More than 1,000 students and graduates gathered at the University of Rwanda's College of Business and Economics in Gikondo for the annual UR Career Summit on Wednesday, June 28.

The event served as a platform for participants to explore career opportunities across various sectors and engage with industry professionals and self-made entrepreneurs. With the aim of bridging the gap between academia and the job market, the summit provided valuable insights and discussions on the current employment landscape.

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In a press interview, Didas Kayihura Muganga, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Rwanda emphasized the institution&039;s commitment to actively engage with industries and gain a deep understanding of the job market requirements. He urged students to begin exploring ideas within their respective disciplines and encouraged them to transform these ideas into viable business opportunities.

He further highlighted the university's ongoing efforts to update its curriculum, ensuring it aligns with industry standards and the evolving needs of the job market. Additionally, he mentioned that the university's alumni have the opportunity to return and participate in short courses that enable them to embrace new trends and advancements in their fields.

"Notably, every graduate from the University of Rwanda is equipped with the necessary skills to adapt and excel as they enter the job market, fostering their continuous growth and evolution,” he said.

Amos Mfitundinda, the Acting Head of Strategic Capacity Development at Rwanda Development Board's Chief Skills Office, emphasized the significance of seminars or Career Days in bridging the gap between industry, academia, and the government. He highlighted the importance of understanding the required career development interventions for graduates and the entire academic system, as well as their alignment with the needs of the labor market and policymakers.

Mfitundinda emphasized the need for continuous assessment of skills requirements to ensure that curriculum development and review processes match the demands of the labor market. He stressed the importance of conducting various studies to assess current and future skills needs, ensuring that students who enter the labor market tomorrow possess the necessary skills and capabilities.

Addressing the private sector, Mfitundinda emphasized the crucial role of skilled individuals and the need for students to be exposed to the realities of the labor market. He called upon the private sector to consider hosting students for professional internships as a means of fostering skills development and addressing labor market needs.

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Jean Paul Uwayezu, a student at UR College of Sciences and Technology, specializing in Applied Chemistry, expressed his current pursuit of a professional internship to gain practical experience and training that aligns with the requirements of potential employers. Uwayezu highlighted a common issue faced by many students who complete their studies without adequate career guidance, which adversely affects their future prospects and self-confidence. He emphasized the importance of students in all disciplines gaining hands-on experience of the real-world working environment.

Regarding the private sector, Uwayezu observed that they often hire individuals with unrelated skills, which creates obstacles for graduates in their respective fields and limits opportunities for those employed in unrelated areas due to the lack of a conducive work environment.

As students, Uwayezu emphasized the need for employers to reconsider their practice of demanding excessive prior experience. Instead, he advocated for giving students the opportunity to be hired and learn on the job, contributing their skills and fresh perspectives. Uwayezu warned that persisting with the current approach may lead some students to become discouraged and disheartened, ultimately giving up on their career aspirations.

Gisele Murebwayire, a third-year student in Applied Statistics with a major in actuarial science, acknowledged the challenges faced in the industry she is passionate about. However, she also highlighted the abundance of untapped opportunities that students are not yet aware of. Murebwayire recognized the significance of events like summits and conferences, which aim to provide valuable information to students, helping them become more informed about the available opportunities.

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When discussing the improvement of curricula, Murebwayire acknowledged that it is a gradual process and commended the University of Rwanda for its efforts in implementing new strategies and input terms into the curriculum. As she approaches graduation, Murebwayire expressed her hope for the continuity of initiatives like career summits, enabling students to network with industry professionals, mentors, and entrepreneurs.

The UR Career Summit included an exhibition featuring alumni who have established their own businesses, providing inspiration and networking opportunities for students. Additionally, well-established companies showcased their potential as future employers. Some companies even offered job placements to soon-to-be graduating students, further strengthening the connection between academia and the workforce.

The University of Rwanda currently comprises six independent, self-governing colleges and one center for postgraduate studies. Together, these institutions provide a nurturing environment for more than 31,000 students pursuing degrees at the bachelor&039;s, master's, and doctoral levels.