Coventry University holds masterclass on entrepreneurship and employability

Coventry University, a public research university based in England in partnership with the Ghana Telecom University College (GTUC) and African Institute for Transformational Entrepreneurship (AITE), organized an entrepreneurship and employability masterclass to equip the youth mostly students on becoming successful entrepreneurs in future.

The masterclass provided participants a platform to interact and share ideas with alumni of Coventry University. Held in Accra on Saturday 29th April, 2017, two insightful sessions were held with speakers from Coventry University and the British Council, Ghana.

The first session led by Mr. Simon Hill, Lecturer in Enterprise and Entrepreneurship at Coventry University, presented insights into innovation, knowledge transfer, entrepreneurship, leadership, socio-economic development, and policy formulation, all which are courses that are provided by the African Institute for Transformational Entrepreneurship, (AITE).

Mr. Gideon Brefo, a representative from the British Council Ghana, led the second session and offered insights on topics based on the recent report Universities, Employment and Inclusive Development: Repositioning Higher Education in Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria and South Africa. This masterclass presentation took a valuable look at the qualities employers’ value in graduates including knowledge in field of study, ethics and integrity, problem solving, critical thinking, ability to work in a culturally diverse environment and work experience. Being a successful entrepreneur, Gideon also shared his entrepreneurship experience with participants.

Further to the training, participants took part in a personal branding exercise after which a selected few were given the opportunity to present an elevator pitch that could be used at interviews or networking events.

Dr. Osei Kofi Darkwa, President of GTUC & a Senior Member of Staff at Coventry University said that the two institutions have been in a collaborative partnership since 2010 offering high standard Master’s programmes.

He added that “our collaboration has given a number of students the advantage of international opportunities, while based in Ghana. Students have the option to graduate at GTUC or Coventry University at the end of their studies, and several also choose to join CU Summer Schools in Coventry during their degree”.

Madam Jane Debra, President for Coventry University Alumni, Ghana Chapter, encouraged participants to cultivate the habit of seeking advice during challenges.

The masterclass ended with a networking ceremony which brought together business experts like Mutaru Mumuni, Executive Director, West Africa Ce