Node Eight Holds the 3rd Edition of the Ho Digital Job Fair for Young Job Seekers

Digital technology is transforming economies and societies in profound ways. The increase in information and communication technologies (ICTs) is creating new opportunities for young people around the world to engage in digital work or use digital means to find jobs. 

To address these issues around jobs and employability, Node Eight in partnership with Ghana Tech Lab under the Pathways to Sustainable Employment Program of the Mastercard Foundation organized the Ho Digital job Fair for digital and tech enthusiasts in the Volta Region. The theme for this year’s edition was “Building Resilient Software Engineers for The Job Market.” 

This year’s event happened on Saturday, November 19, at the Rotary Center, Ho. The event received both students and young graduates seeking to kick-start their careers.   

The event was opened with a session on CV Review and Preparation led by Mr. Courage C. Tetteh. He began his presentation with an open floor allowing participants to ask questions on CV writing and job seeking. He continues with his presentation by taking participants through how to structure an educational CV and a career CV. Mr. Courage Tetteh also advised that job seekers should learn how to craft CVs that are tailored to specific jobs and their requirements. 

Following the CV review and preparation session, Mr. Courage Asase, the Managing Director of Node Eight, led a symposium on career readiness. 

In answering the question, how can young people make the right career choices? 

He said that young people often face confusion when it comes to choosing a career. This may be related to the social circle they are a part of, which affects how they think and are exposed. He also added that things are changing so the chances that young people will end up in the sector they are being trained for is lean so they should be open to exploring options and be prepared to make the best out of every opportunity. 

“What usually determines the career you end up with comes from the things you do outside of school, like your focus on non-academic things. So, my advice to young people, especially those who are still in school, is that they should do well in class, but also focus on things outside of class and utilize any opportunity they get,” he added. 

When asked what requirements young job seekers need for entry-level jobs, he admonishes participants to make themselves valuable from day one.  

“If you are a young person in school and want to work in a company, make yourself valuable from day one. The career system has been democratized, which means you don’t have to go through the traditional education system to land a career. The opportunities are limited in terms of careers, and you need to put your best foot out there to get in front,” he added.  

When asked about the necessary skills young job seekers need to be prepared for the job market, he advised them to create a T-Shape model for skill sets; horizontally, know a little bit about everything, be knowledgeable, and vertically, be extremely skilled at the specific thing you are being trained for or want to be employed for. 

“Develop hard skills for the actual value-line for the company. Develop soft skills to give yourself the opportunity to maneuver and negotiate your way to the top,” he added. 

He ended the session by saying, “Everyone has the capability. You are enough to do whatever you want to do. However, words of encouragement alone will not put you there.” 

Digital technology is transforming economies and societies in profound ways, and this is especially true for young people. To take advantage of these opportunities, young people need to develop the right skills and knowledge.