Photo of Issufo José Juma Sumabane

The Higher Education Engagement and Transformation (HEET) Community of Practice (CoP) focuses on engaging the international higher education community to advance higher education and youth learning priorities and strengthening the link between positive youth development and higher education programming through applying a systems approach.

The HEET CoP is publishing these spotlights to showcase our members.

This spotlight, curated and edited by Akorfa Dawson, is on Issufo José Juma Sumabane, a student at Eduardo Mondlane University, Mozambique.

How would you describe yourself? How would your friends describe you?

I would describe myself as a dedicated and motivated student with a passion for ecology and biodiversity conservation. My friends would probably describe me as reliable, enthusiastic, and always eager to learn and explore new opportunities.

What are your hobbies?

My hobbies include exploring nature, bird watching, photography, and reading books on environmental science and conservation.

What did you want to be when you grew up? What were your aspirations?

From a young age, I have always wanted to work in a field that focuses on the protection and conservation of nature. My aspiration has been to contribute to the preservation of biodiversity and to raise awareness about the importance of ecosystems.

What did you study? How did your course of study align with your aspirations?

I studied Ecology and Conservation of Terrestrial Biodiversity at the Eduardo Mondlane University. This course of studies aligned perfectly with my aspirations, as it provided me with a deep understanding of ecological principles, conservation strategies, and scientific knowledge necessary to address environmental challenges and contribute to the protection of biodiversity.

How did the career services offered by your university help you? What has been most helpful in your career path?

The career services offered by my university were instrumental in helping me prepare for my future career. They offered workshops and guidance on topics such as resume writing, interview skills, and employer expectations. The most helpful aspect was learning how to write effective cover letters, which was crucial in securing internships and opportunities to get practical experience in my field.

What recommendations would you have for students and universities regarding helping them in their future career?

For students, I would recommend that they actively engage with career centers and take advantage of the resources offered. Attend workshops, seek out mentors, and participate in internships or volunteer opportunities to get hands-on experience. Networking and making connections within your area of interest is also essential.

For universities, I recommend offering comprehensive career services that go beyond academic training. Provide workshops, mentoring programs, and opportunities for students to engage with professionals in their field. Incorporate practical experiences, such as internships or research projects, into the curriculum. Emphasize the importance of lifelong learning and the development of transferable skills.

In general, collaboration between students and universities, with the support of career centers, can significantly improve students' career readiness and increase their chances of success in their chosen fields.

Join the Higher Education Engagement and Transformation Community of Practice here.

Instructions: How to join a CoP and how to engage with its members

Connect with YP2LE on social media at 

Discuss

Your name