Enhancing Graduate Employability

Enhancing Graduate Employability Looking for your first job, searching for direction in your career, or just need tools to find a jo

19/09/2025

Company Vetting: Don’t rush to accept the job offer

Just as employers carefully vet you before making an offer, you too must take time to vet the company before saying yes.

A job is more than a paycheck it’s an environment you’ll spend most of your waking hours in. Ask yourself:

πŸ“Œ What’s the company culture really like?
πŸ“Œ How do they treat their employees?
πŸ“Œ Is there room for growth and development?
πŸ“Œ Do their values align with yours?

Too many professionals rush into roles only to discover later that the culture is toxic, opportunities are limited, or the promises made during interviews don’t match reality.

πŸ’‘ Remember: Interviews are a two-way street. While they are assessing you, you should also be assessing them.

βœ… Company Vetting Checklist

Before you accept that job offer, ask yourself:

1. Culture – Do employees seem engaged, valued, and respected?

2. Leadership – Are the leaders supportive, ethical, and approachable?

3. Growth – Will this role open doors for learning and career progression?

4. Work-Life Balance – Do they promote healthy boundaries?

5. Values – Do the company’s mission and ethics align with yours?

6. Stability – Is the organization financially healthy and future-focused?

7. Reputation – What do current and former employees say about working there?

The right job isn’t just about getting hired. It’s about building a career in an environment where you can thrive.

08/03/2024

Set Boundaries

Most jobs include a certain amount of pressure; that’s unavoidable - but when pressure on the job puts your health or emotional equilibrium at risk, you have to set a boundary or risk getting crushed. Setting boundaries is a critical life skill that is seldom taught in school or at work.

It can feel scary to set a boundary at work (for instance, by saying, β€œI won’t be able to complete that report tonight but I’ll have it by noon tomorrow,” when your boss really wants it done tonight) but it becomes less scary every time you do it.

Remember: saying β€œYes!” to unreasonable requests will not win you anyone’s respect or admiration but knowing your limits and setting reasonable boundaries will.

🌟 Exciting Opportunity for Students and Graduates! 🌟Are you ready to supercharge your career prospects and land your dre...
05/09/2023

🌟 Exciting Opportunity for Students and Graduates! 🌟

Are you ready to supercharge your career prospects and land your dream job? I'm thrilled to introduce our Enhancing Graduate Employability Program, a game-changer for your professional journey.

πŸš€ After months of dedication developing the curriculum and content, I am proud to unveil this comprehensive 15-module mentorship program, curated to equip you with the skills and confidence you need to succeed in the competitive job market. Here's a sneak peek at what you'll learn:

πŸ“š Module 1: Introduction to Enhancing Employability

🎯 Module 2: Self-Assessment and Goal Setting

🌐 Module 3: Researching the Job Market

πŸ“ Module 4: Crafting an Effective CV/Resume

πŸ’» Module 5: Building a Strong Online Presence

🀝 Module 6: Networking for Career Success

πŸ—£οΈ Module 7: Mastering Effective Communication in the Workplace

πŸ’Œ Module 8: Cover Letters and Application Materials

πŸ—‚οΈ Module 9: Interview Preparation and Techniques

πŸ’° Module 10: Negotiating Offers and Benefits

🚧 Module 11: Handling Rejections and Career Setbacks

🀝 Module 12: Soft Skills Development

πŸ€– Module 13: Leveraging AI in the Job Search

πŸ“ˆ Module 14: Lifelong Career Management

πŸ‘” Module 15: Winning Workplace Etiquette

As a Certified Career Coach and Expert CV/Resume Writer, I have helped thousands with their careers and am excited to add you to that growing list of success stories. My clients have gone from ZERO interviews to landing multiple offers at top companies/organizations like the World Bank Group, African Development Bank, Bank of Zambia, USAID, Oxfam, World Vision, United Nations, Zambia Revenue Authority, GIZ, KPMG, PwC, Ministry of Finance and National Development, ZANACO, and more!

From building a killer resume to mastering the art of negotiation, our program covers it all.

Plus, you'll receive invaluable resources, including workbooks, guides, and Microsoft modern designed ATS-optimized CV/Resume templates, along with ongoing support and mentorship, collaborating directly with hiring managers.

πŸ—“οΈ Our inaugural cohort kicks off in October next month, so don't miss out on this life-changing opportunity. The registration fee is just K300.

Ready to invest in your future? Join us on this transformative journey and secure your spot today!
For further inquiries, reach out to me on +260969100613

Chikwete Phiri's Inspiring Career Journey at KPMG πŸš€Published on: Monday, September 4, 2023Author: Emmanuel Chisalu - Cer...
04/09/2023

Chikwete Phiri's Inspiring Career Journey at KPMG πŸš€

Published on: Monday, September 4, 2023
Author: Emmanuel Chisalu - Certified Career Coach

Copyright © 2023 Emmanuel Chisalu - Certified Career Coach. All rights reserved. ©️

In the world of finance and auditing, few stories inspire as much as Chikwete Phiri's journey from being an Audit Associate at KPMG Zambia in 2014 to his current role as a Senior Manager and Banking Department Performance Leader at KPMG London. With over 8 years of experience in leading banking and financial services external audits, Chikwete's story is a testament to dedication, hard work, and the pursuit of excellence. πŸ‘

The Early Years: A Foundation of Excellence πŸ“š

Chikwete Phiri's career took off when he joined KPMG Zambia as an Audit Associate in 2014. Armed with a Bachelor of Accountancy from Copperbelt University and a Full ACCA qualification, he was no stranger to the world of finance. In fact, his academic excellence was recognized when he was awarded the Bank of Zambia Scholarship. πŸ“–πŸŽ“

His journey at KPMG Zambia was marked by continuous growth and achievement. He was promoted to the role of Senior Audit Associate. During this time, he honed his skills in auditing, laying the groundwork for a successful career ahead. πŸ“ˆ

A Bold Leap: 🌟

In 2017, while still holding the position of Senior Associate at KPMG Zambia, Chikwete set his sights on a more challenging role. Fueled by his passion and an insatiable hunger for success, he applied for the Assistant Manager position at KPMG UK. To his delight, he secured the role, marking a pivotal moment in his career. 🌍✈️

Venturing to New Horizons: The Move to London πŸ‡¬πŸ‡§

In 2017, Chikwete made a bold move that would reshape his career trajectory. He relocated to London and took on the role of Assistant Audit Manager at KPMG London. This transition not only demonstrated his willingness to embrace challenges but also marked a pivotal moment in his career. London's financial landscape presented a whole new set of complexities and opportunities, and Chikwete was ready to embrace them. πŸŒ†πŸ’Ό

Rising Through the Ranks πŸ“ˆ

Chikwete's career trajectory continued to soar when, in October 2019, he was promoted to the position of Senior Audit Manager at KPMG London. This promotion was a testament to his exceptional skills, dedication, and unwavering commitment to delivering high-quality audits. πŸ™Œ

Rising Through the Ranks: Senior Manager and Banking Department Performance Leader 🌟

Chikwete's dedication, expertise, and leadership skills continued to shine in his new role. In April 2023, he achieved another milestone by being promoted to the position of Senior Manager. But his impact went beyond his title. Chikwete took on the additional responsibility of being the Banking Department Performance Leader, a role that would see him drive improved commercial and client performance by creating highly engaged teams and developing top talents. πŸ’ΌπŸŒŸ

A Career Centered on Excellence 🌟

One of the key aspects of Chikwete's career is his unwavering commitment to delivering high-quality audits. With a focus on investment and commercial banks, forex traders, and energy derivative traders, he has worked tirelessly to optimize people's skills and leverage technology to ensure that audits are not just accurate but also sustainable. πŸ“ŠπŸ’‘

His journey exemplifies the KPMG ethos of nurturing talent and providing opportunities for growth. Chikwete Phiri is not just a Senior Manager; he is a leader who is shaping the future of banking audits. πŸ‘₯🏦

A Legacy of Excellence πŸ†

Chikwete's career story serves as an inspiration to young professionals in the world of finance and auditing. His rise from an Audit Associate in Zambia to a Senior Manager in London is a testament to the possibilities that hard work, dedication, and a passion for excellence can unlock. As he continues to drive improvements in commercial and client performance, we can only expect greater things from Chikwete in the future. His career is not just a journey; it's a legacy of excellence in the world of finance. πŸŒŸπŸ‘”

Chikwete's story reminds us that no dream is too big, and no goal is too ambitious if you're willing to put in the effort and seize the opportunities that come your way.

Whether you're starting as an Audit Associate or aspiring to reach the heights of Senior Management, Chikwete's journey is a beacon of hope and a testament to the power of perseverance in the world of finance and auditing. 🌠πŸ’ͺ

Chikwete Phiri

31/03/2023

In this episode, we had the pleasure of chatting with the amazing Mumba Ngoma about her journey to success. From studying economics at the University of Zambia to climbing the ranks in the insurance industry and eventually starting her own firm, Mumba's story is truly awe-inspiring.

Mumba shares her insights on the keys to success, the challenges she faced along the way, and what it takes to build a successful business.

The full episode airs at 15hrs today, so make sure you follow and subscribe to catch it. You won't regret it.

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCn_KM-nT40yb8iStJeH8Czg

24/03/2023

A chat with Dr. Given Sakajila, a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, about his inspiring career journey. From discovering his passion for veterinary medicine in university to pursuing it as a career, Dr. Sakajila shares his story and experiences.

Don't miss out on this fascinating conversation!

Get ready to be inspired! Tomorrow on our podcast, Financial Literacy Educator Chanozya Kabaghe shares her insights on b...
16/03/2023

Get ready to be inspired! Tomorrow on our podcast, Financial Literacy Educator Chanozya Kabaghe shares her insights on building wealth in Zambia and investing in Africa.

Don't miss out on this highly respected leader in the field who has equipped over 1,000 Zambians with the tools and knowledge to build financial literacy.

Tune in tomorrow!

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCn_KM-nT40yb8iStJeH8Czg/featured

Get ready to be inspired! Tomorrow on our podcast, Financial Literacy Educator Chanozya Kabaghe shares her insights on b...
16/03/2023

Get ready to be inspired! Tomorrow on our podcast, Financial Literacy Educator Chanozya Kabaghe shares her insights on building wealth in Zambia and investing in Africa. Don't miss out on this highly respected leader in the field who has equipped over 1,000 Zambians with the tools and knowledge to build financial literacy. Tune in tomorrow!

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCn_KM-nT40yb8iStJeH8Czg/featured

09/03/2023

Attention all career enthusiasts! Are you feeling lost in your career journey? Do you need some guidance on how to navigate the ever-changing job market? Look no further than MindPower Career Talk Podcast!

In our latest episode, we featured Nkandu F Mwape, a Certified Public Accountant and Manager at KPMG LLP with the New York Financial Services Team. Nkandu shared with us his incredible journey from a high school student with dreams of studying Chemical Engineering to becoming a successful accountant with multiple qualifications under his belt.

He tells the story of how he stumbled into accounting and how it became a field he fell in love with. This inspiring conversation is perfect for anyone looking for guidance on their own career path.

Join us on MindPower Career Talk Podcast as we strive to inspire the next generation of young people to pursue their dreams and achieve their goals. Tune in now and let us help you find your way in the world of work!

Episode premieres on Friday, 10th March, 2023

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCn_KM-nT40yb8iStJeH8Czg/featured

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