ALUMNI INTERVIEW WITH EBENEZER BOLD
How did
your time in the Department of Agribusiness Management & Consumer Studies
and its curriculum prepare you for your current job? How has your BSc in
Agribusiness from the UENR set you apart from your colleagues and peers?
The
best course curriculum, tailored to meet job requirements, is offered in the
BSc. Agribusiness Management & Consumer Studies program at the University
of Energy and Natural Resources in Ghana. This gave me an advantage over other
students pursuing the same degree, especially when applying for scholarships.
Also, my four years in the department shaped me into the person I am now,
especially with the leadership positions I held, such as General Secretary for Agribusiness
Student Association of Ghana
(AbSAG-UENR), Music Director
for Student Chaplaincy Council, and Course Representative.
What
does a typical week in your work look like?
As
a lecturer the job is rather demanding; I would normally begin my day before
8:00 a.m. and occasionally work into 5 p.m comprising of lecturing, research
and community service. As a lecturer, conducting rigorous research is a
must as it informs our teaching. Community
service is also a part of our job. Currently, as part of community
service, I serve as the IFAMA – Young Board and Departmental Industrial
Attachment Coordinator, etc.
What
educational preparation would you recommend for someone who wants to advance in
this field?
One
must have at least a Master's in his or her field for beginners. For example,
to become a lecturer the field of Agribusiness, you should hold a BSc.
Agribusiness degree or related, then a master's and PhD in BSc. Agribusiness
degree or related.
What
personal qualities or abilities are important to be successful in this job?
One should
be passionate about learning. Have the desire for self-improvement, a growth
mindset, and time management skills. Additionally,
human relations and communication skills are also crucial.
This will go a long way to help you thrive in your career as a lecturer.
What is the
advancement potential in the field? What is a typical path?
There
are several portfolios through which one can advance in academia. For
instance, an individual can
start as an assistant lecturer and then advance to lecturer, senior lecturer,
and professor. Other portfolios include becoming the head of a department, dean
of a faculty, or dean of students, among others. Additionally, years of
experience, community service, and publishing in Scopus index journals
are criteria for promotion. This mostly depends on the willingness to
learn, strive, excel, and contribute wherever you find yourself.
What
are some professional associations that one can join in the field of
Agribusiness and which professional association are you a member of?
I am a
member of the Ghana Society of Agribusiness Scientists (GSAS) and the
International Food and Agribusiness Management Association (IFAMA). Those in
the field of agribusiness can join these associations equally as it helps them to
learn and glean from others by attending seminars, webinars, and conferences of
the association, establishing relationships and collaboration with people in
their line of work.
What
special advice would you give a person entering this field?
Educators
in general, play a significant role in shaping the minds and skills of their
students, who may go on to become scholars, businessmen, or professionals in
various fields which greatly benefit the entire country, as a result, the
standard of education cannot be compromised. Consequently, hard work and constant
willingness to study and stay up to date on industry developments are essential
for anyone wishing to pursue a career in that profession.
What
are some life lessons you’d like to share with the students in the Department?
Seize
and utilize the chances that present themselves. Even as a student,
opportunities will present itself, so seize each one them. Programs like the
China Luban program and the Kosmos Innovation Center's entrepreneurial
development program are two examples. Furthermore, industrial attachment plays
a critical role in your academic career. Every extended vacation can be used to
get industrial experience, which will be very helpful in landing your first job
following graduation. Furthermore, everything you learn has real-world
applications, so put in a lot of study time.
What
was your favorite memory from your time in the Agribusiness Department?
The most memorable experience I had while on campus was singing jama medley with my colleagues from the Dormaa campus to the Sunyani campus, which is roughly an hour and thirty minutes away by car. And I would typically end up in charge of the Jama. Also, another memorable experience I had while on campus was getting compliments from my peers on my leadership abilities while serving as the General Secretary of the Agribusiness Student Association of Ghana (AbSAG) - UENR Chapter and Course Representative.
