The University of Environment and Sustainable Development (UESD), through its Innovation and Incubation Hub (IIHUB), has trained twenty-three (23) graduate students in entrepreneurial thinking, career readiness, and employability skills, under the transformative theme: “ThinkGees Entrepreneurship Training on Effectuation and Design Thinking.”
The initiative is part of the Think Graduate Entrepreneurship and Employability Programme (ThinkGees Project), a collaborative effort between Think Network Ghana, UESD, the University of Ghana Business School, and UESD with sponsorship from the British Council.
It was held at the UESD, designed to equip young graduates with practical skills, critical mindset, and innovative tools needed to navigate the increasingly competitive job market. Beyond job acquisition, it also championed the spirit of entrepreneurship as a sustainable alternative to traditional employment.
The event was graced by Vice-Chancellor of UESD, Professor Eric Nyarko-Sampson, who delivered a presentation on “Career Readiness: CV Writing, Interview Preparation, and Application Skills.”
Professor Nyarko-Sampson emphasised the importance of meticulously tailored application materials in today’s job market. Drawing from both professional experience and personal insight, he advised the trainees to be precise in their job applications, clearly state the positions they are applying for, and thoroughly understand employer expectations. He warned against generic applications and underscored the need for honesty, clarity, and attention to detail in CVs and cover letters.
“Your CV speaks for you when you are not there. It should represent your best self clearly, honestly, and professionally,” he remarked.
The Vice-Chancellor also shed light on the role of handwriting tests in some recruitment processes, explaining that such exercises are designed to assess applicants’ cognitive ability, attention to detail, and mental agility.
The multi-day training programme featured a lineup of expert-led sessions: Dr. Kwaku Adu, Coordinator of UESD IIHUB, presented on Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Design Thinking, urging participants to explore innovative, community-based business models, particularly those tailored to rural contexts.
Mr. Kwame Agyire-Tettey, provided insights into real-world employer expectations, Director of the Medical Simulation Skills Institute, Ghana, and professional networking through his session on Industry Interaction.
Dr. Jacob Kwamina Dodoo of the School of Sustainable Development educated participants on Financial Literacy, offering practical guidance on personal budgeting, investment strategies, and accessing capital for startups.
Dr. Rahmat Quagraine Duker of the School of Natural and Environmental Sciences led an empowering session on Mentorship and Coaching, highlighting the importance of guidance, resilience, and continuous personal development.
Participants lauded the programme for its practical orientation, interactive sessions, and relevance to current job market realities. They expressed confidence in their ability to navigate post-graduation challenges more effectively.