UCU HUMAN RESOURCE TEAM EQUIPS STUDENTS AND STAFF WITH CAREER READINESS SKILLS AT UCU, MBALE UNIVERSITY COLLEGE
Students and staff of Uganda Christian University (UCU) Mbale University College have benefited from a comprehensive Human Resource Management training conducted by a team from the UCU Main Campus led by Ms. Florence Nakiyingi, Director of Human Resource and Administration.
The engagement, which focused on career preparedness, workplace expectations, and professional development, was aimed at equipping students with practical skills and knowledge necessary for successful transition from university life to the world of work.
The visiting team was officially welcomed by the College Secretary, Mrs. Dorothy Amony Kaka, who commended the team for extending its services to UCU Mbale University College through mentorship, sensitization, and training.
“We are grateful to the Human Resource team from the Main Campus for taking time to visit Mbale University College and engage our staff and students. Such interactions are invaluable because they prepare our students for life beyond graduation while strengthening professionalism within our institution,” Mrs. Amony noted.
Addressing the students, Ms.Florence Nakiyingi emphasized the need for intentional career preparation and professionalism in today’s competitive job market.
“Academic qualifications are important, but employers are equally interested in your ability to communicate, present yourself professionally, and demonstrate competence during the recruitment process. Students must begin preparing for employment opportunities while still at the university,” she said.
During her presentation, Madam Nakiyingi guided students through CV writing, interview skills, understanding the employment process, crafting compelling cover letters, common CV mistakes to avoid, networking and job search strategies, office etiquette, professionalism, and communication skills.
She encouraged students to cultivate a professional mindset and continuously improve their employability skills to stand out in the labor market.
The training was complemented by Madam Winnie Thakker, Senior Human Resource Officer and Lecturer, who facilitated sessions on workplace preparation and career exploration.
“The workplace demands more than academic excellence. Employers look for individuals who demonstrate integrity, responsibility, teamwork, adaptability, and a positive attitude. These qualities often determine long term success in an organization,” Madam Thakker explained.
She further took students through topics including the importance of a degree, employer expectations, conduct and ethics, teamwork, organizational culture, professionalism, workplace responsibility, digital and cyber responsibility, internship performance assessment, attitude, time management, and proper maintenance of internship logbooks.
The interactive sessions attracted enthusiastic participation from students, many of whom expressed appreciation for the practical career guidance and mentorship provided by the Human Resource team.
Several students noted that the training had given them a clearer understanding of workplace expectations and increased their confidence as they prepare for internships and future employment opportunities.
“The sessions were eye opening and practical. We have learned Ideas on how to prepare professional CVs, conduct ourselves during interviews, and understand what employers expect from us. We now feel more prepared to face the working environment,” remarked one of the students.
The engagement concluded with students expressing satisfaction and gratitude for the opportunity to learn directly from experienced Human Resource professionals. The training reinforced UCU’s commitment to holistic education by nurturing graduates who are academically competent, professionally prepared, and ethically grounded.
The visit also strengthened collaboration between the Main Campus Human Resource Directorate and UCU Mbale University College, further advancing the University’s mission of transforming lives through quality education, mentorship, and service.
By Harry Mukhooli
UCU Mbale Communications Department