Itumeleng Kagisho Molelengoane

What impact has Career Services had in your life?

Career Services had an indelible impact on my approach to work with its full-service offering. I had the opportunity to use their CareerHub to book appointments to have my CV checked and to have my interview skills sharpened. I also appreciated that the portal often had up-to-date job posts.

Would you recommend Career Services to other students? Why or why not?

Yes, I would, because it allows students to be exposed to the practical side of their degree and to understand how recruitment works. From career fairs to Placement Preparation Day, UFS students are given a fighting chance in a job market that is tough on new entrants.

What is your current occupation or job?

Candidate attorney at Werksmans Attorneys.

What do you wish you had done at university that would have better prepared you for your current role?

I do not think there is much else I could have done, particularly having chaired the Legal Behemoth Moot Court Society. That experience gave me the chance to see the practical application of court rules first-hand. However, I also believe that the chasm between academic theory and practice will always exist, which is a good thing; it allows one to 'be where their feet are' and to continuously learn. 

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:
  • 1. Go beyond the job post: Research the firm deeply and ask yourself if their culture aligns with yours..
  • 2. Individualise your career journey: Find what suits your personality and talents and ignore what everyone else says should be your ‘traditional’ path.
  • 3. Sharpen your confidence: This is the crucial test in interviews.

Khanyi'Sa Jaho

What impact has Career Services had in your life?

I have been in correspondence with Career Services many times throughout my academic and professional career at the UFS. Having utilised their many services such as CV writing, LinkedIn profile enhancements, and most notably the mock interview preparations, I can confidently say that the initiatives provided there have helped me in not remaining stagnant in my career progression but have helped me to represent my capabilities in a way that is attractive to recruiters. Now my capabilities are not a secret known only to me but can be common knowledge to whoever I need to inform..

Will you recommend Career Services to other students? Why?

Absolutely. Career Services should be seen as going together with whatever programme a student decides to do at the university. I say this because, as much as students get qualified to be considered professionals in whatever field of study they pursue, Career Services helps one to communicate those qualifications, capabilities, and suitability to a desired professional path. To me, you cannot take one and leave the other.

What is your current occupation or job?

I am currently Senior Assistant Officer in the Department of Student Recruitment at the University of the Free State.

What do you wish you had done at university that would have assisted you more in your job today?

I wish I had volunteered more in student initiatives, or anything offered by the varsity, as I believe it would have better equipped me to understand the UFS brand. For the most part, I am happy with much of what I did as a student, as my student assistant roles did equip me with some knowledge of the work environment.

What top three tips do you have for students and graduates entering job hunting season now?

  • At the start of your career, you do not have much freedom of choice; you will take some jobs to have money to buy toiletries and maybe contribute to electricity, while using the extra change for job applications.
  • So, do not be too picky and try using your resources towards getting the job you want. Quality and quantity both matter when it comes to applying; do not dish up too little but also do not dish up too much so that you compromise the quality of your application.
  • Be realistic with your application but never undersell yourself. If you have connections, well then – good for you.