Beyond Degrees: The Workplace Lessons Young Graduates May Not Learn in the Classroom
Tony Elumelu and a UBA graduate trainee during the viral exchange that has sparked debate over workplace etiquette, cultural respect and first-name corporate culture By Victor Olubiye A university certificate may open the door to a workplace, but it does not necessarily teach a young graduate how to navigate every situation that comes after entering one. That distinction has become part of the conversation following the viral exchange between UBA Group Chairman Tony Elumelu and a young graduate trainee during the bank's Graduate Management Accelerated Programme event. The trainee addressed Elumelu as “Tony” while greeting him. Elumelu interrupted her and asked that she address him as “Mr Elumelu” or “TOE”, before she continued with the interaction. The exchange has since generated a debate over workplace etiquette, respect and the expectations placed on young professionals. But beneath the argument over one greeting is a broader question for students and fresh graduates: what hap...