TALI Graduate School links postgraduate learning to workplace skills

TALI Graduate School of Southshore University College in Accra says it is linking postgraduate learning more closely with workplace practice to help students develop skills they can use during their studies.

The school’s registrar, Saviour Kodzo Nyamadie, said its “study as you do” approach encourages students to apply academic knowledge to professional challenges while pursuing their qualifications.

TALI Graduate School is accredited by the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) and affiliated with the University of Cape Coast.

Speaking in an interview about choosing a postgraduate programme, he said courses should support students’ career ambitions and prepare them for changing workplace demands.

“So what we say is that you study as you do,” he said.

For students already in employment, he explained, the aim is to connect what they learn in class with the responsibilities they handle at work.

Bringing professional experience into teaching

Mr Nyamadie identified data science, research writing and entrepreneurship as areas in which the school seeks to develop students’ capabilities.

He said lecturers with experience in both industry and academia help connect academic concepts with professional practice. The school also provides periodic training for teaching staff, he added.

Applicants should assess a programme by the skills it develops and how those skills relate to their intended careers, he said.

Balancing postgraduate study with work

Mr Nyamadie said teaching arrangements are particularly important for students who must balance education with employment.

Universities should consider different working patterns when structuring programmes, he said. People employed from Monday to Friday may prefer weekend classes, while those working at weekends may need weekday evening options.

Applicants should therefore examine timetables and attendance requirements alongside course content, fees and the institution’s reputation.

“I think the two should balance so that I will be able to get value,” he said of combining work with education.

He identified financial constraints, work transfers, illness and bereavement as circumstances that can lead students to defer or withdraw from their studies.

Tracking students’ career progress

Mr Nyamadie said TALI conducts tracer studies to follow students’ progress after they join its programmes.

He said some students had reported promotions, improved workplace skills and changes in their approach to professional responsibilities.

He encouraged prospective applicants to request evidence of career outcomes when comparing institutions.

“Applicants should ask for graduate employability statistics, internship opportunities, industry partnerships,” he said.

Alumni experiences could also help applicants assess whether a programme meets their expectations, he added.

International academic connections

The registrar said the Southshore International Scholars Network brings together scholars across Africa, Europe, Asia and America.

He described the network as a means of supporting career development and academic collaboration, and helping students explore work and internship opportunities.

Among the programmes he listed at TALI were business administration, statistics, strategic management, public health, health informatics and information technology.

For prospective students, he said, the first consideration should be what they want their qualification to achieve.

Career goals should guide the choice of programme, followed by academic interests, university reputation and affordability, he said.

His advice was to look for education that prepares students for future demands.

“Choose a university that teaches you for the future, not now,” he said.

He urged prospective applicants to visit admissions.southshore.edu.gh or www.southshore.edu.gh, or call +233 54 787 2488 or +233 20 106 3633 for information on programmes and admissions.

TALI NEWS

TALI GRADUATE SCHOOL (TGS)