Nothando Khumalo

	What impact has Career Services had in your life? Career services helped to open up my mind to the possibilities that are there for students once we graduate and join the world of work. I used to be anxious about job hunting, but through career services I got to learn that it is possible to find job opportunities that I aligned with through the proper research.
Would you recommend Career Services to other students? Why or why not? Yes, I would recommend career services to other students. Especially 1st year students. It's good to know about career services so that the years you spend on your degree have a clear end goal and so you know to start building yourself as a professional from the moment your degree starts and not just in the final months before graduating when you are in a panic.
What is your current occupation or job? I am a junior lab analyst at an analytical chemistry lab.
What do you wish you had done at university that would have better prepared you for your current role? I wish I would have done research in 1st year and reached out for career guidance so that I would've added modules that would have connected me to my current job at an earlier stage.
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: Number 1, make the right networks and connections. Look for people that are established in your field and study their career trajectory. Number 2, don't start looking for a job in second semester of final year. Start looking in your second last year so you know that in final year you're just tying up loose ends. Number 3, attend career fairs and those small talks that you think don't matter. Every little bit helps.

Keenan Solomons

	What impact has Career Services had in your life? Career Services provided me with a strong foundation for entering the world of work. From helping me craft a professional CV to preparing for interviews and understanding how to position myself in competitive environments, their support gave me both the confidence and clarity I needed to navigate my career path. The personalised guidance I received also helped me make informed decisions aligned with my goals.
Will you recommend Career Services to other students? Why? Absolutely, I would highly recommend Career Services to other students. It is a valuable space to reflect on your career ambitions, with expert support. Many students only begin engaging when they graduate, but starting early allows you to build a strategic roadmap while still at university. Career Services offers tools, insights, and mentorship that help bridge the gap between academic life and the realities of the job market.
What is your current occupation or job? I am currently an intern in organisational behaviour and psychometrics. .
What do you wish you had done at university that would have assisted you more in your job today? Looking back, I wish I had sought out more collaboration opportunities and made a conscious effort to engage with interdisciplinary studies, particularly around industrial psychology.
What top three tips do you have for students and graduates entering job hunting season now? Join professional associations in your field – even as a student member. It helps you stay informed, build networks, and gain exposure to real-world trends and career paths. Volunteer and take vocational short courses to build skills beyond your academic qualification. Employers value initiative, adaptability, and a diverse skill set. Be a lifelong learner. Stay curious and keep upskilling. Industries change fast, and your ability to evolve will set you apart in a competitive market.