A Level 200 student of the African University College of Communications (AUCC), Priscilla Quaye has pleaded with employers to consider fresh graduates for employment based on their potential and not on experience.
She lamented that many employers turn away graduates who could have otherwise promoted the business, based on the fact that they do not have any working experience.
In an interview on Happy FM’s ‘Epa Hoa Daben’ show with Don Prah, she told employers: “How can you demand for 10 years’ experience from a university graduate? Give the person a chance and see his or her potential. Give the person a test, before you conclude. You can’t conclude someone is not qualified because he or she is a fresh graduate.”
Prior to enrolling at the African University College of Communications (AUCC), Priscilla said she was rejected by various employers because she had just completed SHS. According to her, she could not even secure employment as a shop attendant or any related field.
Today, Priscilla shares that she sells women’s wear as a part-time business to support herself even though her career goal is to work as a PR manager and advertiser.
Background
The Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta, has urged fresh graduates from the various tertiary institutions to find innovative ways of becoming entrepreneurs.
According to him, that is the only way the rising unemployment rate in the country can be reduced.
He said it will help reduce the over-reliance on the government for jobs, and also reduce the burden on the government’s payroll.
Speaking at the Springboard Youth Dialogues, Accra (UPSA), Mr. Ofori-Atta explained that 60% of Ghana’s revenue is spent every month on the payment of salaries of public sector workers.
“That payroll is full because we are spending some 60% of our revenue on remunerating some 650,000 people. That is not sustainable.”
He told the graduating students that: “…You have the skills set to be able to do what you have to do. Our responsibility as a government is to create the environment and the macro stability, currency stability and ensure that you have access to the relevant skills and financing.”
