Beyond the degree: MUST fair stresses importance of character and abilities
The 2024 Career Fair at Mbarara University of Science and Technology (MUST) shifted focus from traditional academic achievements to the importance of talents, skills, and personal qualities in Uganda’s evolving job market.
While degrees remain valuable, the fair highlighted that character, abilities, and unique attributes truly make a difference.
Ethan Musolini, known as "The Merchant of Success" from Success Africa, was a keynote speaker who stressed the power of self-promotion and talent discovery.
“To succeed in life, discover your gift and talent,” Musolini told students, emphasizing the need to be visible.
“Make yourself visible everywhere you go. Your current platform is your marketing platform; make yourself useful,” he advised.
Musolini introduced the CARDS model, which stands for \Character, Attitude, Routines, Divine guidance, and Skills.
He emphasized character, warning against shortcuts, which he likened to "short circuits" that can derail one’s future.
He underscored integrity and perseverance as essential qualities for success.
Attitude was another key element. Musolini encouraged students to focus on solutions rather than problems.
“For every problem you encounter, find a solution,” he said, highlighting the power of a positive mindset. He also urged students to turn their passions into productive routines by integrating them into their daily lives.
Godfrey Ssebaana, CEO of Diamond Trust Bank (DTB), echoed similar sentiments. He stressed the importance of aligning one's strengths with personal values.
“You should know what you are good at, as this rhymes with your values as a person,” Ssebaana noted.
He identified five pillars of success: integrity, a focus on people, a progressive approach, excellence, and customer care.
Eng Silver Mugisha, executive director of the National Water and Sewerage Corporation, emphasised the need for skills that enable both job security and entrepreneurship.
“The world is changing rapidly,” Mugisha observed. “The ability to adapt and create opportunities for yourself is more important than ever.”
CPA Osbert Asiimwe, regional compliance team lead at the National Social Security Fund (NSSF) and an alumnus of MUST, spoke on the importance of purpose.
He urged students to have a clear understanding of their goals.
“Set ambitious goals and strive towards realizing them,” Asiimwe advised, underscoring purpose as a key driver of success.
Vice-Chancellor Celestino Obua highlighted the fair’s role in connecting students with industry.
“The connections you make today might form the network for your future career,” Obua stated.
He emphasized that the event aims to align graduates with market demands, enhancing their employability.
Hon. Francis Mwebesa, Minister of Industry, Trade, and Cooperatives, represented Vice President Jessica Alupo as the Guest of Honour.
He commended the university for organizing the fair and linked the event’s theme to government poverty reduction initiatives led by President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni.
“You cannot teach a man wisdom,” Mwebesa reflected. “Teach him how to discover wisdom within himself.”
Mwebesa praised the fair for empowering students to become self-employed and committed to supporting the certification of products developed under the Center for Innovation and Technology Transfer.
He recognized the importance of practical skills and innovation in today’s job market.
The fair, held at the Kihumuro Graduation Grounds, attracted sponsors, partners, exhibitors, and students.
It underscored that success in Uganda’s job market requires more than academic credentials—it calls for a blend of talents, skills, and personal qualities.
The event's success sets a promising foundation for future career fairs.
