Our University through the Office of the Director of International Affairs and Partnership, officially launched the Work Readiness and Career Accelerator Programme on Monday, 10th November 2025, at Lab 6, Kigali Campus. The Programme ran from 10th to 14th November 2025, featuring expert facilitators from Harambee Youth Employment Accelerator (Rwanda), Professors Without Borders (UK), CAP-Youth Empowerment Institute (Kenya), LK Recruitment (Rwanda), and Hire Me Africa (Rwanda).
This five-day intensive training was designed to empower final-year students with essential employability and professional skills, preparing them for a seamless transition from University life to the world of work.
The session began with a welcoming address and programme overview by Director of International Affairs and Partnership, followed by opening remarks from Prof. Ogechi Adeola, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Academic and Student Affairs. Speaking during the opening, Prof. Adeola emphasized the University’s commitment to producing work-ready graduates who can compete globally and contribute meaningfully to Rwanda’s development agenda.
Day one was facilitated by Harambee Youth Employment Accelerator (Rwanda), who focused on key themes including:
- Job application and interview preparation
- Personal branding and networking
- Connecting with potential employers
- Understanding current job market trends
- Language and communication proficiency
Day 2 of the training led by CAP-Youth Empowerment Institute (Kenya) and LK Recruitment (Rwanda), focused on empowering final-year students with practical skills to successfully navigate the transition from University to the workplace.
The LK Recruitment Team led a highly engaging session on Job Interviews and Salary Negotiation, equipping students with the confidence and techniques needed to excel in professional interviews and negotiate their first salaries. Participants learned how to craft impactful self-introductions (“elevator pitches”), identify common interview pitfalls, and engage in salary discussions effectively through interactive role-play simulations.
The CAP-Youth Empowerment Institute (Kenya) guided students through an inspiring session on “Life After University: Why Good Morals Matter,” emphasizing integrity, core values, and professionalism as essential foundations for long-term career success. The session concluded with an interactive Q&A segment where students engaged with the facilitators, gaining valuable career insights and practical advice.
Day 3 focused on helping students bridge the gap between internship experiences and long-term employment opportunities. Facilitated by Hire Me Africa Tech Ltd (Rwanda), the sessions emphasized practical strategies for career growth, professional development, and mindset transformation.
Participants explored key topics including:
- Standing out and adding value during internships
- Building strong professional relationships and seeking feedback
- Strategies for converting internship experiences into full-time job offers
- Personal growth, stress management, and motivation for career success
- Navigating emerging job market trends and effective job search approaches
Through interactive discussions and role-play simulations, students gained invaluable insights into positioning themselves as exceptional candidates ready to thrive in competitive workplaces.
Day 4 focused on equipping students with essential professional skills for building strong career networks and navigating workplace dynamics. Facilitated by the Professors Without Borders (PWB) team, the session provided insightful strategies for students preparing to transition into competitive professional environments.
The workshop covered:
- Developing a personal networking strategy
- Effective networking techniques for both online and in-person settings
- Building, maintaining, and expanding professional networks
- Emotional intelligence, workplace etiquette, and communication skills
- Approaches to conflict management in professional spaces
- Introduction to entrepreneurship and entrepreneurial mindset
The final day of the Career Accelerator Programme was highly practical, giving students a hands-on experience with digital tools and techniques essential for navigating the modern job market. Facilitated by the Professors Without Borders (PWB) team, the session focused on real-world application of technology to enhance employability, productivity, and career readiness.
During this intensive session, students engaged in practical exercises on:
- Using technology for an efficient job search
- Leveraging digital tools for productivity and workplace efficiency
- Building a digital personal brand using social media and online portfolios
- Strengthening digital and technological skills relevant to today’s workplace
- Preparing for virtual interviews through simulated scenarios
- Understanding remote work environments and the growing role of AI in employment
- Developing future-ready competencies such as critical thinking and problem-solving
The programme concluded with an engaging Q&A session and closing remarks delivered by the moderator, the Director of International Affairs and Partnerships. In her remarks, she commended the students for their active participation and commitment throughout the programme, and reaffirmed the University of Kigali’s dedication to producing graduates who are not only academically sound, but also professionally agile, digitally competent, and prepared to compete for opportunities in both local and global labour markets
