The Head of the Department of Communication Studies at the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA), Dr Adwoa Sikayena Amankwah has appealed to industry players to complement academia’s efforts by creating internship and mentorship opportunities for students.
She emphasised that such initiatives would not only provide practical exposure for students but also foster a stronger bond between academia and industry.
Dr Amankwah made the appeal at a Public Relations and Communications Conference organised by the Communication Studies Students Association (ComSSA) of UPSA in collaborations with the Student Chapter Coordination Committee of IPR-Ghana.
The seminar, themed ‘Elevate and Innovate: Redefining Public Relations and Communications in a Dynamic World,” formed part of a series of activities to mark the 2024 Departmental Week Celebrations.
It was attended by students, faculty members, and notable industry professionals.
“Internships and mentorship programs offer a golden opportunity for students to apply their theoretical knowledge and develop critical skills required to excel in this dynamic industry,” Dr Amankwah said.
“Such collaborations will not only benefit the students but also strengthen and enhance the mutual understanding between academia and industry.
“Soon we will knock on your doors for collaborations in that regard so that, depending on what works for your organisation, we can develop modalities on how to shape these future talents.”
President of the Institute of Public Relations (IPR) Ghana, Mr Mawuko Afadzinu, who was the special guest of honour, highlighted the importance of continuous learning and the pursuit of excellence in a dynamic industry.
He said the world of PR and communication is constantly evolving, and it is crucial for aspiring professionals and practitioners to stay updated with new industry trends, technologies, and ways of doing things.
“How many of you remember MS-DOS?” Mr Afadzinu asked. “You see how irrelevant it has become today? It was the biggest thing when I was your age. If you didn’t have MS-DOS [skills], no proper [organization] will recruit you,” he recalled.
“Embrace the spirit of continuous learning because a lot of the stuff you know today is based on very important fundamental principles, but they might change by the time you get to mid-level management in ten years. What will put you on top of the curve is constant learning.” Mr Afadzinu said.
Other speakers included Ms. Sophia Kudjordji, Chief Corporate Communications Officer at the Jospong Group of Companies, Mr John Apea, CEO for eTransact Ghana Ltd, and Dr Paulina Kuranchie, a lecturer/consultant.
They underscored the importance of integrating practical exposure into students’ educational journeys, ensuring that they are well-equipped to tackle the challenges and demands of the modern communication and public relations landscape.
