Former students of the Institut Catholique de Kabgayi (ICK) have called on current students to be visionary, proactive, and innovative in creating their own employment opportunities rather than depending on the government for jobs.

The message was delivered during an alumni visit held on October 30, 2025, which brought together graduates and students from the Departments of Urban and Rural Development (RUD) and Environmental Mangemet for an interactive discussion on career development.

The visiting alumni included Eugène Burezi, Executive Secretary of Kibirizi Sector in Nyanza District; Yvonne Muhindakazi, the Environmentalist and Social safeguard specialist at Global Business and Construction Ltd; Paul Boneza, an entrepreneur and former USAID staff member; and Marie Martine Shima Twembi, Customer Success manager at Teknowledge.

ICK Alumni encourage students to create jobs instead of waiting for Government employment

In their messages, the alumni emphasized the importance of having clear goals, discipline, and values as key ingredients for success beyond academic qualifications.

“You must have a vision and fight for it,” said Boneza Paul. “Know what you want, what it takes to achieve it, and avoid wasting time, because once time is lost, it cannot be regained.”

He also advised students to combine academic knowledge with honesty and the humility to learn from others.

Eugène Burezi, Executive Secretary of Kibirizi Sector, advised students to have vison and fight for it

“School knowledge is good, but you must also learn from other people’s experiences. Be honest and work hard, that’s how you build credibility,” he said.

Yvonne Muhindakazi reminded students to combine professional ambition with prayer and self-discipline.

“Put your heart into what you are studying. Love it, believe it will benefit you, and remember that prayer helps you go further,” she said.

For her part, Shima Twembi encouraged students not to limit their potential to a single career path or become easily discouraged.

“A degree opens doors, but you must stay flexible,” she said. “Know what you want and stay consistent. Don’t compare yourself to others, focus on your own journey.”

She added that choosing the right friends and being mindful of one’s words and actions are also essential for personal and professional growth.

Shima Twembi encouraged students not to limit their potential to a single career path

Addressing the students, Eugène Burezi stressed the need to focus on studies and use available resources effectively.

“The job market is competitive. If you study, study well so you can compete,” he said. “Jobs exist, but you must be prepared. Use technology, don’t be afraid to learn and innovate.”

He also reminded them that practical skills, such as writing and communication, are crucial in professional life.

“A person who doesn’t read or write often will struggle in interviews or professional tasks,” he added.

Students inspired by alumni experience

Students who attended the session said the discussion broadened their understanding of how to plan for the future.
Emilio Niyomwungeri, a student in Urban and Rural Development, said he learned to think beyond waiting for formal employment.

“I learned to create opportunities and not depend on government jobs,” he said. “We must think ahead and ask ourselves — what do I want and how can I achieve it?”

Honorine Umukundwa shared a similar reflection, noting that hard work, independence, and good friendships are key to success.

“I learned that relying too much on others, even parents, can hold you back. You must believe in yourself and stay polite and determined,” she said.

Representing the ICK administration, Innocent Rutsibuka, a lecturer and head of the department in charge of career guidance at ICK, thanked the guests and reminded students that character is as important as academic excellence.

“Hard work and good morals go hand in hand,” he said. “If you walk with people who have purpose and discipline, you’ll achieve your goals.”

This was the fourth alumni engagement session organized by ICK, following similar visits by graduates from the Faculty Journalism and Communication; Faculty of Education; and the Faculty of Social, Economic Sciences and Business Management. The program aims to helping the latter prepare for the job market and build successful careers.