The KNUST Career Services Centre has held an industry engagement session in collaboration with the Department of Accounting and Finance as part of efforts to bridge the gap between academia and industry.
The Head of the Department of Accounting and Finance, Professor Michael Adusei, said the programme reflects the department's commitment to producing graduates who are not only academically competent but also prepared to meet the demands of the workplace.
"This achievement affirms our department's commitment to producing graduates who are not only academically sound but also ready for industry," he said.
Highlighting the rapidly changing business and academic landscape, he said technological innovation continues to reshape employers' expectations, making it essential for graduates to possess a blend of technical expertise, critical thinking and entrepreneurial skills.
According to him, the engagement programme provides students with an opportunity to gain first-hand insights into careers in accounting, finance, consulting and advisory services. Participants also learnt about international study opportunities, graduate training programmes and career pathways offered by leading professional organisations.
The Dean of the KNUST School of Business, Professor Ahmed Agyapong, said academic qualifications alone are no longer enough to secure highly paid jobs and urged students to develop additional competencies that would distinguish them from other graduates.
"If you are looking for a four-figure salary, then your degree is enough. But if you are looking for a five-figure salary, then you need to do more beyond the degree," he said.
According to him, the University has established a Skills Development Centre and a Career Services Centre to provide students with training in digital and professional skills at no additional cost.
"We have set up our own Career Services Centre. We have employed competent people, and we are paying them because of you. They have several internship opportunities and have connected students to several organisations," he said.
He encouraged students to make full use of these resources, noting that many fail to take advantage of the opportunities available despite the University's investment.
Professor Agyapong advised students that meaningful interactions with industry professionals, improved curriculum vitae (CV) writing and continuous skills development are critical to securing competitive employment after graduation.
"The only way you can make your CV stand out is through the interactions you have with professionals, the knowledge you gain and how you improve your CV writing," he said.
Audit Manager at Ernst & Young (EY), Mrs Ama Asor Ahenkorah, encouraged students to take ownership of their career development by exploring opportunities, preparing adequately and applying strategically for graduate roles.
Mrs Ahenkorah advised students to seek guidance from lecturers, mentors, career coaches, parents and peers when making career decisions, saying informed conversations could help shape their professional journey. She also encouraged students to use digital platforms and online resources to learn about industries, practise interviews and prepare for recruitment processes.
"Don't limit yourself to anything. Explore, read. Right now, there's social media which has got everything close to us. There are YouTube channels where you can do live interviews and mock interviews," she said.
Highlighting the importance of preparation, she urged students to research potential employers, assess their strengths and equip themselves with practical workplace skills that extend beyond classroom learning.
According to her, proficiency in digital tools such as Microsoft Excel and the responsible use of artificial intelligence have become essential in today's workplace.
"We all know what's a debit and what's a credit, but what makes you stand out? Your IT skills, your Excel skills and those smart skills should be very much on point," she said.
She noted that candidates who prepare thoroughly for aptitude tests and interviews significantly improve their chances of securing employment, adding that online practice platforms can make a substantial difference.
Mrs Ahenkorah emphasised that integrity remains the foundation of the accounting profession, noting that professionals must be able to independently verify financial information before expressing an opinion.
"Integrity is the lifeline of what we are doing," she said. "You must be able to stand behind the opinion you give."
She explained that EY's collaborative work environment requires employees from diverse backgrounds to work together while respecting one another and contributing to shared goals.
The Director of the Career Services Centre, Mrs Selina Angmor Doe, advised students not to focus solely on academic performance but to intentionally develop the professional and interpersonal skills that would distinguish them in an increasingly competitive labour market.
"As you bury your heads in your books, you must be mindful of the world that you will very soon transition into and ensure that you are developing the skills and competencies that will make you thrive," she said.
She noted that graduates from many universities compete for the same employment opportunities and stressed that students must position themselves as candidates capable of adding value to organisations.
"Your work is to ensure that you are developing yourself so that when you stand among your contemporaries, an employer can confidently say, 'I would like to hire this young person because I believe they can add value to my business,'" she said.
According to her, the University regularly engages industry professionals and corporate partners to create opportunities that expose students to workplace expectations and connect them with prospective employers.
"We strive to bring these professionals to you because they create opportunities. Your responsibility is to take advantage of those opportunities," she said.
The Head of Human Resources at Ernst & Young (EY), Mrs Doreen Ocansey, said employers are increasingly looking for graduates who can think critically, interpret data and provide practical solutions to business challenges rather than relying solely on academic knowledge.
She noted that while academic performance remains an important consideration in recruitment, employers are equally interested in graduates who demonstrate agility, leadership potential and the ability to collaborate effectively.
"For EY, we look out for those who have a Second Class Upper or better," she said. "As much as we are saying we look beyond academic excellence, we still need to consider academic excellence."
She explained that EY's graduate trainee programme targets graduates who have completed their national service and possess the qualities needed to thrive in a dynamic work environment.
She said the firm seeks candidates with analytical minds who can interpret information and make informed decisions regardless of their field of study.
"We are looking for agile minds," she said. "We are looking at people who, when presented with data, have the ability to interpret that data and make informed decisions."
According to her, analytical skills are valuable across all professions, including human resources, where data-driven decisions help organisations improve employee wellbeing and business performance.
Using a workplace example, she explained how HR professionals can analyse employee attendance and sick leave trends to recommend interventions that improve productivity and staff welfare.
The President of the Financial Markets Association (ACI FMA), Mr Lawrence Osilaja Boampong, said financial markets influence the daily lives of individuals through activities such as foreign exchange transactions, rising prices, borrowing, investing and entrepreneurship.
"When you hear the concept of financial markets, don't just look at it as something that is far removed from you," he said. "These are things that are very close to us. We are all key players in the financial market space."
He noted that activities such as sending and receiving mobile money, exchanging foreign currencies, purchasing goods, accessing loans and responding to changes in interest rates are all examples of participation in the financial system.
"Buying, selling, spending money, interest rates: these are all activities that make us participants in the financial market," he said.
Mr Boampong encouraged students to become familiar with careers in treasury management, foreign exchange trading and fixed-income markets, describing them as important and rewarding areas within the financial services industry.
Engaging students during the session, he explained that traders play a vital role in financial markets by facilitating the buying and selling of currencies and other financial instruments.
"A trader is someone who engages in buying and selling," he said. "In the financial markets, these are the people who sell foreign currency when you need it for travel and buy it back when you return."
Story: Alice Laura Kyerewaah Prempeh
Photos: Jonathan Gyepi-Attee
