The Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) School of Business (KSB) has hosted the KSB Professional Engagement Series to groom the next generation of entrepreneurs and transformational leaders.
The event under the theme “Professional Certification and Practice in the 21st Century”, forms part of KSB’s preparations for its 20th anniversary celebration.
The engagement series aimed to foster discussions on academic, professional, and corporate pursuits while connecting students with corporate bodies, policymakers, and industry professionals.
Professor Agyapong Ahmed, Dean of KSB, encouraged students to take advantage of the opportunities provided through the series to develop employable skills.
“It is an opportunity for you to understand what is happening within the professional world and industry and to equip yourself to be employable after school,” he said.
Mr. Robert Dzato, CEO of the Chartered Institute of Bankers Ghana (CIB Ghana), advised students to utilize their time in school to build their professional skills.
“The best time to study is now, and the best time to combine your academics with building a professional qualification is now,” he urged.
Mr. Paul Aninakwah, Country Director for the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA)-Ghana, Cote D'Ivoire, Liberia, and Sierra Leone, recounted his journey as a KNUST graduate from 2007.
He encouraged students to add value to their degrees while still in school. “A degree is great, but acquiring a professional qualification will make you stand out,” he emphasized.
Mrs. Agnes Addai Armah of the Chartered Institute of Human Resource Management (CIHRM) and Mr. Patrick Andoh, Executive Secretary of the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT Ghana), advised students to be exceptional in their fields.
“Recruiters are looking for candidates with added value. Be tough, be ready, and find ways to enhance your degree,” Mr. Andoh stated.
Mr. Andoh also encouraged students, especially those in logistics and supply chain management, to apply their knowledge in practical ways. “You must apply what you learn in school, put those thoughts together, and create opportunities for yourself,” he advised.
Mr. Kwabena Agyekum, Registrar and CEO of the Chartered Institute of Marketing Ghana (CIMG), commended KSB for organizing such an engagement series to equip students with employable skills.
The panel also featured Mr. Alhassan Yussif from the Institute of Chartered Accountants Ghana (ICAG), Ms. Ernestina Amoateng, Marketing Developer at the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), and Mr. Prince Adu, Membership Chair for the Information Systems Audit and Control Association (ISACA).
The program concluded with a question-and-answer session where students engaged the panelists on key concerns regarding professional development and career prospects.
