BecomingGolden

Written by Brownie Ebal and Victoria Nakiyimba

On the 6th of March, 2025, the Kitabu Buk project team, comprising Brownie Ebal and Angela Ameso, joined KEMET team lead Andrew Ogwal at Uganda Christian University, for a career talk on Life After Campus: Identifying Life Opportunities. The session focused on equipping students with strategies to navigate post-university life, whether through employment, entrepreneurship, or leadership.

Angela Ameso set the foundation by addressing the realities of life after campus. She highlighted the shift from a structured academic environment to an unpredictable world were financial independence, career decisions, and personal growth become immediate priorities. Many graduates struggle with unemployment, uncertainty, and financial instability, but those who
actively prepare tend to transition more smoothly. She emphasized that success is not automatic—it requires intentional effort, adaptability, and a commitment to lifelong learning. Miss Angela also hinted that volunteering plays a significant role in career growth, as it provides hands-on experience and networking opportunities—her experience as a Young African Leaders
Initiative (YALI), a United States Government fully funded leadership Programme, fellow through her work with Kitabu- Buk Project reinforced how such engagements open doors.

Brownie Ebal focused on exploring career opportunities and provided practical strategies to enhance employability. She advised students to keep a notebook to track goals, job applications, and career development steps. Researching potential employers and understanding company
cultures can help graduates tailor their applications and prepare effectively for interviews. She also emphasized the importance of building an online presence by posting relevant content on professional platforms. Using design tools like Canva can improve resumes, presentations and
personal branding. She encouraged students to view career development as an investment, where effort and strategic input determine the returns.

Andrew Ogwal introduced entrepreneurship as an alternative to traditional employment and provided insights into business development. He explained the Canvas Business Model as a tool for structuring and evaluating business ideas. Drawing from B.K Tiny Habits, he emphasized the importance of starting small, staying consistent, and building sustainable business practices. He also spoke on leadership, highlighting how individuals can make an impact regardless of their personality type. He encouraged introverts to embrace leadership in extroverted spaces by focusing on their strengths, preparation, and strategic communication. He discussed the
significance of leaving a mark through meaningful contributions and handling setbacks with grace, showing resilience in leadership even after challenges.

The session concluded with a call to action for students to take ownership of their future. Whether pursuing employment, entrepreneurship, or leadership roles, success comes from preparation, adaptability, and continuous growth. The speakers reinforced that the opportunities exist, but it is those who are proactive, intentional, and open to learning who will thrive in the
post-campus journey.

For more information about these career talks kindly visit:
https://kitabubukproject.org/