Pan Atlantic University holds maiden career fair

Olumide Sholanke, human resources director of the Nigerian Bottling Company, has urged students of the Pan-Atlantic University (PAU) to articulate the art of storytelling around the knowledge they have garnered in the course of their study.

Sholanke spoke when he gave the keynote address at the maiden edition of the PAU Career Fair for the final year undergraduates and post-graduate students at the Ibeju Lekki campus on Thursday.

Ikechukwu Obiaya, dean of the school of media and communication, likened the relationship between students (talents) and the industry to the fairytale narrative of the prince who seeks the perfect bride.

Obiaya said the students have to “pass through the stages of desire, conflict, surmounting obstacles, before arriving at a happy ending of graduation”.

“The industry, on the hand, has to patiently journey through the woods, in order to find these talents,” he said.

Themed “Industry Meets Talent: Bridging the Gap”, the fair brought together 26 industries including  Guaranty Trust Bank, First City Monument Bank, Stanbic IBTC, Sterling Bank, and FBN Quest Merchant Bank.

KPMG and PWC, SKG-Pharma Ltd, and Redcare HMO were available to share insights on work experience.

Imelda Odudu, a final year accounting student,  said the fair gave her a chance to pitch her ideas and showcase her skills.

Odudu is one of the numerous students who has added internship knowledge to entrepreneurial experience. She currently runs Dudu Rides, a taxi service company.

The participants conducted interviews and sealed internship agreements. As the students round up their educational journey in PAU, they have become more equipped to confidently apply their talents and acquired skills to adding value to Nigeria.