The Career Centre at the North-West University (NWU) recently hosted a campus work-readiness session on the Potchefstroom Campus.

Work-readiness sessions have become an integral part of the NWU’s goal to provide companies with the platform to highlight and provide information on job openings and the corporate culture.

The goal of this event was to create relationships with current students and alumni by equipping them with crucial job skills to bridge the gap between student life and the world of work. Guest speakers encouraged and informed the audience during the session.

A virtual entrepreneurship and work-readiness awareness week began on 21 August and continued until 24 August across all three campuses.

Abigail Leshope-Oliphant, alumni relations practitioner, and Azwi Singo, specialist career coach, provided the word of welcome on all three campuses.

Sbonga Gumede, advocacy and partnership coordinator at Harambee Youth Employment Accelerator, opened the session by highlighting that the organisation provides a data-free platform (SAYouth.mobi) where young people may register and apply for jobs and skilling possibilities. She also stated that the organisation's goal is to break down the obstacles that young people face by aiding with interview preparation and supplying business apparel.

“It is very important that, when going for an interview, students and alumni learn what drives the company, the values they uphold, the services they offer and the initiatives they have recently undertaken,” Sbonga adds.

“Having this information will make you stand out and show how interested and prepared you are,” she said.

Joshua Moepya, deputy director for Learning and Development from the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, contributed by sharing information on the opportunities available to students and graduates in the department.

In addition, Mpasi Mochela, emerging talent specialist and NWU alumnus, also spoke on how to create an effective CV. She advised students and graduates on how to make the most of their résumés and demonstrate to prospective employers why they are the ideal individuals for the job.

According to Anria Kromhout, skills adviser at the Education, Training and Development Practices Sector Education and Training Authority (ETDP-SETA), the world of work is changing, and a new set of skills is required for individuals to succeed. She proceeded to provide advice on how to acquire a job, retain it, and survive in the workplace.

She also urged students and alumni to develop a goal and prepare for attaining it.

“Find your dream, figure out where you want to go and how you are going to get there, be resilient, believe in yourself, and do not allow anything break you down,” Anria added.

From the left Mpasi Mochela , Sbonga Gumede, Abigail Leshope-Oliphant and Anria Kromhout