Award-winning investigative journalist, Manasseh Azure Awuni has charged final year students of the University of Professional Studies, Accra to translate their passions and ideas into establishing business ventures, as that could serve as an avenue for job creation not only for themselves but also to their colleagues.
He observed that employment opportunities may not always be readily available for graduates after school, and thus, it was incumbent on the fresh graduate to identify a challenge or a need in society and create a solution to address those challenges or needs.
“Don’t wait for opportunities, try as much as possible to create them,” Mr. Awuni said. “If you are saying here today that you don’t have the platform, what I’m saying is that create them. Do not wait for people to employ you before you can do something.”
Mr Awuni, who was addressing Level 400 students of the Faculty of Information Technology and Communication Studies at the 2021 Professional Master Class on Tuesday, June 6, explained that graduates can identify talented students in their ranks and “form alliances” by coming together to establish enterprises that can utilise the peculiar skill set of each member.
The event was on the theme, “Excelling as a Professional Graduate in an uncertain World of Work”.
Recounting his media journey, the editor of The Fourth Estate online news portal partly attributed his high expertise in television news reporting to the experiences he garnered as an intern with the public broadcaster, the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation.
He stressed that internship was an essential component to the development of one’s career as it provides the necessary platforms for students to acquire real-world experience and build them up for future portfolios.
“Internship is important,” he emphasised. “Don’t look at the money alone, [most times] you need the experience.”
On pursuing a lasting career, Mr. Awuni advised students not to be influenced or enticed by the huge financial packages that often accompany certain job offers.
He explained that money is good but it should not be the singular basis upon which a student pursues a particular career path or accepts a particular job.
He said students must first consider their passion for the job. Apart from following one’s passion, Mr. Awuni encouraged students to uphold their integrity and concentrate on building their careers and not be discouraged by persons who do not believe in their dreams or doubt their capabilities.
Mr Azure Awuni asserted that student can only achieve success by setting their priorities right in life and not allowing societal pressures to weigh them down.
The 2012 Ghana Journalist of Year concluded his address by emphasising the need for students to read widely in order to expand their knowledge base.
“Don’t let your education end the day you pass your [final] examination and leave. Read widely. Reading will set you apart no matter which field you find yourself [in].”
The Faculty presented a citation of honour to the speaker in appreciation of his contribution to and impact on society.
