With the South African unemployment rate currently at 26,7%, the North-West University’s (NWU’s) Career Centre and the School of Computer Sciences and Information Systems recently took the initiative by exposing students to potential employers.

They recently hosted their second annual career fair aimed at students from the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences on the campus in Potchefstroom.The event included a networking cocktail event on 7 March and a career fair on 8 March. 

This year’s career fair attracted a total of 12 companies. They gave students insight into the various careers within the field of science and agriculture, and exposure to possible employment opportunities.

According to Thabang Lebele, a third-year IT student, the career fair gave him an added advantage because he now has a better understanding of the requirements for attaining an internship, employment opportunities and the culture of various companies.

“I am very pleased with the entire event,” says Dr Estelle Taylor, acting director for the School of Computer Sciences and Information Systems. “I feel it re-motivated students by showing them what they are working towards.” 

“The NWU’s Career Centre and the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences are delighted to have had the opportunity to host such an event,” says Thoriso Maseng, director of the Career Centre. “This year’s fair was an absolute success.”

According to Thoriso, the career fair is gaining momentum since its inception in 2017. He says that in the near future this career fair will also be hosted at the campuses in Vanderbijlpark and Mahikeng. “Last year the fair also attracted 12 companies and seven of those 12 companies returned to showcase again. Although five companies did not return, we are proud to have recruited five new companies to the fair,” says Thoriso.

“I would like to thank all the members of staff who made this event possible,” he says.

An exhibitor at the career fair engages with third-year NWU students about various career opportunities.