The University of The Gambia Science Students Association on Saturday, 15 February 2025, held an insightful event in observance of Alumni and Career Day for its members.
The event was held at the Law Faculty Auditorium in Kanifing and brought together students and international Gambian experts who served as executive members of the Association, which was formerly the Science Students Club.
Held on the theme ‘Science for Development: Linking Knowledge to Career Growth’, the event featured panel discussions and training workshop for participants.
Dr Dawda Badjie, executive director of the National Environment Agency, who served as former vice president and former president of the Association, delved into the utilisation of scientific knowledge to solve societal problems.
He spoke at length on the essence of scientific knowledge and innovation, as well as on building capacity to ensure there is knowledge.
Awa Njie from the human resources unit of QCell, spoke on Career insights, saying university is not only about exams but also about figuring out one’s purpose.
She highlighted the essence of skills development, saying: “It doesn’t end with the lectures, improve your skills.”
She also urged time management, communication and team work, saying these would “make you stand out to your employer”.
She advised “being open to learning new things”. Njie, a former journalism student at the UTG, presented herself as an example, saying she was willing to learn and be open-minded, which enabled her forge a career in human resources at QCell, first as an intern.
Concluding, she emphasised the importance of passion, integrity and honesty.
Speakers included Dr Bubacarr Bah, who spoke on artificial intelligence and science; Mrs Fatou Cham Bojang, who spoke on how the science background helped in her present career; Mr Dawda Jobe, who took the audience through the role played by the Association in national development; Miss Isatou O. Jah, who emphasised on women participation in science for national development.
Training presentations trailed the insightful discussions. The attendees were exposed to online presentation on clinical medicine, on resume’ building and interview skills, personal branding and the role of science in climate action and sustainability, among other topics.
