Celebrating 17-year partnership preparing students for professional life
For 17 years now, The UWI and Republic Bank Limited (RBL) have partnered to bridge the gap between academia and industry to empower the next generation with the skills, knowledge, and confidence they need to succeed in the ever-evolving world of work.
In October, they collaborated to host the Seminar and Launch of The UWI/RBL World of Work (WOW) 2023/2024 for final-year students at the Daaga Auditorium on the St Augustine campus.
WOW, a programme of UWI St Augustine’s Division of Student Services and Development (DSSD), is a comprehensive initiative designed to guide final-year students through the career-building process and provide participants with practical insights and hands-on experience that will give them an edge in the job market.
"Seventeen years of partnership with The UWI," said guest speaker Ms Michelle Dindial, Branch Sales Manager at RBL’s UWI Branch, "and we still believe WOW is one of the best and most comprehensive career and personal development programmes in the country and the region."
Ms Dindial emphasised the importance of WOW to the students. She encouraged them to seize every opportunity to learn and to ask questions, believing that WOW holds the potential to become one of the most memorable and useful experiences of their university life.
RBL’s commitment to WOW goes beyond financial backing, as the programme is about fostering a culture of curiosity, learning, and growth.
The WOW programme was started more than 25 years ago, and helps students to develop important skills in areas such as communications and negotiations, adaptability, teamwork, and problem-solving, which are increasingly becoming differentiators in career success. These skills not only enhance employability, but also empower individuals to navigate the complexities of the modern workplace with confidence.
This year's WOW programme will include a corporate fashion initiative that provides students with access to complimentary business attire, but also aims to give them a deeper understanding of corporate branding, personal presentation, and the importance of professional image in the world of business.
Featured speaker, sustainability and climate change expert and Director of Advisors Next Door Limited Mr Ryan Assiu, told the participating students that “The difference between a highly successful person and someone who achieves the most in their career is a slight difference in thinking. As Gen Z students, it's important to push aside the noise and understand that for you, the distinction between success and failure is your perception and informed thinking.”
He encouraged them to develop their connections and focus their time and energy on mastering the basics, such as crafting a strong resume, writing professional emails, and honing high-value skills in their chosen field.
As industry demands evolve, soft skills have emerged as a crucial component of professional readiness. WOW, with the backing of RBL, recognises this paradigm shift and places a strong emphasis on cultivating those skills alongside academic knowledge. Through workshops, mentorship, and practical experience, participating students not only gain a deeper understanding of their chosen fields but also refine their abilities to communicate effectively, collaborate, and adapt to unforeseen challenges.
To learn more about WOW, visit https://sta.uwi.edu/dssd/world-work-programme.
