She said because of fewer job openings vis-a-vis the increasing number of graduates being produced by the universities, students needed to focus on adding value to themselves to be able to exploit the few opportunities available. Dr Sokpor gave this advice in her presentation at a seminar organised by the Faculty of Accounting and Finance (FAF) of the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA)

The seminar which was held on the theme: “Raising professionals with integrity for national development,” was part of activities marking the 2018 FAF Professional Week Celebration.

Other activities lined up include ‘Time with professional bodies and job fair, a donation of 15,000 litre Polytank to Pantang Hospital, FAF Ladies Day, Inter- Departmental games, FAF training for small business in the University’s catchment area and a thanksgiving service.

Dr Sokpor pointed out that most of the adverts in the newspapers outlined that employers were looking for people with a certain kind of experience or number of years of experience; adding that most graduates got discouraged upon seeing them. She said a lot of institutions had now devised ways of getting students to have internship programmes in these companies; which would prepare students and give them skills or exposure to be able to do what they needed to do when they finally get hired.

She said, however, most of these companies rely on the services of human resource personnel. She urged students to research on what the employers’ want; which covers industry knowledge, research skills, analytical skills and the ability to develop initiatives. The Executive Director noted that  recruiters look out for a well written resume that meets or exceeds requirement, impressive outlook in person, communication skills ,loyalty, availability ,affordability as well as whether the individual is adaptable or not.

Dr Raymond K. Dziwornu, the Dean of FAF, UPSA, said in recent times there had been numerous cases of concerns of integrity of some professionals, leading to the loss of huge sums of monies to the state and businesses. He said they were of the firm belief that as a faculty its students could only succeed in their profession when they exhibit high sense of integrity in their work.

“We need graduates who are guided by a sense of what is moral and is immoral: graduates who will refuse to compromise their principles and choose their integrity account," the Dean added. Dr Dziwornu said in addition to numerous efforts of the Faculty and the University to raise professionals with integrity, they intended to use this week to raise the awareness on the need for UPSA students to be professionals with integrity.