Prof. Mrs Fidelis Quansah Visits the Office of the UPSA Global Alumni Association’s Office
On March 25, 2025, the Director, Institute of Professional Studies, Prof. Mrs Fidelis Quansah, visited the office of the UPSA Global Alumni Association to have an educational conversation with the President, Mr Francis Dadzie, about the importance of professional courses.
In today’s fast-paced world, having a degree is no longer enough. What is the real game-changer? Professional programmes. Professional programs have become increasingly important. They equip students and professionals with the skills that industries demand.
Mr Dadzie stated, “For years, there was a gap or disconnection between the school and the professional world or body.” Now, that gap is closing. Students today have the opportunity to take professional courses alongside their degrees—giving them a competitive edge before they even graduate.
Why Professional Programs Matter:
✅ More Career Opportunities – Employers now prioritise candidates with hands-on, specialised training.
✅ High Demand from Institutions – Top universities and colleges recognise the value of these courses.
✅ Industry-Relevant Skills – Traditional degrees do not always equip students with job-ready skills, but professional courses do.
✅ Early Start = Big Advantage – You do not have to wait until graduation. Many courses can be completed while studying!
Mr Dadzie also said, “We should create a certain kind of mentorship programme in the school to guide students towards professional certifications. We must build a system where experienced mentors help young professionals navigate their careers and push them towards success. We will be celebrating our 60th anniversary, and it is a big platform to make a public lecture about professional courses.
Prof. Mrs Fidelis Quansah made a point saying professional courses require a fee, but the benefits outweigh the costs. Certification programmes provide recognition, credibility, and career advancement. She continued by saying with the availability of professional courses, when you get admission to UPSA to do your degree, you get the opportunity to attend lectures of some professional courses. “I spoke with the students during their orientation this year about the professional courses. Their numbers are high, and they very well believe in professional courses”, she also stated.
If we can bring seasoned professionals on board as lecturers and mentors, we can attract more students to professional programmes, Mr Dadzie stated. It’s time to reshape education to blend theory with real-world application.
Professional courses were once rare, but now they are essential. Let’s advocate for:
1. More mentorship programmes in schools.
2. Increased accessibility to professional courses.
3. Stronger connections between education and industry.
