Kigali – 07 July 2023 | On a bright Friday at Kepler College in Kigali, the annual Career Fair 2023 unfolded with a resounding success. The event, held on July 7th, served as a vibrant platform for students to explore potential career opportunities and connect with a diverse range of over 30 companies and organizations. Among the notable companies present were entities such as the World Food Programme (WFP), telecommunications giant MTN, digital services provider Irembo, and renowned brewery, SKOL.
Kepler College Annual Career Fair connects students and unemployed graduates with potential employers, graduate schools, entrepreneurship incubators and accelerator companies to establish professional relationships, and discuss potential opportunities available today or in the future. These opportunities range from jobs, internships, scholarships, among others.
Kepler College has long been recognized for its dedication to bridging the gap between academia and the labor market by aligning its academic programs with the evolving needs of the labor market.
The 2023 Career Fair was a prime example of this commitment in action. The event was meticulously organized, ensuring that students could meet with potential employers from various industries, learn about the current job market, and gain insights into what employers are looking for in their future workforce.
One of the students, Ibrahim Nizeyimana, expressed his excitement about the event and insights gained.
“The Career Fair has been an eye-opener for me. It’s not just about finding a job, but understanding what skills are in demand and how we, as students, can prepare ourselves for the future,” said Ibrahim.
Ibrahim’s sentiment was echoed by many students who found the event to be a valuable learning experience.
From the employers’ perspective, the Career Fair offered an opportunity to meet with potential recruits and understand the talent pool available.
“We are always on the lookout for fresh talents, and Kepler students have consistently proven to be resourceful and innovative,” said Diana Melissa Natukunda, Human Resource Operations Lead at the World Food Programme. “Events like these allow us to connect directly with the students, understand their aspirations, and align our recruitment strategies accordingly.”
Karoli Kolokanyi, the Director of Careers and Alumni Affairs at Kepler College, emphasized the importance of such events in shaping students’ career paths.
“Our goal is to ensure students’ readiness for the labor market. The Career Fair is a crucial part of this process as it provides a real-world interaction opportunity between students and potential employers. This helps students learn labour market expectations, and other insightful information to aid their career preparation and transition to the labor market. For employers, it is a great opportunity to access potential talents,“said Karoli.
Kepler college recognizes the importance of fostering strong connections with industry professionals and employers. From 2017, the annual career fair has welcomed over 200 companies and organizations.
Kepler’s history attests to its students securing coveted internships and scholarships through the career fairs. These events not only enhanced their professional and academic growth, but also opened doors for budding entrepreneurs to join incubation and accelerator programs, translating their business ideas into viable ventures, thereby contributing to the entrepreneurial ecosystem.
These fortified partnerships have facilitated increased job opportunities for graduates, enhancing the institution’s reputation for successful career placements. By doing this, Kepler is playing a pivotal role in shaping the future workforce in Rwanda and beyond.
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