The African University College of Communications and Business (AUCB) brought its campus to life with the 2025 edition of its Career Fair, themed “The Future of Work: Trends and Opportunities” and “Bridging the Gap Between Education & Employment: Career Readiness.”
The event pooled students, faculty, and seasoned professionals to unpack the realities of employment in a fast-evolving job market shaped by technology, automation, and a shift in employer expectations.
Held at the forecourt of the university’s Adabraka campus, the career fair featured a dynamic panel of industry leaders, including Mr. Worla Essikpe, International Development Communications Consultant and Lecturer; Mr. Daniel Dickson-Dogbe, Branch Manager of Republic Bank Ghana (Adabraka); Ms. Gifty Akorfa Kumah, CEO and HR Consultant at HRBRIC Ltd; and Mrs. Portia Gabor, award-winning journalist with TV3.
The Importance of Adaptability and Feedback
Mr. Worla Essikpe set a reflective tone during the panel discussion, sharing his personal experiences with job rejections and the lessons they taught him. He pointed out that resilience, adaptability, and the ability to seek and apply feedback were critical tools for career growth.
“In some cases, it wasn’t that I performed poorly, it was simply a matter of salary expectations,” he said, recounting an instance where he was the top candidate for a job but priced himself out. He urged students not to view rejection as failure but rather as redirection. “Learn from the experience, tailor your applications, and keep improving,” he advised.
Mr. Essikpe debunked the myth of using a one-size-fits-all CV, stressing the importance of customizing each application to align with the values and expectations of the target organization. “It’s not always about your academic qualifications. Shared values and your capacity to learn on the job can often matter more,” he noted.
The Role of Preparation and Networking
Mr. Daniel Dickson-Dogbe echoed the need for preparedness, telling students that the interview process starts the moment they leave home. “You don’t know who you might meet on your way. Your behaviour in public could influence someone’s impression before the actual interview begins,” he said.
He urged students to take their studies seriously and adapt to the demands of the digital age. “Today, it’s all about AI and agility. You need to be able to adjust and re-skill as the world changes,” he stated.
Mr. Dickson-Dogbe also highlighted the critical role of human relationships and networking in career advancement. “At some point, everyone needs someone to recommend or connect them to an opportunity,” he said. “I always say: luck is when opportunity meets preparedness. Don’t just rely on your degree; be ready and build genuine relationships.”
He encouraged students not to restrict themselves to one path, like banking, but to explore diverse opportunities that may arise. “Be open. There are other ways to earn a living while still applying your knowledge. Stay respectful, stay curious, and let your work ethic speak for you,” he concluded.
Disruption and Innovation in the Job Market
AUCB’s Dean of Students, Dr. Richard A. Coleman, delivered a strong message about the disruptive impact of artificial intelligence, automation, and globalization on traditional job roles. He called on students to think beyond certificates and focus on skills, creativity, and continuous learning.
“You need more than a certificate to stand out,” he said. “Participating in fairs, seminars, and networking events like this one can be a game changer.”
Dr. Coleman also stressed the growing importance of the gig economy and entrepreneurship, especially among Gen Z. “Today’s graduates must think differently—learn to create your own job if one isn’t available. Innovation and flexibility are the new survival tools.”
In a memorable closing remark, he dropped what became the quote of the day: “The difference between networking and not working is just the letter E.”
Bridging the Gap Between Classrooms and Careers
Speaking on behalf of the university, Ms. Adjoa Duodu, Head of University Relations at AUCB, described the fair as a critical tool for helping students bridge the gap between academic knowledge and the demands of the real world.
“We’re building a bridge between the classroom and the world of work,” she told The High Street Journal. “Our students were engaged, asked thoughtful questions, and are still networking with the speakers, that’s the real measure of success.”
Ms. Duodu stressed that the career fair forms part of AUCB’s broader post-charter agenda to transform students into well-rounded, employable graduates equipped with practical knowledge, soft skills, and the confidence to thrive in dynamic job markets.
The High Street Journal at the Fair
The High Street Journal was among the media sponsors of the AUCB Career Fair and mounted a vibrant booth at the event grounds.
The booth served as a hub for student journalists, and media enthusiasts who dropped by to interact with senior reporters and editors to discuss career opportunities in journalism and communication.
Notably, the booth received visits from several professionals and staff of the university, including the President of AUCB, Professor Abeeku Blankson, who commended the team for its ongoing support of student-centered initiatives.
