The Nation Newspaper

Tag: career

  • AUN career fair ends today

    American University of Nigeria (AUN), Yola will today conclude its yearly career and graduate fair which began in Lagos yesterday.

    The exercise, according to the university management, would provide a networking platform for employers and the school graduates employees.

    The Director of Career, Counselling & Placement, Mrs. Grace Nwokoma, said the exercise which holds at the Civic Centre, Victoria Island, serves as an opportunity for graduate schools and multinationals to recruit budding undergraduate of AUN.

    Nwokoma said:  “It is a platform for students and alumnus to connect with companies, business leaders, government agencies, captains of industry, and diplomatic missions to explore internship and employment opportunities.

    “In previous years, the fair had produced two out of three students who participated and gained internship or direct employment with top multinationals and local companies across Nigeria.

    The fair also encourages AUN alumnus to recruit qualified candidates. dates in their respective companies.

     

     

     

  • HAS OGE OKOYE’S CAREER ENDED?

    HAS OGE OKOYE’S CAREER ENDED?

    HAVING been silent for a while, Nollywood actress Oge Okoye seems to have moved on to another passion. However, the actress who has become a social appearance figure in recent times is yet to explain the reason she has left her first love.

    The actress was among the top actors at the premiere of AY’s A Trip To Jamaica, which was held recently at the Filmhouse IMAX cinema in Lekki, Lagos.

    Oge, a United Nations Ambassador, in August, took a summer vacation with her kids in the UK where she also celebrated her daughter’s sixth birthday with friends.

    Currently residing abroad, Oge shows off her expensive accessories on Instagram as she travels to different cities. But nothing indicates a return to acting.

    The Nnamdi Azikiwe University Theatre Arts graduate was born in London but later moved Lagos, Nigeria to live with her family.

  • Old students organise career programme

    The Old Students’ Association of Community Senior Secondary School, Mushin, recently organised a programme to guide pupils of the school in choosing their careers.

    The first lecture delivered by the school’s guidance counselor, Mrs Christiana Uzor, focused on the topic “Career Choice”.

    Mrs Uzor counseled the pupils that choosing a career requires taking decisions that should not be done in a hurry.

    She told them to consider their interests, passion and job security before making a choice.

    “Students who are experiencing difficulties in career choice need to pray because there is nothing one can do in life without God’s endorsement. Also, going against your parents’ wishes sometimes can be very challenging so students will need to work hard to convince their parents,” she said.

    Other speakers at the programme concentrated on various areas of careers like science, art and engineering.

    Mr Abiodun Amodu, who spoke on engineering and science, told the pupils to take such subjects like mathematics, physics, chemistry and agricultural science serious if they were interested in science or engineering.

    He told them of the benefits of working in both fields of endeavour as well as career opportunities in them.

    However, he advised the pupils to gain vocational skills in metal work, wood work, building, cultural and creative art, short hand and typing and all others so as to be self employed.

    Speaking on Arts as a specialisation, Mr. Kareem Jimson, a security consultant, said art is a system of doing things.

    He advised the art students to identify who they are and not feel bad when mocked by others because ssss’art is doing what you know best that gives you an edge.”

  • Career Insights berths in Nigeria

    Career Insights berths in Nigeria

    Career Insights, a subsidiary of Digital Bananas Technology Limited in United Kingdom, was launched in Nigeria, at the Oriental Hotel in Lagos last weekend.

    The organisation offers a fully comprehensive and well-blended work- based learning environment with senior leadership workshops, innovative projects to work on, inspirational sessions, as well as 1-to-1 mentoring to help over 30 candidates secure life changing roles each month; both undergraduates, graduates and professionals.

    According to the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of the firm, Keji Giwa, there is increasing demand for people who possess the experience and skills required to solve actual problems in society rather than those who possess paper qualifications.

    He said: “Over the last 10 years, we have focused on helping people who are at a disadvantage. We help to provide people with work experience to go out there and get a job within the digital space as project managers and business analysts. As we started helping our friends; they brought their friends, and their friends’ friends, and so on, until we ended up with a big platform.”

    He however noted that the company consists of two arms, adding that the first arm provides practical work experience for people interested in becoming digital project managers, business analysts, gaining experience within the digital space, while the other arm of the company is involved in providing digital solutions to companies within the banking sector, the government sector and any company that needs digital solutions.

    Giwa explained that the strategy of the organisation is to train people who will, in turn, train others.

    “We train them to become product champions. Let’s say you’re an ‘Excel’ champion, and you come on the platform and you start teaching people ‘Excel’ and everybody is benefitting from you; then, you’re now a product champion. You will never pay for the platform, and you will be earning money.

    “We give everyone a 24-hour access. What I believe we are about to do is create a trained and qualified workforce with experience, create jobs for these people, make all the multinationals hungry for these people by making them highly skilled in areas that they have skills short ageism. If you have a degree, you are good to go ditto for you if you are studying your bachelors and you want to gain experience. We focus within the project management and business analysis field, and project management cut across all sectors.We are experts within the digital space which is taking over Nigeria. As long as you are educated, you can read and write, and your brain is working, come on board and gain experience,” Giwa said.

  • AUN hosts career fair for students

    No fewer than 28 blue chip firms attended the career fair organised by the American University of Nigeria (AUN) at the Shehu Yar’Adua Centre, Abuja.

    For two days, students and alumni of the institution were trained on how to be employers. Many companies were also on ground to hire graduates from the institution.

    The fair, ninth by the university, was aimed at familiarising its graduates with various firms. It featured multinational companies cutting across telecoms, oil and gas, power, transport, health, and other sectors.

    Some firms also administered aptitude and problem-solving tests to the students, alumni, and other prospects. The representative of the companies also guided participants about their career and requirements in the labour market during the fair.

    “At AUN, we give them education that gives them knowledge, skills and even the attitude that they need to find jobs or create employment,” the President of the institution, Dr. Margee Ensign said.

    She added that the fair was organised to provide students and alumni exposure to career and internship opportunities.

    Ensign also said the fair was organised to prepare students of the university for interviews, how to write CVs, and prepare them for the world of work. She advised universities to go beyond issuing degree certificates to helping them chart career paths, make choices, and prepare them for the task ahead.

    She added: “I have had some great discussions with people out here and I asked them: ‘What do you think of our students?’ One employer said: ‘’I did not think a 21-year-old could be so smart.’’

    But what was more important was a software engineering student been interviewed and the bank said: ‘your education is so well rounded, you can write, you can speak. He said I can hire you for marketing, I can hire you in our computer department.’ I think that defines AUN education, It is not narrow.

    The association’s Dean of School of Business and Entrepreneurship, Dr. Ferdinand Che, said the fair offers employers the opportunity to engage the students early.

    Said Che: “This is unique to AUN experience. It is a fundamental right because we are talking about preparing people for the work place and we are very serious about this. What is beginning to happen, it seems to me, that employers recognise this from what we are hear them say.”

     

     

  • I want to relaunch my career, says Michael Babatunde

    I want to relaunch my career, says Michael Babatunde

    Babatunde Michael has said he is hoping to launch his career again with his move from Ukrainian side, Dnipro to Raja Casablanca.

    The 23-year-old left winger had joined the 2014/2015 Europa League runners-up from FC Volyn Lutsk, but was unable to get regular playing time  as he featured only twice under manager, Myron Markevych.

    And the winger who was on parade for the Super Eagles at the 2014 FIFA World Cup said his move to the former African champions would help him revive his fading career, and also return to the Super Eagles.

    “Raja is a household name in Africa and the country is very close to many European countries where my performances could be monitored,” Babatunde told Goal.

    “I am confident of my God given football talent and will soon prove that with this club. I like the way I was received by the management, my coach, his assistants and most especially the fans of the club.

    “I pray to Almighty God to give me the power and grace to help Raja win more football trophies like the Moroccan League, African top competition. That is my desire and ambition for now.

    “And I know that with good performances with them [Raja] I will soon be back to the Super Eagles,” he concluded.

    Babatunde will compete with Mahmoud Benhalib, Mohammed Yakubu, Yassine Faqhaoui and compatriot Christian Osaguona for a regular place under coach Rachid Taoussi.

    Raja Casablanca are 10th on the Botola Pro log with 18 points from 15 games.

  • “How Job Show built my career”

    My desire has always been to  move from grass to grace. On completion of my National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) scheme in 2010/2011 batch B in Enugu, I moved to Benin City in Edo State capital to start work with one architectural firm as a Project Architect. The salary was neither attractive nor good enough for me compared to the work I was doing there. I never allowed this to weigh me down or discourage me from the profession I love so much and passionate about because I have never

    consider money as number one in everything I do. I worked with this architectural firm for two and half years to acquire experience to sell myself to another bigger firm. How the Job show through Mr Bimbola Adewole did the magic and moved me up from the ….bottom to the top of my carrier is worthy of commendation. On Monday 20th January, 2014, a friend of mine, Tokunbo, who is based in Lagos listened to the Radio Version of The Jobshow on Top Radio, he heard that anybody who studied architecture should forward their Curriculum Vitae (CV) to cv@jobshow.com. I sent my CV to the email address without knowing anybody. On Saturday, 25th January, 2014, at exactly 9am(five days after I had sent my CV), I received a phone call, it was a strange number, I was reluctant

    to answer the call because I was distressed due to what I was passing

    through. Suddenly, something told me to answer the call, this time, the phone rang the second time, Lo and behold! it was Mr Abimbola Adewole from the Jobshow with a deep male voice “am I speaking with Mr Sina Akomolede?” he said and I replied yes you are , he continued “ I have your CV with me right now, I have reviewed it and you are to come for job interview on

    Monday, 27th January, 2014″ I told him I was based in Benin, it was there

    he asked how I got to know about The Jobshow, I told him through a friend.

    On Sunday 26th January 2014, I travelled to Lagos from Benin to attend the

    interview. On Monday 27th January, I called Mr Abimbola Adewole that I was

    in Lagos; he then gave me his office address and asked that I should come.

    I arrived at his office some minutes before the appointed time and when he

    came, he took me to my prospective boss, Arc. Tunde Oladoja who did

    thorough job interview for me and asked me to show him the jobs I have done

    in the past. After the interview, Arc. Tunde Oladoja, my boss, congratulated me and told me to start work the following week. I resumed work at the firm on Monday, 3rd February, 2014 and I am still working there till date by God’s Grace. Those who bring sunshine to the life of others cannot keep it to

    themselves. I must appreciate Mr Abimbola Adewole for the transformation of my life, he has been adding value to the lives of Nigerian Youths and God

    Almighty will add value to his life.

    I never believe before now that it was possible to get job in this country

    without knowing one “Big man” somewhere. I have never met Mr ABimbola before. He never collected a dime from me

    before and after securing employment, this is really good of him.

    I want to use this medium to also appreciate the person I’ll refer to as my

    angel, my friend Tokunbo, who listened toThe Jobshow Programme and deem it

    fit to send the email address which I forwarded my CV to, that information

    changed my life. God bless you Mr Tokunbo.

     

    Shina Akomolade

    08067343333

  • Sean Tizzle excites students at Etisalat Career Counselling Day

    Sean Tizzle excites students at Etisalat Career Counselling Day

    It was a wonderful time for the hundreds of students who attended the recently held 14th session Career Counselling Day, hosted by Etisalat Nigeria, as they were treated to live thrilling performances by Nigerian-born afro-pop act, Morihanfen Oluwaseun Oluwabamidele, aka Sean Tizzle.

    The Sho lee crooner, clad in white top and black jean pant, was an instant hit with the students who could not hide their excitement at coming face-to-face with him and sought to touch him. They demonstrated this by singing along as he performed several songs from his works including his debut single Sho Lee which has enjoyed massive play time on radio and TV since it was released in 2013.

    Sean Tizzle’s soaring popularity appears to have broken the age barrier and now resonates with the elderly as some of those in attendance at the event also joined the students in the excitement.

    It was not however, all about singing and dancing, as Sean Tizzle took out time to task the students on reaching the utmost height of their potentials. He enjoined them to strive to recognise their strengths and work hard at maximizing such.

    In a related development, Etisalat has reiterated its commitment to national development using sustainable CSR platforms such as health, environment and education which he described as very key.

    The company’s Vice President, Regulatory and Corporate Affairs Etisalat Nigeria, Ibrahim Dikko, gave this assurance while speaking at the event. In his words, “Education is the source, the spring of growth and development. When education is gotten right, every other aspect of life benefits, including health, the economy and our planet. We are committed to Corporate Social Responsibility agenda and we will apply ourselves to driving the sustainable development of our nation, Nigeria.”

    The Career Counselling Day was hosted by Etisalat in partnership with the Lagos Empowerment And Resource Network (LEARN)  and it is designed to guide students of secondary schools in the junior and senior levels towards making sound, positive and fulfilling career decisions which will provide long-term benefits to them, their families, organisations, and ultimately the nation.

  • My sister inspired my fashion career’

    My sister inspired my fashion career’

    Tochukwu Michael is the CEO of Asandrea Collections, which basically produces exotic African wears for men. The label which boasts a large clientele in and out of the country went into the fashion line after a futile job search about six years ago.
    “After my secondary education, I proceeded to the Nnamdi Azikwe University and studied Economics. After graduation, I went for my youth service in Kebbi State and served in Yauri and I was teaching as well as the CLO (Corpers Liaison officer) and bagged the award as the Best Corper of the year 2009/2010.” In this interview with Yetunde Oladeinde, he talks about the humble beginning, inspiration and more.

    HOW did it all begin? It started from early life; I got to know about designing through my sister. She was then forcing me to be part of it. Then I was young and didn’t have a say. She taught me how to put buttons on clothes and from there she taught me how to cut with cement bags. Then it wasn’t nylon, it was paper bags. From there, I learnt how to use the machine and I became a tailor. So, I started sewing but then it was for the fun of it.

    What made you win that award?

    I worked very hard to make sure that the lives of Corpers in Yoari were good. There they didn’t take care of them. There I met Corp members sleeping on bare floor. So I put in my thinking cap, did my best and with the help of one or two people in government offices turned things around for my colleagues. We met the chairman of the local government and they provided 140 mattresses for Corpers. That was a big achievement, compared to the way they were treated in the past. I also tried my best to change the way they were treated. We also provided water as their allowances were not paid as at when due.

    What motivated you to do that?

    Honestly, I like good things, I like to put things in order and make them perfect. I don’t like a situation where things aren’t done properly. So, I said I must do something to make a change.

    What did the award mean to you?

    It was just a plaque from NYSC and there was no cash. It was just to appreciate you for the project executed. It is a thing of honour. I actually thought that such an award would give me automatic employment. The system is not working in Nigeria. I waited for a year and nothing happened. The state didn’t call and there was no job for about a year.

    So what did you do?

    I came back to Lagos and hunger dealt with me. Then I remembered what I knew how to do best. So, I went back to fashion and it wasn’t easy because I hadn’t done it in a long while. I said instead of wasting more time, I said let me just try.

    Did anyone encourage or discourage you at this point?

    I got a lot of discouragement. My friends called saying that after wasting four years in the university, one year in service year, you want to become a tailor, but I wasn’t discouraged. I knew what I wanted to do and had passion for it. I didn’t listen to them because I knew that once I achieved result, the result would convince them. I believe that you must do whatever you want to do very well. Do it to the very best and the result would speak for you?

    Did you go for further training?

    Yes, I went for further training in Abia State in the bid to get all I needed for the designing, especially Tinko designing and U20. I touched all the angles which included hemming to make sure that I could do it on my own.

    Was it easy to go for further training without a job?

    I didn’t go immediately. I approached a friend to make some outfits for him. He doubted my ability and gave me two designs to test my ability. He gave me an advance and when he saw what I came up with, he was really impressed. I had to go to the East to bring my machine. After this, he gave me another job, that was my starting point and he paid me fully. The money he paid was the initial fund that I used.

    What was the turning point?

    I would say it is the grace of God. When it comes to clients, I would say that I have more clients outside Nigeria than in the country. I started advertising my products online and people outside Nigeria started seeing my creativity in African attires. They called to make bookings and what also made me marvel was that they were not afraid to send money. People I don’t even know and I usually model my wears myself. Most times, they would ask if it’s the guy in the picture that’s behind the outfits. They just had confidence in me and I also built the company on trust. If I tell you that you would get the outfit in two weeks, then it must be ready. My two weeks is always two weeks. That helped and the referral came from people I made clothes for.

    Is it basically a collection for men?

    I do both. The men are the major thing, but for women I choose those that I sew for. Men are great to work with. I got in to motivate men to look good as well as restore our culture through fashion. When we started doing it, people thought how would these guys make money? I target men who used to say, ‘I don’t like African wears’ and design things that are unique and once they get compliments from people they wanted more.

    So, would you say that Nigerian men are getting trendier?

    Yes, that was the idea and things have changed from what we used to have in the past. Right now, everyone wants to look good. Take the entertainment industry for example, if you are not looking good, you are not in. In fact, I would say that men look more interesting than women now. It is not all about money, before some people just didn’t care about what they wore. The truth of the matter is that people rate you based on the way you are looking.

  • NBC holds campus career expo

    NBC holds campus career expo

    As part of its plans to develop future leaders, the Nigerian Bottling Company (NBC) Limited has organised a Campus Career Expo at the University of Ibadan last week.

    The event, which witnessed a huge turnout of students from different faculties, created an opportunity for them to interact with top executives of the company.

    Addressing students, Uzo Odenigbo, Head of Public Affairs and Communications, NBC, hoped that the event would achieve its purpose of preparing the students as future business leaders.

    “The programme is designed to identify and prepare young talents in different institutes of higher learning across the country and groom them to be business and industry leaders in different fields of endeavour. It is a direct opportunity for undergraduates who are highfliers to accomplish their goal of building world-class careers in a world-class organisation,” he said.

    Yetunde Adesunloye, Human Resources Business Partner, Supply Chain, NBC, also said the event was aimed at developing a culture of academic excellence.

    “The company is committed to welcoming new talents, developing employees and engaging people from outside as part of organisational renewal. The programme gives students an opportunity to learn about the Company and its well-loved brands,” he said.