Graduates must be willing to start small to build careers – Ridge Royal MD

Sheila Adjetey-Anum, the Managing Director of Ridge Royal Hotel in Cape Coast, has advised recent graduates to be open to starting at entry-level positions and advancing their careers through diligent work, hands-on experience, and ongoing learning. During an interview at the iNTTA Expo held at Ridge Royal Hotel on October 22, she criticized the notion among some graduates that they should immediately secure managerial roles and earn high salaries upon graduation.

Ms Adjetey-Anum, who holds a degree and has over 20 years of experience in the industry, recounted her own career journey, beginning as a housekeeping attendant before becoming the hotel's managing director. She emphasized that graduates should be ready to prove their worth and showcase their abilities to prospective employers, rather than solely relying on their academic credentials.

"Everybody thinks after the degree, I should start with 5,000 (Cedis). I should start as a manager. But what are you bringing to the table?" she questioned. Ms Adjetey-Anum highlighted that career advancement necessitates a blend of education and work experience, asserting that individuals should be willing to learn and progress through the opportunities presented to them.

"You need education plus work experience to be able to earn as much as you want," she stated. She further counseled young people to practice patience, manage their finances, and allow sufficient time to achieve their career aspirations. Ms Adjetey-Anum's remarks were made during the expo's second day, themed "From Vision to Transactions," which focused on investment prospects in tourism, hospitality, energy infrastructure, agribusiness, and health tourism.