Students Told: Your Subject Combination Does Not Have to Define Your Career

Viva College recently hosted a careers day that encouraged students to explore a broader connection between school subjects and future professions. Over 50 professionals from more than 20 organisations participated, showcasing the diverse career opportunities that education can offer. 

 

The event, organised by Viva College in partnership with the Fidelis Leadership Institute (FLI), featured professionals from various fields, including banking, engineering, medicine, law, media, insurance, architecture, advertising, construction, agriculture, and vocational sectors. This provided students with a chance to engage directly with individuals from a range of industries. 

 

FLI Executive Director Pheona Wall emphasised the importance of helping young people realise that choosing subjects like Physics, Chemistry, and Biology does not limit them to a career in medicine. 

 

She stated, “If I study Physics, Chemistry, and Biology, it doesn’t mean I can only become a doctor. I could also become a chemist, a forensic psychologist, or a criminal forensics expert.” 

 

Careers Day was organised around four clusters: Biological, Physical, Humanities, and Vocational, providing students with the opportunity to ask professionals about their career paths, workplace realities, required qualifications, and the skills necessary for success.

 

 The event aimed to make various careers more tangible. Kiira Motors Corporation showcased its Kayoola electric bus, while professionals from organisations such as Guaranty Trust Bank, Metropolitan Republic, Uganda Editors Guild, Uganda Society of Architects, Pan Dental Surgery, Liberty Insurance Uganda, and Kakira Sugar Works shared insights from their respective fields.

 

 Wall emphasised that exposing young people to professionals early can help them make more informed career decisions.“We believe leadership development and career readiness should begin early, by giving young people the right exposure, guidance and opportunities to learn from those already working in different fields.

 

” Viva College aims to bridge the gap between education and the workplace. The college is focused on creating opportunities for students to gain practical experience through internships and to build relationships with organisations that can offer mentorship and exposure to the professional environment. 

 

Students have expressed that direct conversations with professionals provided them with a clearer understanding of various careers and opened their eyes to possibilities beyond the professions they had initially considered. Wall noted that the feedback from students has been encouraging.

 

 “The turnout is impressive, and the questions are insightful. We believe these young individuals will make better career choices in the future. 

 

The Careers Day is part of FLI’s ASPIRE Programme, which focuses on preparing young people for their careers and developing them into future leaders.”