Vice-Chancellor of the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA), Prof Abednego Okoe Amartey, has urged final-year students to prioritise their personal development as they prepare to transition to the world of work.
He emphasised the importance of continuous improvement and lifelong learning for them as aspiring professionals.
The Vice Chancellor gave the advice at this year’s Undergraduate Master Class organised for final-year students.
The Master Class forms part of efforts by the university to equip soon-to-be graduates with essential life skills for success beyond academia.
Prof Amartey encouraged the students to commit to building an enviable “life CV,” which he said would serve as a roadmap for their future success.
He explained that a good life CV includes acquiring the right qualifications, skills, experiences, and exposure.
“Academic qualifications serve as the foundation of a life CV,” Prof Amartey said. ”It is important to your personal and professional development and also to demonstrate your dedication and proficiency in your chosen field.
“This explains why the waakye seller who holds a degree is more likely to do well in business than the one without any qualification.”
Prof Amartey also urged the students to leverage the resources and support available at UPSA to cultivate a robust life CV that reflects their unique talents and aspirations.
He stressed that experience, whether gained through internships, volunteer work, or extracurricular activities, adds invaluable depth to one’s professional repertoire.
“I urge you to actively seek out opportunities to apply your knowledge in real-world settings in order to hone your skills and expand your horizons,” he said.
The Vice Chancellor further highlighted the significance of exposure, referring to the breadth of experiences that can broaden students’ perspectives and cultural awareness.
He said that whether through travel, cultural exchanges or involvement in campus initiatives, students must expose themselves to their environment, adding that “exposure fosters a well-rounded individual capable of thriving in diverse environments.”
Dean of the Faculty of Information Technology and Communication Studies, Prof Emmanuel Selase Asamoah, said the Vice-Chancellor’s advocacy for a life CV paradigm marks a significant milestone in UPSA’s commitment to holistic student development while empowering graduates to excel not only academically but also professionally and personally as they embark on their post-university journey.
For his part, the Dean of the School of Graduate Studies, Prof Samuel Antwi, encouraged the participants to aspire to higher heights by furthering their education beyond the undergraduate level.
He announced that UPSA has introduced a number of market-driven postgraduate programmes and called on the students to pursue further studies in order to develop themselves.
