Lebohang Mateka #SuccessStory
What impact has Career Services had in your life?
Career Services completely transformed my approach to job applications and interviews. Before engaging with them, I struggled with CV writing and had no idea how to craft a proper cover letter. Interviews were especially challenging – I would panic, shake, and fail to present myself confidently. However, with the help of their mock interviews, guidance on building a professional LinkedIn profile, and support in refining my CV and cover letter, I gained the confidence and skills I needed. This support not only helped me improve, but also enabled me to excel in interviews and job applications.
Will you recommend Career Services to other students? Why?
Absolutely, I would recommend Career Services to every student. It offers invaluable tools and support that can make a significant difference, especially for students who feel unprepared or overwhelmed by the job search process. Its personalised guidance and practical resources, such as mock interviews and CV reviews, help bridge the gap between academic life and professional success.
What is your current occupation or job?
I currently serve as the SRC: Academics, and Faculty of Education Chairperson at the University of the Free State. Additionally, I have recently been appointed as a Teacher Assistant for UFSS, a role I will begin on 1 February 2025.
What do you wish you had done at university that would have assisted you more in your job today?
I wish I had known about Career Services and its CV assistance earlier. If I had utilised its support sooner, I would not have lost so many opportunities or failed interviews in the past. I missed out on positions because I didn’t know how to write a proper CV or cover letter, and even my LinkedIn profile was incomplete and unprofessional. I also struggled to represent myself in interviews and did not know how to communicate effectively. Career Services could have addressed all these challenges and equipped me with the tools to succeed earlier in my career journey.
What top three tips do you have for students and graduates entering job hunting season now?
1. Focus on preparation: Take the time to perfect your CV, cover letter, and LinkedIn profile. Career Services can guide you in presenting your skills and experiences effectively.
2. Practise for interviews: Mock interviews are a game changer. They help you build confidence and improve your ability to communicate your value to potential employers.
3. Network actively: Connect with professionals, attend career fairs, and make use of platforms such as LinkedIn. Networking often leads to opportunities you would not find through job boards alone. Career Services turned my weaknesses into strengths, and I encourage all students to take full advantage of the support they offer.
Nqobile Pearl #SuccessStory
What impact has Career Services had in your life?
Career Services opened a new world of opportunities for me. It gave me a real-world experience in terms of how the real world of would be like. It exposed me to a lot of engagement opportunities and has really taught me how to prioritize as you have to juggle being a Career Ambassador and being a student at the same time. This is such a crucial skill in the world of work as it gets demanding.
Will you recommend Career Services to other students? Why?
Yes, definitely! Career Services enhanced my personal and professional growth while also enriching my university experience making it meaningful and impactful. Facilitating Work Readiness Workshops has given me a confidence boost. Career Services teaches a wide range of transferable skills such as leadership, teamwork, problem solving, time management while also connecting you to professionals in your field of study, potentially leading to internship opportunities and job opportunities.
What is your current occupation or job?
I work as a Human Resources Officer in the automotive industry.
What do you wish you had done at university that would have assisted you more in your job today?
I wish I had focused on career planning and development early, understanding the trends in the markets and what I need to focus on. Utilizing the resources the university provided to the fullest to provide valuable insight and guidance. Gaining hands on experience while still studying to give me a more practical understanding of what to expect in the world of work.
What top three tips do you have for students and graduates entering job hunting season now?
- Network strategically! Attend those career fairs, attend those workshops. Listen to what other professionals are doing and how they’re moving. Ask questions and never stop having the desire to learn.
- Show proactivity by learning something relevant to your degree. Obtain a certification to better enhance your skills. This can be through online short courses. This assist in bridging a gap in your expertise.
- Have a positive attitude. Job hunting can be very exhausting and rejecting is part of the process. Be persistent.
