Republic Bank (Guyana) Limited and the University of Guyana in another collaborative effort yesterday launched their ‘Career Coach’ programme for final year students from the Faculty of Social Sciences.
The ‘Power to Make a Difference Partnership’ between the two institutions is geared towards improving the professional image, grooming and decorum, preparing resumes and improving the interview skills of the students who will take part in the programme.
According to Managing Director Edwin Gooding, Republic Bank sees it as their duty to empower Guyana’s youths with the necessary tools for an enterprising future and so this initiative was launched.
He noted that it seeks to respond to public commentary that many students encounter difficulties with their professionalism and preparedness regarding interviews and other such encounters in the after-university world.
Gooding said, “It is imperative that students be able to really represent themselves as graduates.” He also noted that the level of competition has been recognized and this programme is expected to teach students how to have the extra edge over their competitors. “A degree is just a beginning to sell yourself and is not necessarily going to get you the job.”
Dean of the Social Sciences faculty, Dr. Michael Scott, expressed similar sentiments. He said that the university has recognized that it is not good enough for students to be filled with content and not be prepared for the practical aspect of acquiring a job. In that light the university welcomed the programme by Republic Bank as an effort to better equip students with the necessary skills and finesse to obtain a job in the extremely competitive job market.
When asked whether the lack of preparation is a pressing issue with university graduates, Scott replied that time and the curriculum did not allow for special emphasis to be placed on these issues, although they are dealt with to a certain extent.
The two-day programme begins today with an opening ceremony. Over 100 students from the Social Sciences faculty are expected to participate.
The social sciences were selected because the bank has in the past run all its programmes with them, and if this initial programme is successful there is every likelihood that it can be extended across the campus.
According to Gooding, the programme will be carried out by a group of high level professionals, including representatives of Republic Bank.
Meanwhile, at the end of the programme 10 students will be selected to be involved in a mock interview session where they will be expected to draw on the knowledge they had gained during the programme.
This programme follows the recent awards by the bank to three outstanding university students.
