Oldrin Masowa

Entering the world of work can be challenging particularly in a world which is constantly changing and in demand of new skills and information. Thanks to the North-West University (NWU’s) Career Centre students and alumni are able to reach their full potential through provision of academic developments, CV training, preparation for the world of work, interview preparations and financial intelligence.

Since its establishment in 2009, the career centre has hosted numerous academic seminars, and among those is the entrepreneurship and work readiness seminar event which focused on the career development seminars such as CV training, Interview preparations, financial intelligence, job searching skills, skills needed for the job market and entrepreneurship programme, to name but a few.

Despite offering various career development services, entrepreneurship programme, Financial intelligence and CV training remains the highest demanded services. This is due to to the fact they are the marketing tools needed for the world of work and skills to improve the country’s economic growth.

According to Nombulelo Malunga, NWU Campus Liaison Officer on the Potchefstroom campus, the career centre has played a major role in recent years to positively shape the careers of students and alumni.

“We always strive to provide our students and alumni with skills needed for the job market and to stand out when they leave this institution, as well as how they can excel in the professional world,” adds Nombulelo.

She also pointed out that students should not wait until is too late.

“Students and Alumni should start from their first year of study to ensure that they utilize our services , and to start building their CV through volunteering to gain more insight and experience in the job market. They should also engage themselves within the entrepreneurship programmes to gain more new skills required  for the entrepreneurship market.”

She also mentioned soft skills needed by students and alumni to excel in the world of work, this includes communication skills, time management skills and functional skills to ensure that they are well equipped when venturing into the professional world.

During this year 2022, the career centre hosted work-readiness seminar which among other things focused on teaching students and alumni about financial intelligence.

According to Nombulelo, this is really an important aspect to take into consideration as it will assist students and alumni, to be work ready and be able to make good decisions financially.

“This will help our students and Alumni in the future when they are in the professional world to know how to manage their finances as well as making good financial decisions,” says Nombulelo.

Students and alumni who want to take part in the services rendered by the career centre can visit career centre web page or send an email to potchcareercentre@nwu.ac.za |vaalcareercentre@nwu.ac.za or mafikengcareercentre@nwu.ac.za