As final-semester students at Mbarara University of Science and Technology (MUST) prepare to transition from the lecture room to the professional world, a high-level engagement with the Petroleum Authority of Uganda (PAU) has provided them with a timely competitive edge.
A Timely Intervention: Dr. Eng. Farad, Sagala the MUST Coordinator, expressed deep gratitude to PAU for choosing to engage with MUST at such a “critical juncture.”
“Our students are heading into their final placements and their last semester. Providing them with these skills now ensures they don’t just graduate, but they stand out as leaders in the community,” Dr. Sagala noted. The session, aimed at demystifying the oil and gas sector and highlighting the importance of soft skills, brought together experts to mentor students on how to stand out in an increasingly globalized job market. The diverse team of facilitators included: Seith Muhumuza (Communications),Derrick Katusiime (Petroleum Engineer), Christine Nakyonyi (National Supplier Database Officer), Alex Byamukama (Senior National Content Officer – Capacity Building).
More Than Just a Degree: The core message of the day was clear: academic qualifications are the foundation, but life skills are the pillars of a successful career. Communication experts Seith Muhumuza (PAU) and Angella Nakato Muyingo (MUST) led a compelling discussion on the “human” side of professional success.A degree gets you in the door, but life skills keep you in the room,” the duo emphasized. They highlighted several critical areas for student development:
-
Strategic Self-Branding: Understanding that social media is a double-edged sword that can either build a professional reputation or dismantle it.
-
Effective Communication & Confidence: Mastering the art of speaking with clarity and moving with self-assurance.
-
The Power of Networking: Building professional relationships that are just as valuable as a high GPA.
-
Inclusivity and Extra Skills: The importance of learning additional languages, including Sign Language, to remain inclusive and versatile in the workplace.
Beyond Engineering: Diversity in Energy: Think you need to be an engineer to join the oil journey? Think again. The facilitators shared how communicators, data specialists, and capacity builders drive the industry. Christine Nakyonyi shared her personal journey to reinforce this. “I am not an engineer; my background is in IT,” Nakyonyi shared. “The energy sector needs tech innovators, data analysts, and creative thinkers. There is a place for every discipline if you have the right mindset.”
The team also provided vital insights on placement opportunities and the sector’s latest achievements, proving that the oil and gas journey has a seat for every dedicated professional.
Student Gratitude: Representing the student body, Mr. Carlson Kalema delivered a heartfelt vote of thanks. He noted that the session had shifted the students’ perspectives from merely seeking jobs to building impactful personal brands.
The engagement concluded with a call to action for all students to embrace a culture of reading, echoing the sentiment that “information comes to those who read,” and that true leaders are lifelong learners.
Building a career is not just about the certificate you hold, but the character you build and the unique value you bring to the table. In a competitive world, your skills are your signature make sure they leave a lasting mark.
