University of Ghana’s SFAO Launches Career Development Initiative to Empower Students with Essential Job Skills

By
Ellis Ferdinand
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University of Ghana’s SFAO Launches Career Development Initiative to Empower Students with Essential Job Skills
University of Ghana’s SFAO Launches Career Development Initiative to Empower Students with Essential Job Skills

Ferdinand | EducationGhana |  March 18|University of Ghana’s SFAO Launches Career Development Initiative to Empower Students with Essential Job Skills


The University of Ghana’s Students’ Financial Aid Office (SFAO) launches a career development initiative, offering workshops on CV and cover letter writing to boost employability skills for financial aid beneficiaries.

 

University of Ghana Launches Career Development Program to Enhance Graduate Employability

 

The Students’ Financial Aid Office (SFAO) at the University of Ghana has officially launched an empowering career development initiative, aiming to equip financial aid beneficiaries with critical employability skills that will better prepare them for the job market. The maiden workshop, which took place today, focused on CV writing and cover letter crafting, providing hands-on, practical guidance to students on how to create compelling applications tailored to job opportunities.

This initiative is a step toward addressing the skills gap that many students face when transitioning from academic life to professional careers. The program is designed to enhance the employability of students by imparting them with the tools they need to confidently navigate the competitive job market after graduation.

Empowering Students with Job Application Skills

The first workshop, focusing on CV writing and cover letter customisation, was designed to teach students how to highlight their skills, experiences, and achievements effectively. The session emphasized the importance of personalisation in job applications, helping students understand that generic applications do not stand out to employers.

 

During the workshop, students participated in hands-on exercises that allowed them to practice tailoring their CVs and cover letters to specific job descriptions. This practical component gave them the opportunity to engage directly with the material and ask questions in real-time, making the learning process interactive and applicable to their future job-seeking efforts.

In her speech at the launch, Ms. Selina Torrison Saaka, Head of the Students’ Financial Aid Office, expressed the office’s commitment to equipping students with the necessary tools to succeed in the competitive job market. She explained, “We are committed to providing our beneficiaries with the tools they need to succeed in the job market. This initiative will help ensure that our students graduate not just with academic knowledge but with the skills that employers are looking for.”

Facilitating Career Readiness with Expert Guidance


The workshop was facilitated by Ms. Edwina Paintsil, the Counsellor and Placement Coordinator at the university, who led the students through various exercises designed to improve their professional profiles. Ms. Paintsil highlighted that customisation is key when crafting CVs and cover letters. She explained, “One of the biggest mistakes students make when applying for jobs is using the same generic CV for all positions. Each job opportunity requires a tailored application that demonstrates how your unique skillset fits the employer’s needs.”

Ms. Paintsil’s insights were valuable to the students, as they learned how to write targeted job applications that not only reflect their qualifications but also their professionalism and understanding of the company’s goals.

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A Supportive Partnership with The Educative Collaborative Initiative


The career development workshop is part of a broader project titled, “Enhancing Graduate Employability by Providing Comprehensive Soft Skills Training for Students of Financial Aid.” This program has been made possible thanks to a micro-grant from The Educative Collaborative Initiative, a partnership that aims to provide additional opportunities for students to enhance their professional profiles before entering the job market.

This collaboration marks the beginning of a series of initiatives that will expand the scope of the career development program. Future workshops will focus on digital skills training, which are becoming increasingly important as employers seek employees with industry-relevant competencies. The addition of digital skills training will provide students with the tools necessary to thrive in the rapidly evolving job landscape, from proficiency in digital platforms to data analysis and social media management.

Enhancing Graduate Employability: A Key Objective


The overarching goal of the career development initiative is to enhance graduate employability by providing comprehensive soft skills training for all students receiving financial aid. This initiative acknowledges that employability is about more than just academic qualifications; it is about building a robust professional portfolio that highlights relevant skills and experiences. With competition for jobs intensifying, students need to stand out and present themselves as industry-ready professionals.

The initiative’s focus on employability and career readiness reflects a growing awareness within higher education institutions of the importance of soft skills in the job market. As students move into the workforce, they will be expected not only to possess technical knowledge but also to demonstrate communication, problem-solving, and critical thinking abilities that will set them apart from their peers.

Looking Ahead: Preparing Students for a Changing Job Market


As the world of work continues to evolve, with technology driving change in many sectors, it is essential that students are prepared for the future of work. The University of Ghana, through the SFAO and its new career development initiative, is ensuring that students have access to the resources they need to succeed professionally.

The initiative represents a forward-thinking approach to addressing the needs of students in an increasingly competitive job market. By helping students develop essential employability skills, such as CV writing, cover letter crafting, and digital proficiency, the program is helping prepare them for success in an ever-changing world.

In conclusion, the launch of this career development initiative marks a significant step toward equipping students with the skills and resources they need to thrive in their chosen careers. With a focus on real-world application and practical guidance, the program promises to have a lasting impact on the employability of University of Ghana graduates.

 

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