Mentorship Sessions Ep. 13: Dr Joseph Budu Highlights Emerging Opportunities in STEM Fields

The thirteenth episode of the 2025 Mentorship Sessions centred on the theme “Tomorrow’s Innovators: Navigating STEM Careers for a Changing World.” The session introduced students to the rapidly evolving landscape of STEM, highlighting the expanding influence of artificial intelligence, robotics, climate science, health technology, and data science.

The mentor for the session, Dr Joseph Budu, is a Senior Lecturer at the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA). His academic and professional work focuses on how emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence and data analytics, can drive innovation, enhance governance, and promote sustainable development across Africa. Beyond the lecture room, he leads Target 33, a personal development initiative that inspires young people to pursue purpose, discipline, and excellence in every sphere of life.

He opened his session by recounting his academic journey. After being denied university admission because of poor WASSCE results, he found himself taking an unexpected path into teaching at Accra Academy. It was during this period that he encountered a teacher who guided him to improve his grades, enabling him to finally qualify for university. This turning point laid the foundation for his eventual rise to a successful career as a university lecturer.

To expand on the theme, he outlined a range of career opportunities within the STEM ecosystem, placing particular emphasis on the role of educators. He explained that STEM professionals are increasingly called upon to train individuals and organisations on the effective use of AI tools and emerging technologies.

He noted the rising popularity of STEM across sectors, observing that even small businesses are now integrating AI into their everyday operations. According to him, the most significant opportunities lie in artificial intelligence, especially in developing solutions that make work simpler, faster, and more efficient.

“We need people to use AI to solve problems. Keep solving problems whether you are paid for it or not. When you do that, it will take you to the next level.” He noted.

He strongly encouraged students to adopt a proactive approach to learning, urging them to look beyond the classroom by engaging in extra study and independent research. He emphasised the importance of seeking out opportunities and preparing for them long before they arrive.

“Have a mindset that there is more to learn. Always make yourself available to learn. Expose yourself to opportunities so that when opportunity comes, you can show that you have been doing things.” He added.

He concluded with a final word of encouragement, reminding students that challenges are inevitable, but resilience and consistent effort will keep them moving steadily toward their goals.

The 2025 edition of the STEM Festival is produced by Primetime Limited and proudly sponsored by Trustur AI, Jupay, GTP and YFM.