Students at Nkumba University today engaged in a career-defining seminar led by Charity Namara, Country Associate Trainer at Get Field Ready International, in a session that emphasized the growing demand for both technical expertise and professional discipline in today’s evolving job market.
Focusing on employability and workforce readiness, students were introduced to the Global Academy Platform, an initiative designed to equip young professionals with practical skills and connect them to global opportunities.
In her assertion, Namara pointed to the increasing reliance on digital platforms in recruitment, noting that professional visibility now extends far beyond traditional CVs. “Your LinkedIn page is your number one CV,” she said, cautioning students against careless online behavior. “Be mindful of what you post. Employers will look at your digital footprint before they even meet you.”
Her remarks come at a time when employers globally are placing greater emphasis on personal branding, communication skills, and adaptability, traits often considered as important as academic qualifications.
Drawing from her experience working with youth across different countries, Namara stressed that “a degree alone is not enough. Employers are looking for people who can do, not just people who know.”
She encouraged students to seek practical exposure early, even outside formal internship structures. “Don’t wait for opportunities to come to you. Walk into offices, offer your time, and practice what you are learning. The more experience and recommendations you build, the more competitive you become,” she said.
The session also addressed workplace conduct and professional presentation, with Namara highlighting the importance of attitude, communication, and integrity. “How you present yourself matters. Your appearance, your behavior, and even your non-verbal communication speak before you do,” she noted, adding that students should begin cultivating workplace habits while still at university.
Her candid remarks on social media responsibility struck a chord. “Ask yourself, how will this be interpreted in three years? How will an employer see this?” she posed, urging students to separate personal expression from professional identity.
The seminar is part of a broader shift in higher education across Africa, where institutions are increasingly partnering with organizations to bridge the gap between academic training and industry expectations.
Historically, universities have focused primarily on theoretical knowledge, but the rapid transformation of the global economy, accelerated by digitalization and remote work, has forced a rethinking of graduate preparedness.
In Uganda, initiatives like Get Field Ready International are part of a growing movement to address youth unemployment by equipping graduates with practical, market-relevant skills.
According to recent labor trends, employers are prioritizing candidates who demonstrate initiative, adaptability, and real-world experience alongside formal qualifications.
Ssendaula Raynold, a third-year Bachelor of Science in Information Communication Technology student, expressed appreciation for the training. “This session has made us realize that we shouldn’t just wait to look for jobs, we should start building something now,” he said. “The exposure and skills we gain from such platforms make us more prepared even before graduation.”
Raynold, who is already involved in tech-related work ahead of his expected graduation, noted that opportunities like online training platforms and partnerships with global organizations are helping students stay competitive. “I am grateful for the opportunities that allow us to gain real experience while still studying,” he added.
Field Ready is an employability organization founded in 2015 that equips young people with practical workplace skills to ease their transition from education to employment. It offers training through online platforms and in-person programs, focusing on competencies such as communication, problem-solving, and professional conduct.
Operating across several African countries, Field Ready partners with employers and institutions to connect graduates to job opportunities, helping bridge the gap between education and the labor market.
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