Goitsemodimo Litheko

	What impact has Career Services had in your life? Career Services has played a pivotal role in shaping my professional journey by providing invaluable resources and support. One of the most significant benefits was access to job opportunities through the Career Hub, where multiple employment opportunities are posted regularly in different career fields. The platform made everything easier, because one could explore opportunities that align with one's career aspirations on one platform. Career Services also assisted me in refining my CV and crafting compelling motivational letters, ensuring that my applications stood out in a competitive job market. The guidance helped me to present my skills and experiences effectively, increasing my confidence in job applications.
Would you recommend Career Services to other students? Why or why not? Yes, I would highly recommend Career Services to other students, because they provide tailored support based on individual career needs. Whether you need help with CV writing, interview preparation, or exploring career opportunities, they offer personalised guidance to enhance your professional growth. There is nothing as amazing as having an office like Career Services that is really invested in seeing you succeed.
What is your current occupation or job? Candidate attorney at a law firm.
What do you wish you had done at university that would have better prepared you for your current role? Looking back, I wish I had actively pursued more vacation work opportunities during my university years. While my studies provided a strong theoretical foundation, gaining practical experience through vacation work would have been invaluable. Exposure to the day-to-day operations of a law firm would have significantly accelerated my learning curve when I started in my current role.
What top three tips do you have for students and graduates entering job hunting season now? Top three tips I can give to students and graduates entering the job-hunting season: Firstly, utilise the support of Career Services. They offer invaluable support with CV and cover letter writing and conducting mock interviews to boost your confidence when you finally land an interview. And attend the career fairs hosted by Career Services. Secondly, invest in upskilling yourself. Obtaining relevant certifications can significantly enhance your résumé and make you a more competitive candidate. Finally, network, network, network! Attend industry events, connect with professionals in your field on LinkedIn, and leverage the university's alumni network. These connections can open doors to opportunities.

Dr Agnes Akwa Nde

	What impact has Career Services had in your life? Career Services has had a great impact on my life, as it exposed me to several career-related resources necessary to boost my career. The role of a student career adviser in Career Services has helped me boost my confidence in communication and workshop presentation, which has helped me in my professional life. Career Services has made me more aware of how to use LinkedIn, which has assisted me to eventually get a job. It has also helped me to know how to write a CV and cover letter, and to build my personal brand and digital footprint..
Will you recommend Career Services to other students? Why? Yes, I would. Career Services provides valuable resources, such as workshops and career fairs that assist students in better preparing themselves for the world of work. I would encourage students to attend workshops organised by Career Services and also get their CVs cross-checked by Career Services.
What is your current occupation or job? I am currently a lecturer at Rhodes University.
What do you wish you had done at university that would have assisted you more in your job today? I have no regrets, as I made sure to use most resources provided to me by the university. I also made sure that I took up some campus jobs, such as being a tutor, student assistant, teaching assistant, volunteer, and occupying a leadership position within the Postgraduate Student Representative Council. All of these positions prepared and equipped me for the world of work. They helped me build soft skills that I have used during interviews and at work today. For example, I challenged myself to teach as a teaching assistant to build my communication and presentation skills, which I have used in previous and current roles. Hence, my advice to students is to get themselves involved with campus jobs, as this would give them some experience of working with people, which can also make them stand out during interviews.
What top three tips do you have for students and graduates entering job hunting season now? Make LinkedIn your new Facebook: Create a profile on LinkedIn and religiously scroll through LinkedIn as the algorithm gives you relevant information when you do so. Search and connect with recruiters and HR professionals working in companies you would like to work for. Engage by commenting, liking, reacting to posts, or sharing relevant posts. Many jobs are shared on LinkedIn, so endeavour to constantly visit the platform and apply for jobs. Update your CV: Update your CV or have it checked by Career Services to make it stand out. Highlight your soft and technical skills on your CV. Include work you have done, e.g. tutor, student assistant, as this sets you apart from other students with no work experience. Use platforms such as Canva to draft your CV with minimal aesthetics and colours. Network: Do not be afraid to reach out to professionals in your field. This could be done via LinkedIn. You can reach out to these people via LinkedIn messages to request internships or job opportunities. Make sure to highlight the skills you have that could be beneficial to their organisations.