‘Consult widely before making career choices’

In order to stave off regrets that could ultimately lead to unfulfilled careers, students have been advised to consult widely, and ferret the pros and cons of the professions they intend to settle for in future.

Legal practitioner, Mrs. Joy Okezie-Paul, who gave the advise at the annual lecture series of Saint Michael International Schools, in her paper titled, “Career in Arts: A Vehicle for National Development,” said before choosing a career, it was imperative for students to, “make enquiries about it. Find out the pros and cons of the profession before settling for it.”

Okezie-Paul, who noted that every child was different and unique, urged parents to encourage their children in their chosen career paths, while also asking teachers to make art classes interesting by putting in “life in your teachings, make the class lively and participatory.”

Describing teachers as the primary contributors to national development, she said without teachers, “I cannot be a professional and we all may not be seated here today. Thanks to Saint Michaels International College, and kudos to the school proprietor who has chosen a career in the arts…”

She maintained that the arts have the potential to offer numerous benefits to the national economy, adding that, “through the art industry, the government has the opportunity to create jobs, attract investments, generate tax revenues and stimulate local economies through tourism.”

The lawyer, who listed factors that could prevent one from attaining, realising career ambition to include bad influence, drug, cultism and unwanted pregnancy, advised the students to “cultivate a creative mindset, make plans, dream big, have good vision of yourself and work towards it, work hard, be a goal getter, believe in yourself and set targets for yourself and aim at achieving them.

Principal of the school, Mrs. Mustapha Adebola, in her speech emphasised that the main objective of the exercise was to effectively guide the students to making right career choices in the future.

Resource persons at the forum included Dr. Ambali Gold, a medical practitioner who spoke extensively on, “Medicine and Surgery as a Career; Mr. Fashade David, a prominent voice in bureau de change (BDC) operations in Nigeria, who lectured the students on the effect of Federal Government monetary policies on bureau de change activities in Nigeria.

A great insight into banking including tiny details bout corporate, retail and credit banking and their challenges associated with the job were reeled out by Mr. Olufemi Ogunenika, from Sterling bank, while film maker and National Secretary, Association of Nigeria Theatre Arts Practitioners, Mr. Jare Adeniregun, also spoke to the students.