CAREER EXPO 2.0

The Career Expo 2.0 organised by the Management Students’ Association (MSA) of the Faculty of Business Administration in the University of Lagos, took place on the 15^th of July 2015 at the Afe Babalola Hall of the University by 11am.

The theme for this year’s event was: Capacity Building for a Distinct Career Path and /or Entrepreneur.  The MCs for the event were Calibird and Exclusive Mike.  The Hosts were Professor Rahmon Bello, Vice Chancellor of the University of Lagos and Professor Rasheed Ojikutu, Dean of the Faculty of Business Administration, University of Lagos.

Key note speakers for this event included Mrs Seye Sandey ( Director of the Act of Barnabas and also the Finance Director of Coca- Cola Plc), Mr Cosmas Maduka ( Founder/ President of Coscharis Group), Mr Aigbe Olotu (Group Head of Finance of the Sahara Group Limited, Nigeria), Mrs Nike Ogunlesi ( CEO of Ruff ‘n’ Tumble), Mr Godbless Otubore ( CEO of Significance & Company and Youth Development Expert), Ushbebe ( Standup Comedian, OAP at Naija 102.7 fm and Tv Presenter) and Mr Korede Akinpelumi (Best graduating student in Unilag 2014/2015 session).

 

 

(Photos - Left to Right: Mr Cosmas Maduka, Mrs Seye Sandey, Mrs Nike Ogunlesi, Mr Aigbe Olotu).

  

Other reputable people in attendance were the Dean of Students’ Affairs in person of Professor Tunde Babawale who was also representing the Vice Chancellor, Dr Carol Ogbinaka (DSA II), the representative of the Registrar, Dr Ipaye,  Dr Akintunde of the Department of Business Administration, the President of the Faculty of Law- Colonel Gabriel, Abiodun Martins ( ULSU's President) and ULSU's  Sports Secretary. 

Major sponsors of the event were Pedabo( an independent firm of Morrison), Akintola Williams' Deloitte & Touche, PFL, Clearline H.M.O, Screenciti among others and it was produced by Arenys’ Enterprises. The visuals were also done by Hkreative.

 

 

The second edition of the Career Expo kicked off at exactly 11am prompt.  Mr Aigbe Olotu spoke on "Career". He explained key elements relating to career such as career path (the journey and destination) and career determinants. According to him, key factors of the career path are interest/ passion, priority, skills/ proficiency and contacts/reference. He explained that there is a negative apprehension of what having contacts mean in Nigeria.

He inquired how students view their career- either as a journey or as a destination. He explained that when one views his/her career as a destination, his/her aim would always be to get to the top. He further explained that opportunity is a triangle, with the top having very few opportunities which most people will not get. According to him, time and place play major roles in arriving at one's destination. He encouraged students to aim to be organisation leaders or domain experts and to always have good character and display a sense of responsibility in their chosen fields.

The representative of the Vice Chancellor, Professor Tunde Babawale (Dean of Students Affairs) spoke on Entrepreneurship. He explained why the University decided to incorporate entrepreneurship into the University’s curriculum. He also encouraged students to aim to be successful. He emphasized on having aptitude and good attitude, passion, orientation and the audacity to make decisions.

Mrs Seye Sandey, the Director of the Act of Barnabas and the Finance Director of Coca-Cola gave tips on ‘Manners and etiquette in the workplace’. She further explained common but important mannerisms such as greeting, attitude, timeliness, communication and humility with practical stories to demonstrate each mannerism.
 

Justice Emonaerere Nwagbe popularly known as Ushbebe spoke on relevance in the society. He explained that for one to be relevant, he/she must be exceptional at what he/she does. He encouraged students to always be unique and stand out in whatever they do.

Dr Chioma used the medium of the Career Expo 2.0 to explain what TISHIP was all about. She explained it to be a health insurance package for students. She encouraged students to make proper use of the package. She also directed students that had complaints to see Mrs Yetunde Agunbiade (TISHIP representative) at the University's Medical Center.

A representative of the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management (CIPM) also gave a talk on ‘Pitching a Career In Industrial Relations and Personnel Management’ and encouraged students to be members of the CIPM.

A representative of the Akintola Williams' Deloitte & Touche Group, Mrs Victoria also spoke about Building a Career In Consulting. She encouraged students in 400 and 300 level with a CGPA of 3.5 and above to apply to the organisation. Also as part of the plans of the Akintola Williams' Deloitte & Touche Group, the company promised to present an award to the best graduating student in the Accounting department of the University of Lagos. She used the opportunity to also reward students that were formally dressed for the event and she gave room for students to ponder on some questions;

·        What do you want to achieve in life?

·        How do you plan to achieve it?

·        What are you doing now?

·        Where do you see yourself in future?

·        Who are your partners?

·        Are you really ready for your career?

Mr Godbless Otubore, the Youth Development Expert gave a very practical explanation of how the youths should prepare for an interview. He spoke about locating the place before the day of the interview, choice of clothes and colors, sitting and walking posture, opening and closing of doors, general composure, basic etiquette and personal hygiene among others. He further threw a question to the students; ‘why should we hire you?’ He explained that we should not state whatever is already in our CV.  

According to Mr Godbless, we can talk about partnering, our contributions to the organisation and what we can achieve to aid the prosperity of the company.  He encouraged students to create jobs and opportunities for themselves instead of leaving school with the mentality of looking for jobs. He ended his session with this saying: ‘The value of any material is in its universal appeal’

The best graduating student of the 2014/2015 session, Mr Korede Akinpelumi gave a summary of the whole Career Expo 2.0.  He encouraged students to learn discipline with academics and make the best of themselves.

The President of the Management Students' Association (MSA), Mr Temitope Aregbesola rounded off the programme by thanking everyone that made the event a huge success and encouraged students to be present for the movie night happening that same day at 6pm; supported by Screenciti.