Dear graduates,
Congratulations!
It is with great pleasure that I congratulate you on completion of your undergraduate studies! In a world challenged by employment opportunities in traditional businesses, we are witnessing that some of you have already secured jobs; thanks to the prevalence of e-commerce, which could be managed by one’s cellphone.
Today, you are to confront the realities of employers’ needs; the potential employee is expected to be skilled in non-academic skills, which make the new recruit more effective and efficient at workplace. Every job demands that you have to be time-conscious, collaborative and a team player since you are to work with other employees. Your communication skills matter while at work. In this regard, as a new employee, your adaptability, eagerness to learn, and interpersonal skills are the key factors that determine your success at work. St. Mary’s, in one way another, has enabled you acquire these skills through the extra-curricular activities and the trainings you were given by your instructors and practitioners coming from the world of work. This does not mean that the training you got at the University alone would suffice to succeed in your future career. Your personal effort matters a great deal to internalize the training packages and enrich yourself with the soft skills with additional readings.
That said, your graduation marks the end of a chapter in your lives; a transition to independence. Although few of you may have already started work and earn some income, most of you have been dependent on your parents. From now on, you are destined to chart your path and be responsible for your own livelihoods. That is what transition is all about. Of course, never undermine the advice and suggestion your parents might make; yet the final choice remains yours since you, not others, will be responsible for your actions and inactions.
Wishing you success in your future career!
Wondwosen Tamrat (PhD, Associate Professor)
President, St. Mary’s University
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