Aga Khan Academy Career's Fair

On Wednesday, April 22, the Aga Khan Academy held its inaugural Careers Fair. This provided the students with an opportunity to meet with experts from a large range of professions who talked with the students on a one to one or small group basis. Many of the experts were parents of the Academy students, past and present. It is hoped that this will be an annual event and eventually we hope that some participants will be past graduates of the school.

Students in grade 8, 9, 10, 11 and DP 1 were invited to attend the event at different times throughout the morning. The event was very informal and informative. A wide range of professions were represented including those from the fields of health (doctors, an orthodontist, an optician and a pharmacist), business (accountants and a financial consultant), legal, hospitality, human resources, banking, travel and engineering.

The grade 8 students were given a specific task to do which was related to their PSHE programme. They were asked to conduct research on a number of professions and then concentrate their focus on one particular career that interested them. They were asked to research specific skills that could be learnt and qualities that are required for specific careers. The older students had been guided on aspects of the professions that they could enquire about. There were many positive responses from the students and exhibitors. Many of the participants commented on how focused the students were and the intelligent questions that they asked. The students asked questions such as those about career prospects, qualifications required, suitable subject choices, advantages and disadvantages of the profession etc.

Many of the professional had generously given up their valuable time to help with the event. They also took the time to bring supporting material. Mr Aasif Koorjee, an architect, working on the school’s residential project displayed the plans of the new Commons building and artist’s impressions of the finished building to students to illustrate the value of these visual components in his work. Presentations were also supported with power point presentations or laptop simulations.

The students and staff at The Academy would like to thank all those who contributed to the success of this event.