The UPNG Student Spectrum

Career Office hosts 2024 Career Expo  Sonia Tapako August 17th 2024  The University of Papua (UPNG) successfully hosted its annual Career Expo on August 15th and 16th, 2024, at the Drill Hall. Organized by the Student Services Department Career Office, the event attracted 23 companies from various industries looking to engage with the next generation of professionals.  The expo, spread over two days, catered to different year levels. On the first day, fourth-year students were given the opportunity to network with employers, while the second day opened the doors for third, second, and first-year students. This structure allowed final-year students to focus on potential job opportunities, while younger students gained early exposure to career options and workplace expectations. In his opening remarks, the UPNG Registrar Mr Roboam Kakap emphasized the importance of maintaining an open mind when searching for employment. He urged students to adopt a learning attitude, remind...

2024 4th year’s Career  Talk By Sonia Tapako  Ms Dika Iru, Director for the Student Services department hosted a mini career talk at the New Lecture Theatre for the 4th year students on what is to be expected at the Career Expo. In preparation for the 2024 Career Expo, the talk was held by the Student Services department on the 10th of August to educate the 4th year students on what is to be expected and achieved for this year’s event.  Ms Iru held the talk and advised students to take advantage of this opportunity to ask a lot of questions and make connections as it is important in your job search after graduation.  “In an event that’s going to be filled with organizations from different industries and potential employers, it is important to network and express yolur interest in joining their company,” said Iru. She also stressed on the importance of maintaining a good social image so as to not risk your own future employment.  “It is important that 4th year st...

 Student leaders at the University of Papua New Guinea (UPNG) gathered for a leadership training session on August 21, 2023, facilitated by mentors from the Student Services Department’s Student Welfare and Development division. The workshop aimed to equip student leaders with essential leadership skills, enabling them to effectively serve their peers and contribute to the university community.  The training focused on areas such as communication, conflict resolution, decision-making, and teamwork. These skills are crucial for student leaders who play an important role in representing their fellow students, organizing activities, and addressing issues on campus.  In her remarks, Acting Director of Student Services, Ms. Dika Iru, emphasized the importance of leadership at the student level and how it prepares individuals for future roles in society. “Leadership is not just about holding a position; it’s about making a difference. We hope this training will empower you to l...

 The Brian Bell Group conducted its 2025 Graduate Development Program (GDP) entrance exam at the University of Papua New Guinea (UPNG) on September 30th, 2024. Held at the New Lecture Theatre, the event saw fourth-year students from various faculties take the exam, marking an important step in their journey towards joining one of the country’s leading companies should they pass. The Graduate Development Program is highly competitive, aimed at identifying and nurturing young talent for leadership and specialized roles within the Brian Bell Group, which operates across several industries in Papua New Guinea, including retail, industrial, and homeware sectors. Fourth-year students from UPNG were invited to participate in the exam, which is designed to assess their analytical, problem-solving, and critical-thinking skills. The students are now eagerly awaiting the results, which will determine their eligibility to move forward in the recruitment process. The Brian Bell Group’s Graduate...

 Department’s Student Counselling Unit hosted its “Reflection Night,” an engaging and thought-provoking event that aided students with valuable insights on building and maintaining healthy relationships. The session, titled “Relationship Insights and Straight Talk,” drew a large crowd, eager to hear from a youth pastor Pastor Augustine Penot, who is also a third-year law student. Held at the university’s Main Lecture Theatre, the event aimed to foster open discussions on relationships, offering students guidance on how to navigate the complexities of both romantic and platonic relationships. Pastor Penot, a well-known counselor and spiritual leader, captivated the audience with his blend of practical advice, deep reflections, and engaging anecdotes drawn from his years of experience working with young people and couples. Throughout the evening, Pastor Penot addressed a variety of topics, from effective communication and emotional intelligence to setting healthy boundaries and foste...

 The dormitories at the University of Papua New Guinea (UPNG) in Port Moresby have long been home to students from across the country. For many, these dorms are not just a place to stay during their university years, but a symbol of new beginnings, growth, and learning. While the dormitories hold historical significance, they also face challenges, reflecting both the past and present state of the university. A Place of History and Unity The dormitories at UPNG have been around for decades, witnessing countless students pass through their doors. Built in the early years of UPNG, these dorms became a place of different cultures, languages, and traditions from across Papua New Guinea. Students from remote villages and bustling towns lived together, forming lifelong friendships and learning from each other.  Also, students from the pacific come to study here and learn different cultures in and around Papua New Guinea. Over the years, these dormitories have been the starting point ...

  OK Tedi Mining Limited (OTML) recently held an engaging talk at the University of Papua New Guinea (UPNG), offering students insight into its Graduate Development Program (GDP), work environment, and efforts toward inclusivity, particularly in breaking gender stereotypes. The session attracted students from diverse disciplines, eager to learn about career paths with one of Papua New Guinea’s largest mining companies. The presentation, led by senior OTML representatives, provided a comprehensive overview of the company's operations, opportunities for graduates, and its evolving corporate culture, which now emphasizes gender inclusivity and equal opportunities. The Graduate Development Program was highlighted as a key initiative for nurturing young professionals and equipping them with the skills necessary to excel in the mining industry. OTML representatives detailed the structure of the program, which spans two years and offers exposure to various aspects of the company’s operati...

     Student and staff Peer counsellors after a meeting In a bid to foster leadership, mutual support, and emotional well-being,the iniversity is turning to a new student-led initiative: the Peer Council. This innovative program brings together students from different grades and strands to offer guidance, mentoring and emotional support to their peers, aiming to create a more inclusive and supportive educational environment. The Peer Council is designed to provide students with a safe space to discuss issues ranging from academic pressure to personal challenges. Through regular meetings, one-on-one mentoring, and group discussions, council members play a life. The program emphasizes peer-to-peer interaction, allowing students to connect more easily with others who may have faced similar ex periences.   The council is composed of both staff volunteer students  who undergo workshop on active listening, conflict resolution and mental awareness, these sessions pre...