Rofhiwa Galatia

What impact has Career Services had in your life?

Career Services played a pivotal role in my professional transition through tailored CV-writing assistance, mock interview preparation, and constructive feedback. Additionally, their career fairs provided essential networking opportunities, allowing me to interact directly with leading companies within my field.

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

Absolutely. They bridge the gap between academic theory and professional reality, giving students the practical tools and confidence needed to navigate a competitive job market.

What is your current occupation or job?

I am currently working at the Pele Energy Group.

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

I wish I had engaged in more cross-functional projects or leadership roles in student organisations earlier on to further sharpen my soft skills, such as project coordination and stakeholder management.

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 Refine your personal brand: Make sure that your CV and LinkedIn profile clearly articulate your specific value proposition.
  • 2 Network intentionally: Don’t just apply online; attend career fairs and reach out to professionals in your desired field for informational interviews.
  • 3 Be resilient and prepared: Treat job hunting as a full-time job and use every interview, even the unsuccessful ones, as a learning opportunity.

Mda Nohiya

What impact has Career Services had in your life?

Career Services played a crucial role in my development while pursuing my BCom Accounting degree. They helped me with career guidance, CV preparation, and interview readiness, which made me more confident and prepared for the professional world. Their support helped me transition from being a student to becoming a young professional with a clear career direction.

Will you recommend Career Services to other students? Why?

Yes, I would recommend Career Services to other students. They expose students to career opportunities, networking events, and employer engagement that many students would not access on their own. This support helps students to better understand the job market and make more informed career decisions.

What is your current occupation or job?

I am currently working as a finance graduate intern at Pele Energy Group. In this role, I am gaining practical experience in finance, accounting, and business operations while developing professionally within the energy sector.

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

I feel like I got what I needed to experience and more at that time and during my studies at the University of the Free State. I am where I am today because they ensured that I was well prepared for the professional world.

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

  • 1 Start applying early and stay consistent, because the job search process can take time and requires patience and persistence.
  • 2 Attend career fairs, networking events, and company presentations at the UFS. These platforms give you direct access to potential employers.
  • 3 Lastly, be open to internships and graduate programmes, because these are often the best way to enter the professional working world and gain experience. As a bonus piece of advice, which I got from one of my mates at the UFS, Tebogko Motale. Always remember that life is a school that produces no graduates, which means that we will forever learn from our experiences and from other people. We must always try to keep an open mind, especially as the youth, because you never know what you might gain today or tomorrow.