FA Association and FINSA in collaboration with Hapag-Lloyd Ghana, host a National Service & Career Opportunity Engagement for UGBS Students
The International Financial Awareness Association (FA Association) and the Finance Students' Association (FINSA) at the University of Ghana Business School (UGBS), in collaboration with Hapag-Lloyd Ghana, organised a National Service and Career Opportunity Engagement on 22nd July 2026 at the R. S. Amegashie Auditorium. The exclusive career engagement brought together final-year students and fresh graduates to equip them with the knowledge, practical skills and career opportunities needed to transition successfully from university into the corporate world. The event also created a platform for participants to interact with industry professionals and learn about career prospects in the global shipping and logistics sector.
The Hapag-Lloyd Ghana delegation was led by the Managing Director for West Africa, Mr. Thomas Elling, and the Area HR Head for West Africa, Ms. Linda Aryee. The session was moderated by Dr. Benjamin Amoah, President of the Financial Awareness Association, who welcomed participants and encouraged them to make the most of the engagement by learning directly from experienced industry leaders.
In his presentation, Mr. Thomas Elling introduced Hapag-Lloyd as one of the world's leading German shipping companies and provided participants with an overview of its rich history, tracing its evolution from 1847 into a global leader in container shipping. He explained the company's role in facilitating international trade and highlighted the significance of shipping in connecting countries, markets and people across the world. Mr. Elling discussed the dynamic nature of the global shipping industry, describing it as a fast-paced and highly competitive sector with enormous career prospects. He noted that trade across Africa continues to grow rapidly, creating exciting opportunities for young professionals interested in building careers within the industry.
Mr. Thomas Elling, addressing participants
He further spoke about the importance of customer experience, service quality and operational efficiency, emphasising that timely delivery and reliability remain critical to maintaining customer confidence and business credibility. He also outlined the company's operations across six global regions and explained how Hapag-Lloyd continues to expand its global footprint while strengthening trade networks. As part of the company’s talent development initiatives, Mr. Elling announced that Hapag-Lloyd Ghana is offering National Service opportunities for final-year students in Ghana. He further disclosed plans to recruit graduates for positions in Ghana as well as other West African countries where the company is expanding its operations.
Delivering a presentation on career development, the Area HR Head for West Africa, Ms. Linda Aryee, outlined the numerous opportunities available within Hapag-Lloyd and the wider shipping industry. She explained that the company equips employees with valuable professional skills, encourages innovation through artificial intelligence and digital technologies, and provides opportunities to contribute to global conversations on shipping and international trade. She spoke about the organisation’s commitment to employee development through leadership training, international career mobility and structured career progression. According to her, employees are exposed to diverse roles across different countries, enabling them to build global careers within the organisation.
Ms. Aryee also discussed the academic backgrounds and professional specialisations sought by the company, encouraging participants from various disciplines to explore opportunities within the shipping and logistics sector. She advised participants that employers increasingly value a combination of business knowledge, digital literacy and data analytics, alongside behavioural competencies such as communication, integrity, ownership, adaptability and teamwork. She further encouraged students to invest in building strong personal brands by maintaining focused and well-structured curricula vitae, optimising their LinkedIn profiles, gaining practical work experience through internships and National Service, and actively participating in networking opportunities that enhance career growth.
Sharing his personal journey, Mr. Herbert Ashikwei Ollennu, former National Service personnel who is now a full-time employee of Hapag-Lloyd Ghana, recounted his experience from joining the company as a National Service person to securing permanent employment. He encouraged participants to take advantage of the National Service opportunity, noting that dedication, professionalism and commitment can open doors to long-term career opportunities. He also spoke about his professional growth, current responsibilities and the supportive work environment that has contributed to his development. The engagement concluded with discussions during which the speakers explored the growing role of artificial intelligence in transforming business operations and enhancing customer relationships within the shipping industry. Participants also engaged the speakers during an interactive question-and-answer session, gaining further insights into career opportunities, employer expectations and the future of work in global logistics.