With the novel coronavirus pandemic, many businesses were destroyed and jobs lost. What were some of the lessons learnt ? What plans do people have for the coming year? Career and Skills’ Joan Mbabazi spoke to a few people who shared their professional aspirations for 2021. Aimable Nkuranga, Personal Finance Coach This year, 2020 has been a challenging one, but 2021 is also another year full of uncertainties. As we enter a new year, on a personal level, I am considering increasing my personal emergency fund and I am encouraging my audience to do the same. A personal emergency fund should be between three to six times of their monthly expenses. On another hand, the safety measures taken by relevant authorities sometimes affect businesses and certain jobs, and we need to start thinking about diversification of what we do. We shouldn’t be caught by surprise. Emmanuel Chris Niyokwizerwa, fashion designer After the whole world went through the difficult year of 2020, we still care and know that your body is not a clothing rack. We are a mood, a statement, an expression of your lifestyle. So 2021, we are bringing you the latest comfortable yet fabulous mix and match pieces. With every piece we design, we have you in mind. We are remaining faithful to our clients. Denyse Umutoni, fashion designer 2020 was challenging for almost everyone but it taught me to work hard and make savings for the future. Savings have supported my fashion business. I believe in 2021, I will bring new unique stock for my clients. Annick Umutibagirana, skincare and hair expert One thing I learned in this perplexing year of 2020, is that digitalization is key to growth and improves efficiency. This allows us to compete on the global market and multiplies the visibility of the company and sales channels. On that same path, I will stand and focus for 2021. Prince Waziel, poet My career aspirations for 2021 are not that dissimilar from those I had this year, since they weren’t accomplished. I have no doubt that I will start my own business, and also become an expert in the creative sector. But I will not limit myself to certain ventures to earn a living, if it needs juggling businesses, then I will do so. Gloria Mutesi, news anchor 2020 taught me to be fearless, to try out things regardless of how inadequate I feel. 2020 was the year of intense change for me, change that I might have thought was bad at the beginning but it was fulfilling in an incredible way. So 2021, I hope to be more fearless and pursue what I believe ought to be pursued regardless of the challenges that come along. Adrian Innocent, construction manager For me, 2020 has been an amazing year, with both the challenges and opportunities that existed amidst the turmoil. It’s been a year of learning new skills and finding the right team to share and work with. 2021, will partially be a continuation of finding the right team to work with and improving my brand and networking considering the health guidelines. But also, to aspire to be among the top brands and I trust that same time next year, my results will be showing. Immaculate Agaba, entrepreneur For many, 2020 has been an unkind year, rough and chaotic including myself, but I would like to think that it was also an eye-opening year for myself, which has caused me to anticipate for a better 2021. I have decided to leave all the negative mindset, friendships, relationships and anything that matches 2020 behind me. Benny Ishema, photographer Although 2020 wasn’t easy, I anticipate 2021 to be better. I am looking forward to expanding my business. Attracting new customers by using social media platforms more than I always have. But also shift my business from home to a photo studio, this will allow my clients access services like indoor shooting and printing.
