The seminar which centred under the theme ‘Taking students through the professional journey and what they should expect in the industry,’ took place at The Polytechnic Boardroom on Friday, November 16th. 

The conference was funded by the Royal Academy of Engineering (UK), through its project known as the Higher Education Partnerships in Sub-Saharan Africa, HEPSSA, in short.

Giving the background about HEPSSA the first female former Dean of Engineering, Dr. Theresa Mkandawire explained that the project reviews the curriculum, collaborates with the industry and  also encourages the industry gurus to talk, motivate and mentor the students.

Speaking during the opening remarks, the Vice-Principal of The Polytechnic, Dr Nancy Chitera, outlined that the HEPSSA Project, implemented by The Polytechnic, aims at enhancing engineering skills gap through collaborations between the University and industry. 

“Take this seminar not as any seminar because as ladies you meet a lot of challenges in the industry. Take it as an opportunity to learn more because you will never find a book that outlines the real life experience,” Chitera advised the students.

The guest of honour who was  also the main speaker was Phideria Moyo, Deputy Director of Irrigation Services responsible for Planning design and Construction at the Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation and Water Development. 

In her presentation, Moyo started by encouraging the female engineering students not to underrate themselves as they are equal to men. She further said that they should expect to be on a tight race with the men but should work hard because anything is possible, despite gender.

“Do not accept the men to do the work for you because if the time comes for you do it by yourself, you will be judged and proven a failure.” She advised.

Moyo continued to counsel the students to avoid acts of pity at all cost and balance their lives in both academic and social life.

“You have to be inspired, determined, have passion and be innovative in order to beat the challenges both in academics and at the industry. Never quit, no matter how tough the situation is because if you do, quitting becomes a habit,” She added.

The student representative, Enifa Mbewe thanked the guest of honour for the presentation she made to the students.

“Coming here has been productive because it has made me be motivated, smarter and able to learn how to multi task in my daily endeavors,” Mbewe  said.

In his closing remarks, the incumbent Dean of Engineering, Dr Gregory Gamula,  encouraged the female students that they have the capabilities of performing and rise up the steps which gives them the opportunities to shine out.

He also recognized the team which organised the seminar namely; Dr. Theresa Mkandawire, Dr. Suzgo Kaunda, Mr. Million Mafuta, Dr Esther Phiri and the female engineering students present for making the workshop a success.