UR and Talent Match strengthen graduate employability through career readiness trainings

Preparing graduates for today’s competitive job market requires more than academic excellence. It demands practical workplace skills, industry exposure, and strong connections between universities and employers. Recognizing this need, UR has partnered with Talent Match Inc. to complement academic learning with career readiness programmes that equip students with the competencies employers seek.

Through this collaboration, UR students gain access to career coaching, employability training, mentorship, digital skills development, and networking opportunities that ease the transition from campus to the workplace. The partnership reflects the University’s commitment to producing graduates who are not only academically qualified but also prepared to thrive in a rapidly evolving world of work.

Through UR & Talent Match collaboration, students are gaining access to career coaching, employability training, mentorship, digital skills development and networking opportunities to support a smooth transition from university to the workplace

In an interview with The UR Insight, Allen Kendunga, Chief Executive Officer of Talent Match Inc., shared the inspiration behind the organization, its achievements, and her vision for preparing young people for the future of work.

According to her, Talent Match was founded after recognizing that many graduates entered the labour market with strong academic credentials but lacked the practical competencies employers increasingly demand.

"Our programmes equip fellows with career readiness, employability skills, and direct connections to employers, enabling them to transition confidently into employment and contribute to Rwanda’s growing workforce." she explained.

Allen Kendunga, Chief Executive Officer of Talent Match Inc., encourages students to actively pursue internships, volunteer opportunities, mentorship and networking experiences to enhance their career readiness

The organisation’s training programmes focus on developing well-rounded professionals who can adapt to a rapidly evolving workplace. Beyond technical knowledge, participants gain practical skills in CV and cover letter writing, interview preparation, professional communication, teamwork, problem-solving, critical thinking, networking, and personal branding. Fellows are also introduced to digital productivity tools and the responsible use of Artificial Intelligence to enhance workplace performance.

"Every programme is designed to prepare fellows for the expectations of today’s employers," Kendunga noted.

Over the past seven years, Talent Match has reached over 3000 university young people through career readiness programmes, employability training, mentorship, internships, and digital learning initiatives. The organisation has also established partnerships with universities, employers, development organisations, and public institutions to broaden access to career development opportunities.

One of its notable innovations is the Talent Match Platform, which connects fellows with learning resources, career guidance, internship opportunities, and employment vacancies while strengthening the link between graduates and employers.

Drawing from years of working with young professionals, Kendunga encouraged university students to begin planning their careers long before graduation.

"Academic qualifications open the door, but employers also value practical experience, communication skills, digital capability, and a willingness to keep learning," she said.

She urged students to actively pursue internships, volunteer opportunities, mentorship, and networking experiences while embracing lifelong learning and emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence in a responsible and productive manner.

Looking to the future, Talent Match aims to expand its reach by providing career readiness programmes to more young people across Rwanda and beyond. The organization also plans to strengthen partnerships with universities and employers, expand workplace skills and Artificial Intelligence training, and create additional pathways to internships and meaningful employment.