The NSSF-Monitor Career Expo goes online this year, with a focus on equipping university students with employment and entrepreneurial skills for the “new normal” brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The three day Career Expo, now in its 10th year running will be held virtually starting Wednesday, March 24 to Friday, 26, 2021. It is jointly organized by the National Social Security Fund (NSSF) and Monitor Publications Limited under its flagship Daily Monitor title.
Reflecting on the Expo theme this year – Repurposing your Career Goals to the New Normal, NSSF Managing Director Richard Byarugaba said that the country must realise that the employment and business landscapes have changed, and it cannot be business as usual.
“We are cognizant of the fact that the COVID-19 pandemic has changed the way we think, work and live. If we needed any proof that technology is now the mainstay for every decision and transaction, the pandemic has confirmed it,” he said.
“Whether you are in formal employment or an entrepreneur, you must harness technology, especially digital technology to be competitive. Fortunately, young people, especially those leaving university are better placed not only to innovate in this space but also take advantage of the opportunities,” he said.
Tony Glencross, the Nation Media Group Uganda Managing Director echoed a similar message.
“The most important takeaway for our university students from the Career Expo should be that they must re-evaluate their career goals because the world today is very different from the world a year ago when the country entered lockdown,” he said.
“Beyond your academic degree, your creativity and agility will make you very competitive irrespective of your career choice. This Expo is an opportunity for all young people in tertiary institutions to learn from experienced speakers this year,” he said.
The speakers include experts from different fields ranging from technology, banking, startups, business and human resource management. The Expo will be broadcast online on the NSSF and Daily Monitor social media platforms.
It will focus on three discussion areas namely; “Pursuing new ideas beyond university degrees”; “Preparing students for the current versatile job market”; and “Matching capabilities with the new changing world”.
Now in its 10th year running, the Career Expo has so far impacted more than 167,000 university students. Over 68,000 former students kick started their retirement savings through registration with the Fund.
To participate in this year’s expo, one should register via the Fund’s website www.nssfug.org/careerexpo21