QBCD syndrome

Qualified But Cant Do (QBCD) is a syndrome that has become synonymous with entry level graduates in East Africa. Employers often complain that fresh graduates have all the required technology qualifications but cannot put into practice what they have learnt.

Consequently Enterprise Technology magazine has decided to host a technology symposium targeting University students where students will receive skills in making their technology qualifications workplace relevant.

The rationale is that by having experienced technology practitioners (both intrapreneurs and entrepreneurs) engage with the students and fresh graduates in interactive Q&A sessions, fresh eyed potential employees can write better resumes that can get them in the door for an interview where they can sell themselves since they are now acutely aware of what employers are looking for.

We've come up with a great topic list addressing issues like techpreneurship; how to transition from a great intern to a valued employee; technology adoption in government organizations; essential BPO skills; and of course selling 'free stuff' like Open source.

The symposium tone will be very tongue-in-cheek and unconventional- not the usual lecture type conference where we are spoken at and have only 5 minutes to ask questions. This time we want to hear from the students.

Now if only potential sponsors could loosen those purse strings...