The American University of Nigeria (AUN) will towards the end of next week host its yearly career and graduate fair in Lagos. This year’s fair is the tenth and the second to be held in Lagos, the nation’s economic and financial hub.
A statement issued by the School and emailed to Business Hilights, said the career and graduate fair is a unique networking opportunity for both employers and potential AUN graduate employees. Students from second to final years are encouraged to attend. The event will take place at the Civic Center, Victoria Island, Lagos. The fair will last from 10am till 3pm on Thursday 23rd and from 9am till 3pm on the 24th.
It stated that while graduating seniors explore career opportunities, current students seek internship openings to gain hands-on knowledge and industrial experience required for future jobs. Seniors who are graduate school-bound also use the AUN Career & Graduate Fair to size up their prospective career fields.
AUN is the first, and so far the only Nigerian university, private or public, that creates an annual forum for interaction between its students and the best companies doing business in the country, indigenous and multinational.
During last year’s 9th fair held at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Center in Abuja, several participating companies conducted aptitude tests for qualified students with a view to offering them employment on graduation or internship opportunities while in school.
The Director of Career Counseling & Placement, Mrs. Grace Nwokoma, noted that the fair is a one-stop window through which graduate schools and multinationals can recruit students and staff.
She said “It is a platform for students and alums to connect with companies, business leaders, government agencies, captains of industry, and diplomatic missions to explore internship and employment opportunities.”
AUN traditionally offers its graduating seniors and graduates the opportunity to display their industry-readiness through regular career fairs.
The University had its first career fair in Yola before the inaugural class of 2009 graduated, and has had one every year ever since.
So far, more than 20 companies and organizations have indicated willingness to attend this year’s fair. They include Shell Petroleum, US Embassy, Mckinsey, PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), Diamond Bank, Honeywell, Nestle, Philips Consulting, Ikeja Electricity, Stanbic IBTC, and KPMG.
Others include Afrinvest, Guaranty Trust Bank, Deloitte, Nadabo Energy, MCEE Solutions, Sigma Pensions, Ghoozterity Solutions, Red Star, Voice of Nigeria, and Africa Courier Express. The statement revealed that the fair also encourages AUN alums who are themselves representing various organizations, and those who are have become employers of labor, to fish for qualified AUN candidates to join their workforce.
