By Monalissah Chimtolo, LCC 4

On September 28, 2024, the Malawi University of Science and Technology (MUST) hosted a mentorship programme for students studying Disaster Risk Management (DRM) under the theme “fostering career development and professional growth”. 

The event, organised by the MUST Society of Disaster Risk Management (MSDRM), was held at the Ndata School of Climate and Earth Sciences (NSCES) and featured various experts who shared their knowledge on career development and personal growth.

The programme covered a wide range of topics, including navigating career paths, building a professional profile, personal branding, networking, and the importance of mental health and spirituality in academic and professional life. 

Speakers highlighted strategies for transitioning from academia to industry and how to thrive in a competitive job market.

Dr Isaack Mwalwimba, a lecturer at the Catholic University of Malawi (Cunima) and DRM expert, led a session on “the DRM landscape: opportunities and career paths”. 

He shared his personal philosophy with students, encouraging them to adopt the mindset of "Think DRM, talk DRM, act DRM, and dream DRM," which he said has been the foundation of his professional success. 

Dr Mwalwimba emphasized on the importance of being passionate to be the cream of the crop in the field.

On his part, Pastor Melvin Kalepa, provided a unique perspective by focusing on the importance of balancing academic life with mental and spiritual well-being. 

He warned students that neglecting their mental health could negatively impact their academic performance.

"A person that does not put a mind to his or her mental health and spiritual life is putting their academic life at risk," Kalepa said, stressing that prayer alone was not enough for success.

During the event, students had the opportunity to ask questions, gaining further insights from the speakers. 

MSDRM president and fourth-year DRM student, Prisca Namukopwe, described the programme as a valuable experience for students' academic and personal development.

"The mentorship programme has boosted our academic and practical skills, and the guidance we've received has better prepared us to contribute meaningfully to our fields and society,” Namukopwe said. 

She expressed hope that similar programmes would continue in the future.

Felix Chifunga, another DRM fourth-year student and MSDRM programme coordinator, emphasized the significance of the mentorship, saying it provided clarity on diverse career opportunities in the field. 

“The session has been incredibly insightful. As a final-year student, I now have a clearer understanding of the potential career paths available to me,” he said.

In addition to the presentations, the event featured performances by spoken word artist Ropafadzo Kwindani and poet Paul Shagant. 

Dr Vincent Msadala, head of the Climate Sciences Department, praised both the speakers and students for their active participation, noting that the event attracted not only DRM students but also others from other schools at MUST.

 

Other speakers included Ms Julia Mvula, Head of Credit at FDH Bank; Ms Stella Sokosa, Estates Service Manager at Malawi Housing Corporation; Mr Vincent Katonda and Mrs Tamara Nthara, both lecturers in DRM at MUST. 

The speakers pledged to continue offering mentorship and guidance through the MSDRM leadership.