News

By Jackson Isdory, CMU

In a bid to prepare its final year students for the exciting journey ahead, the University of Dar es Salaam's School of Mines and Geosciences (SoMG) hosted a Career Guidance Day recently to equip graduates with the necessary tools to seize employment opportunities.

The event, which aimed to introduce students to strategic national projects as well as on how to use knowledge gained in actual working practices after school life, featured various eminent speakers, and was graced by Prof. Nelson Boniface, Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor - Research.

Prof. Boniface underscored the importance of the graduates' knowledge and skills in contributing to the nation's development and that “their education gain from UDSM positioned our graduates as valuable assets, capable of making a meaningful impact on society”.

“This Career Guidance Day marks a crucial milestone in the academic journey of the finalists. Armed with valuable knowledge and inspiration, these bright minds are now better equipped to embark on their professional careers and contribute significantly to Tanzania's growth and development”, said Prof. Boniface.

Dr. Elisante Mshiu, the Dean of SoMG, addressed the finalists and offered them insights into the world beyond the classroom. He stressed the need to complement formal education with practical skills and a thorough understanding of industry operations.

“We at the University of Dar es Salaam are very optimistic that this exposure you have acquired would better prepare you [students] for professional careers. You also need to continue learning and work hard. Such are essential catalysts for unlocking a multitude of opportunities in the industry”, emphasised Dr. Mshiu.

A realistic preview of future careers

Many speakers variously encouraged the graduates to remain dedicated to their studies and strive to make a meaningful impact in their chosen fields.

A significant highlight of the day was the presence of the representative from the Tanzania Petroleum Development Corporation (TPDC), Mr. Venance Emmanuel, who enthusiastically shared practical experiences from the field, shedding light on the industry's working culture, challenges, dressing codes, ethics, and more.

“These kinds of engagements are very important as they give students a realistic preview of their future careers and instill the confidence to navigate the industry's demands successfully”, he stressed.

One of the SoMG students, Ms. Jesca Kirita, articulated the sentiments of her peers, expressing excitement about the Career Guidance Day. “This kind of event provides unique opportunity to build confidence and glean insights from successful alumni who had once stood in their shoes”, she remarked.

Throughout the day, students amply interacted with employers and professionals from the industry, networked and sought advice from seasoned experts. The intense enthusiasm of the finalists indicated their eagerness to learn and excel in diverse fields, including mines, petroleum, geology, and more of the like.