Innovation, Opportunity, Impact: University of Guyana Turkeyen Campus Hosts Massive Career Fair
By: Antonio Dey | HGP Nightly News|
TURKEYEN, GEORGETOWN — The University of Guyana (UG) Turkeyen Campus was transformed into a bustling hub of professional ambition this weekend as it hosted its much-anticipated annual Open Day and Career Fair. Under the theme “Innovation, Opportunity, Impact,” the event saw hundreds of prospective students and job seekers engaging with over 180 academic programs and 100 on-site exhibits.
The two-day event (April 17–18) served as a critical bridge between academia and the rapidly evolving Guyanese labor market, offering a one-stop shop for career guidance and immediate employment opportunities.
A Pipeline for the Future
Vice Chancellor Professor Dr. Paloma Mohamed-Martin emphasized that the fair was designed to cater to a diverse demographic, from secondary school students to seasoned professionals.
- Broad Horizons: With over 100 university-specific exhibits, prospective students explored paths ranging from traditional sciences to emerging fields in oil and gas and digital technology.
- Talent Development: “We have audiences catering for students writing CXC and looking for job opportunities. Anyone can come and look for jobs and opportunities,” Professor Mohamed-Martin stated.
Corporate Giants Seek Local Talent
The fair attracted some of the country’s most significant employers, many of whom are actively looking to fill roles within the burgeoning energy and manufacturing sectors.
- ExxonMobil Guyana: Representative Ryan Hoppie expressed pride in the university’s initiative, noting that the company is focused on developing a robust talent pipeline to fuel Guyana’s long-term industrial growth.
- On-the-Spot Opportunities: Moesha Marshall from GLASS confirmed that the company was conducting on-the-spot interviews, while Gillian Chevrotiere of the Beharry Group of Companies highlighted their deep-rooted partnership with UG in talent acquisition.
- International Scope: Jean Kamau, the United Nations Resident Coordinator, encouraged attendees to look beyond local borders and explore career progression within the UN’s global framework.
Consumer Education & Next Stops
Beyond job hunting, the event provided essential life skills education. Rusante Perry from the Competition and Consumer Affairs Commission (CCAC) was on hand to sensitize attendees to their rights and responsibilities under the Consumer Affairs Act.
| Event Date | Location / Partner |
| April 17–18 | Turkeyen Campus, Georgetown (Completed). |
| April 24 | Tain Campus, Berbice. |
| May 8 | Essequibo Technical Institute (Partnership Event). |
Bridging the Skills Gap
As the first leg of the 2026 Career Fair concludes, the focus now shifts to Berbice and Essequibo. The massive turnout at Turkeyen underscores the growing demand for professional certification and high-skilled employment in Guyana’s oil-led economy. For the university, the event is more than a fair; it is a demonstration of its role as the primary engine for national human resource development.
