regarding their future career paths.
