Integrity, adaptability key to career success - Absa Chief Risk Officer tells UESD students

Graduates should embrace their degrees as a starting point for continuous learning and development, rather than an endpoint. This was the core message from Kofi Agyarko-Kwarteng, Chief Risk Officer at Absa Bank Ghana, during a mentorship session at the University of Environment and Sustainable Development (UESD).

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Your degree is not your destination. At best, it is your starting point.

Agyarko-Kwarteng highlighted that advancements in artificial intelligence, climate change, and evolving labor market demands are reshaping industries. He urged students to cultivate strong problem-solving, communication, and leadership skills to navigate these changes effectively. "Your degree is not your destination. At best, it is your starting point," he stated.

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A certificate may open a door, but your mindset, character, adaptability, discipline and ability to solve problems will determine how far you go.

He further advised students to commit to lifelong learning, viewing graduation as the beginning of a more intentional investment in their knowledge and personal growth. "The most successful people are those who remain students throughout their lives," he remarked, encouraging them to embrace technology, manage finances wisely, and adopt a mindset of continuous learning: "learn, unlearn and relearn."

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The most successful people are those who remain students throughout their lives.

Beyond technical skills, Agyarko-Kwarteng placed significant emphasis on character, defining integrity as a paramount asset for young professionals. He explained that while technical abilities might open doors, it is trust, discipline, and ethical conduct that ensure long-term career sustainability and strong relationships. The session included an interactive Q&A, addressing student queries on career development, leadership, and financial management.

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learn, unlearn and relearn