University dons drill students on career orientation

Youths of Oshie in the Northwest Region have been drilled on how to make informed career choices.

This was during a one day seminar on career orientation that recently held at the Presbyterian Church Centre in Bamenda.

The seminar brought together the Director of ENS Bambili, the Rector of National Polytechnic Bamenda and a host of other University dons and resource persons.

The seminar was organised by Club 202, after two previously organised in Yaounde and Buea.

According to the President of Club 202, Engineer Emmanuel Oyebog Achaki; “Club 202 is an extraction of 22 Oshie men of various educational backgrounds residing both in Cameroon and abroad. The goal of this group is to create a family environment whereby we can help ourselves and contribute effectively to the development of our village, Oshie,” Oyebog stated.

The aim of the seminar was to equip the youth with relevant tools to help them make informed choices in the different career paths they undertake.

The Rector of National Polytechnic Bambui, Rev. Dr. Emmanuel Asongwe, called on the youth to be committed in the choices they make. The rector opined, “Oshie is a group of educated people and we don’t want this mantle to fall.”

The youths received enriching lectures on the foundation for making career decisions. The Director of ENS, Augustin Bame Nsamenang, delivered a lecture on the various aspects to consider when choosing a career.

Prof. Bame advised the youths to know what interest them, their aptitudes and their abilities as these will guide them to make informed career choices.

He enjoined them to select careers that give them enthusiasm and satisfaction. “Don’t pull jobs for knowledge or certificates, go for skills,” Bame advised.

Martin Tem, a writer and facilitator of the programme, illustrated to the students how to choose careers based on their areas of intelligence. According to Tem, money is not important when choosing a career. “A job should not be an end to itself, but a means to an end.”

The writer equally highlighted some professions which are available for the youths as well as, the qualifications needed for such jobs.

He pointed out Accounting, Insurance, Banking and Finance, Agriculture, Law, Pharmacy, Journalism, ICTs, as some emerging fields in the world today, which are suitable careers in the job market.

At the end of the seminar, the youths of Oshie thanked the organisers for the initiative.

According to Huber Asongwe, “This seminar has taught me how to pursue my goals by using the skills I have and making my job my passion.”

Georgette Ekanya said; “I have been drilled on how to venture into a job without succumbing to pressure from my parents. Some parents force their children to do what they don’t like. But, today, I have learned that what our parents choose for us at times is not what we really like to become in future and so, I will not pursue my dreams.”

The seminar was not only for those who are in search for suitable careers, but also for those already in the business world and want to make the most out of their careers. Wilfred Atah, one time participant of the seminar, testified how the programme helped him to become what he is today.