Oko-Irese, Kwara State, Nigeria
February 26, 2024
In anticipation of its inaugural graduating class in the 2023/2024 academic session, Thomas Adewumi University (TAU) has launched a comprehensive career programme aimed at equipping students with essential skills for the professional world. The programme, which includes a series of lectures, kicked off with Module 1, featuring a webinar led by Mr. Zakari Isiaka Osheku.
Under the theme of "Professional Development," the webinar focused on crucial aspects of career readiness, with Mr. Zakari addressing topics such as CV Building, Cold Email Strategies, and LinkedIn Profile Optimization. The event, conducted online, brought together the graduating cohort for an insightful session geared towards enhancing their employability prospects.
At the outset of the webinar, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Francisca Oladipo, extended a warm welcome to the students, emphasizing the University's commitment to preparing them as its inaugural graduates. Prof. Francisca highlighted the significance of the career programme in equipping students with the necessary tools to thrive in the competitive job market. She also introduced Mr. Zakari Isiaka Osheku, a distinguished professional holding degrees in diverse fields including Public Health and Medical Microbiology, as the keynote speaker for the session.
Mr. Zakari commenced the lecture by elucidating the fundamentals of CV Building, distinguishing between a CV and a resume. He provided invaluable insights into crafting an effective CV, emphasizing the inclusion of personal information, educational background, experience, skills, and objectives. Furthermore, he recommended various software applications such as Zety, My Perfect CV, Resume Genius, and Intelligent CV for proficient CV creation. He encouraged the students to have at least a 2-page CV.
Transitioning to Cold Email Strategies, Mr. Zakari outlined the importance of personalized and well-researched communication. He elucidated the key components of a compelling cold email, stressing clarity and conciseness while providing practical tips for effective outreach and follow-up. He showed the students a sample for a cold email he sent to a professor last year emphasizing the need to put important details in the email.
The session concluded with an in-depth discussion on LinkedIn Profile Optimization, underscoring the significance of leveraging the world's largest professional network for career advancement. Mr. Zakari delved into the essential elements of a well-optimized LinkedIn profile, covering aspects such as first impression, profile photo, background photo, headline, summary, experience, skills, endorsements, and recommendations. He also elucidated strategies for maximizing LinkedIn features, expanding networks, utilizing job search tools, and engaging actively within professional communities.
As the inaugural event of TAU's career programme for graduating students, Module 1 proved to be a resounding success, offering valuable insights and practical guidance for navigating the transition from academia to the professional sphere. With further modules upcoming, TAU remains steadfast in its commitment to nurturing the career aspirations of its students and preparing them for success in the real world.
