Department of Public Administration and PASAL Hold Capacity-Building Programme to Prepare Students for Career Success
The Public Administration Students’ Association- Legon (PASAL), in partnership with the Department of Public Administration at the University of Ghana Business School (UGBS), has organised a capacity-building programme aimed at equipping students with practical skills and the right mindset to shape their academic and career paths. The event was held on 27th February 2026 at the R. S. Amegashie Auditorium, with the theme “Create Your Own Future: Be the Dream You Envision to See.” It brought together faculty members, industry leaders, and alumni to empower students to take ownership of their academic, career, and personal development. Participants were encouraged to develop the mindset, skills, and strategic planning tools needed to succeed in both the public and private sectors.
Speaking at the programme, Dr. Zechariah Langnel of the Department of Public Administration explained the importance of building relevant skills, gaining experience, developing strong networks, and having a clear sense of direction in shaping one’s future. He advised students that the future is not something they simply find but something they deliberately create. According to him, students must intentionally cultivate healthy and meaningful networks that can support their growth and career aspirations. Dr. Langnel further emphasised the need for students to acquire essential skills before graduation, including report writing, basic research skills, and proficiency in digital tools such as Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, and Google Drive. He noted that possessing practical skills gives graduates a competitive advantage in the job market. “A student with skills is better than one with just a certificate,” he stated, encouraging students to actively pursue internships and volunteer opportunities to build practical experience. He also spoke about the importance of personal branding in enhancing employability. He advised students to begin preparing their curriculum vitae (CVs) early and create professional profiles on platforms such as LinkedIn while still in school to position themselves for opportunities.
Some Participants at the programme
Dr. Daniel Appiah, Patron of the Public Administration Students’ Association and a faculty member of the Department of Public Administration, also addressed the students. During his session, he demonstrated how students can use online tools such as Google to create CVs and search for job opportunities. He encouraged students not to wait until after graduation or rely solely on being posted to jobs, but rather to take proactive steps to shape their own future while still in school. According to Dr. Appiah, life is about identifying what one wants and pursuing it with determination and consistency. He urged students to use their life experiences and ideas as a basis for creating employment opportunities for themselves and others. He also informed participants about the UGBS NEST, an innovation and entrepreneurship support initiative of the school, which provides a platform for students to nurture ideas, develop businesses, and create job opportunities.
Mrs. Jennifer Tabi, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Arete Inne Consult, who is also a project manager, lead consultant, and digital marketer, delivered a presentation on maximising personal potential and turning skills into income-generating opportunities. She encouraged students to discover their strengths, invest in self-development, and seek mentors who can guide them toward achieving their goals. According to her, students can monetise their skills if they are intentional about developing them and identifying opportunities. Mrs. Tabi also urged participants to take advantage of online learning platforms to acquire additional knowledge and competencies. She encouraged them to explore small business opportunities that could help support them financially while also creating employment for others. She further emphasised the importance of building networks and developing passions that can positively impact society. As part of her engagement, Mrs. Tabi invited some individuals she had previously trained to facilitate practical sessions for the students. These sessions included a masterclass on starting a business, optimising LinkedIn profiles, and exploring avenues for generating income. The programme concluded with an interactive question-and-answer session, which provided students the opportunity to seek clarification and gain further insights to help them make informed academic and career decisions.
Leadership of PASAL and Speakers at the programme