Kamohelo Makhatha #SuccessStory
What impact has Career Services had in your life?
Career Services has significantly impacted my life by providing invaluable guidance, resources, and networking opportunities. As a Career Ambassador, I gained experience in event planning, communication, and leadership. The department helped me refine my résumé, improve interview skills, and explore career paths.
Will you recommend Career Services to other students? Why?
I wholeheartedly recommend Career Services to students. Their expertise, workshops, and one-on-one consultations empower students to make informed career decisions. The department's support and resources helped me secure my current role.
What is your current occupation or job?
I'm a new business professional, specializing in sales.
What do you wish you had done at university that would have assisted you more in your job today?
In retrospect, I wish I had taken more advantage of internship opportunities and industry-specific courses to gain practical experience. This would have better prepared me for the sales environment and the corporate culture.
What top three tips do you have for students and graduates entering job hunting season now?
1. Network strategically: Attend career events, join professional organisations, and connect with industry professionals on LinkedIn.
2. Develop transferable skills: Focus on building skills such as communication, problem-solving, and time management, which are valuable across industries.
3. Tailor your application materials: Customise your résumé and cover letter for each job application, highlighting relevant skills and experiences. Additional suggestions:
•Utilise Career Services' resources, including résumé reviews and mock interviews.
•Stay proactive and persistent in job searching.
•Consider part-time or volunteer work to gain experience
Orefile Nkgwedi #SuccessStory
What impact has Career Services had in your life?
I remained unaware of Career Services until my final year (2024). However, my first encounter with the team changed everything. During registration season, I met them outside EXR, where they handed me their informative red magazine. They encouraged me to follow their Instagram page, which I did, unaware of the significant impact it would have on my career. Throughout the year, I kept up to date with their events via Instagram and attended every available opportunity, including the Placement Preparation Day, EMS Career Fair, and General Career Fair. At these events, I met my current employer – a company I had never encountered before. Career Services further assisted me in refining my CV and cover letter and provided a professional headshot. The support continued until the day before my interview, when I booked a mock interview session with Career Services. Alfred helped me structure my responses and boosted my confidence. I attended my interview a day later and remarkably, 40 minutes after leaving the office, I received an employment offer letter.
Will you recommend Career Services to other students? Why?
I highly recommend Career Services to all Kovsies, especially final-year students. They offer numerous support structures, some of which I didn't even utilise. The team provides career check-ins to ensure you have a clear post-graduation plan. They genuinely care about your life beyond the UFS borders, investing in your progress even after graduation. Attending their events is incredibly beneficial, even without a plan. You may leave with a clear strategy and progressive direction for your future. Besides meeting potential employers, career fairs offer valuable opportunities to explore funding options as well.
What is your current occupation or job?
I am a SAIPA/CIMA trainee accountant.
What do you wish you had done at university that would have assisted you more in your job today?
I wish I had sought help and engaged in school networking events earlier on.
What top three tips do you have for students and graduates entering job hunting season now?
1 - Start early, job hunting in the South African market is difficult for anyone. I started my job search in January 2024. I met my employer for the first time in March 2024. This gives you time and room to change your documents, e.g. CV and cover letter, because practice indeed makes perfect.
2 - Remain enthusiastic and hopeful. If something is meant for you, it will come to you. Rejection while job hunting is more normal than failing a test/exam at university. Most companies don’t even take the time to send that rejection email, but that should not tear you down or take away your hope that you will eventually secure employment.
3 - Use all the resources available to you and do not limit yourself. Broaden your job search as much as possible in terms of location, industry the company is in, the role you are applying for, etc. Ask for and accept help from everyone who is offering. It’s your first time doing this, you are not going to be perfect, and you are meant to make mistakes; seeking guidance from industry experts who are available to assist you will do more good than harm.
