The University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA) has held a two-day Graduate Practitioners’ Forum for graduate leavers, aimed at equipping them with practical insights and professional skills for career advancement and real-world success.
The seminar, organised by the School of Graduate Studies (SOGS), brought together experienced industry leaders who shared key lessons and strategies on career development, professional branding, and workplace resilience.
Addressing the gathering, Obuobia Darko-Opoku, Acting Deputy Managing Director of the Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL), stressed the importance of resilience in navigating the post-graduation journey.
“I want to assure you that one thing that will take you far is resilience,” she noted.
She acknowledged that while many came to the graduate school with expectations of immediate employment or promotion, the reality might not always align with those hopes.
“But I want you to tell yourself that one day, that degree will matter,” she encouraged.
Madam Darko-Opoku also urged graduates to broaden their horizons, stressing that “a degree is not an automatic ticket to success,” as she advised them to think outside the box and not limit their search for a career breakthroughs.
“Never give up, no matter how difficult it gets. Resilience is key to success,” she said.
Director of the UPSA Centre for International Education and Collaboration (CIEC), Ivy Heward-Mills, who was speaking on the topic “The Power of Professional Presence”, emphasised the importance of first impressions.
According to her, more than 93 per cent of people’s perceptions about a person are usually non-verbal. She pointed out that people who are conscious of their professional presence tend to be more influential.
“When people see you for the first time, they form a perception based on your appearance,” Miss Hewards-Mills said.
She urged graduates to understand various dress codes for different professional settings, including black tie, business formal, cocktail, and smart casual attire.
She added that grooming, posture, space awareness, and digital presence are all critical components of professional image.
“When you walk into any room, make sure your presence is felt,” she stated, while encouraging the development of professional communication skills, including verbal and written communication, active listening, and audience engagement. “Professional presence impacts your career advancement and reputation,” she added.
The forum also featured remarks from the Vice-Chancellor of UPSA, Professor John Kwaku Mensah Mawutor, and Dr Kofi Amoa-Abban, CEO of Rigworld Solutions, who both shared insights on leadership, innovation, and navigating the competitive job market.
The two-day event served as a crucial platform for bridging the gap between academic training and the demands of the labour market.
