UR-CAVM careers forum 2024 bridges gap between academia and industry

By The Inspirer.

The University of Rwanda’s College of Agriculture, Animal Sciences, and Veterinary Medicine (UR-CAVM) hosted the UR-CAVM Careers Forum 2024 on December 18, 2024, at its Busogo Campus in Musanze District.

The two-day event, themed “Employers’ Engagement to Enhance Students’ Transition to Employment”, brought together students, alumni, employers, and stakeholders from various industries to tackle one of Rwanda’s most pressing challenges—unemployment among university graduates.

As Rwanda continues its journey towards becoming a knowledge-based economy, the forum served as a key initiative to bridge the gap between academia and industry, ensuring graduates are equipped with the skills and opportunities necessary to excel in the job market.

The Careers Forum came just after the University of Rwanda’s 10th graduation ceremony, which saw over 8,000 students receive their degrees. With many graduates stepping into an increasingly competitive labor market, the forum provided a timely opportunity for them to connect with potential employers and industry leaders.\

Fostering innovation and networking

The forum offered a dynamic program aimed at fostering meaningful collaborations and inspiring innovation. On November 19, a Professional Internship Networking Event provided graduates with the chance to interact directly with employers.

This session facilitated critical discussions about career prospects, internships, and professional development opportunities. Many employers pledged internships and other forms of mentorship, offering graduates a crucial head start in their careers.

The main forum, held on November 20, emphasized the importance of aligning academic programs with labor market needs. Alumni from UR-CAVM shared their career journeys, highlighting how experiential learning and innovation during their studies prepared them for professional success.

Exhibitions showcased groundbreaking projects developed by students and staff, including climate-smart agricultural solutions, veterinary innovations, and entrepreneurial ventures. These projects underscored UR-CAVM’s role in addressing real-world challenges through research and innovation.

Student perspectives: Voices from the forum

For students, the forum was not just an event but a life-changing opportunity.

One student said the forum broadened her understanding of the job market:

“This forum has given me a clearer understanding of the job market and how I can contribute to solving challenges in agriculture. Meeting employers and seeing the innovative projects on display has inspired me to think beyond the classroom.”

For other participants, the event served as a platform to showcase their own innovations.

Theoneste Ndayizeye, a final-year agriculture student who exhibited his Aloe vera-based soaps, emphasized the importance of connecting with industry experts:

“This forum gave me a chance to exhibit my innovative products. I also met professionals who offered valuable guidance on how I can grow my expertise and align it with my career ambitions.”

Alumni participants provided further insights into how UR-CAVM had shaped their journeys. One alumnus, now leading a successful agribusiness, credited the college’s practical training for his achievements:

“The skills and mentorship I received at UR-CAVM were invaluable in launching my business. This forum is a great initiative to connect current students with the opportunities they need to succeed.”

Leadership commitment

UR-CAVM leadership underlined the significance of strengthening academia-industry collaboration. Dr. Jean Claude Ngabonziza, Principal of UR-CAVM, highlighted the institution’s mission to produce graduates who are ready for the workforce:

“Our mission is not only to educate but to ensure our graduates are job-ready. This forum strengthens the bridge between our classrooms and the job market.”

Dr. Alphonsine Dushimimana Mukayisenga, career guidance and employability services specialist and the coordinator of CAVM agribusiness incubator services, reflected on the importance of nurturing innovation and entrepreneurship.

She pointed out how the event showcased students and alumni with market-ready products, prototypes, and promising business ideas.

Dr. Guillaume Nyagatare, acting Principal of UR-CAVM, emphasized the forum’s dual purpose of connecting students with employers and improving academic programs based on industry feedback:

“This forum was organized to create strong linkages between our students, alumni, and employers. It also allowed us to engage in discussions on how to improve our programs to better meet industry demands.”

Driving Rwanda’s economic transformation

The UR-CAVM Careers Forum 2024 set a powerful example for how higher education institutions can tackle unemployment and support national development.

By fostering collaboration, providing practical opportunities, and inspiring entrepreneurship, the forum aligns closely with Rwanda’s National Strategy for Transformation (NST II), which prioritizes skills development and innovation.

Students, alumni, and employers left the event with a shared vision for the future. For the graduates who secured internships and mentorship opportunities, the forum marked the start of promising careers. For the stakeholders and academic leaders, it reaffirmed the vital role of collaboration in addressing Rwanda’s socio-economic challenges.

As Rwanda continues to invest in its education sector, initiatives like the UR-CAVM Careers Forum demonstrate how bridging the gap between academia and industry can transform not only individual lives but also the nation’s workforce and economy.

                                         

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