Babcock Alumni Equip Graduating Students with Employability Skills for Labour Market

Babcock University is actively bridging the gap between academic learning and industry demands through an alumni-driven career development session for its graduating students. Organized by the university's Alumni Connectivity and Career Services Unit, the initiative brought together successful alumni, human resource professionals, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders. Their goal was to equip final-year students with practical skills essential for navigating the modern labor market, including effective workplace strategies and interview techniques.

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What we have done is to bring the interview process directly to you. We brought the exact professionals who evaluate candidates to sit down, listen, guide, and show you how things are done in the corporate world

During the interactive session, students gained exposure to contemporary recruitment trends, learned how to tailor their curriculum vitae (CV), and received guidance on personal branding, workplace ethics, and networking. The growing importance of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in business environments was also a key topic. Dr. Jonathan Dangana, Associate Vice President for Alumni Connectivity and Philanthropy, described the program as a flagship initiative designed to boost student competitiveness. He highlighted that employers increasingly seek graduates who possess not only academic excellence but also practical competence, strong communication skills, and critical problem-solving abilities.

Recruiters at the event advised students against submitting generic CVs, stressing that employers value measurable achievements and demonstrable impact over lengthy resumes. Practical mock interview sessions, utilizing the STAR model (Situation, Task, Action, Result), coached students on answering behavioral questions, projecting confidence, and framing weaknesses as opportunities for growth. Dr. Philip Babalola, Founder and CEO of UVest, urged students to look beyond academic qualifications and embrace continuous digital learning, emphasizing AI's potential to enhance productivity. "Artificial Intelligence will not replace professionals, but professionals who know how to use AI effectively will certainly replace those who do not," Babalola stated.

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Artificial Intelligence will not replace professionals, but professionals who know how to use AI effectively will certainly replace those who do not

Adding another perspective, actor and filmmaker Heavens Obule cautioned against over-reliance on AI for interview responses. "Employers want to see your personality. Be authentic and present yourself in your ‘realest’ possible way," Obule advised, underscoring that originality remains a crucial differentiator in selection processes. The university encouraged students to utilize its extensive alumni network and Career Services Unit for mentorship, internships, and professional placement opportunities.

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Employers want to see your personality. Be authentic and present yourself in your ‘realest’ possible way