Ntando Kalipa #SuccessStory

What impact has Career Services had in your life?

We used to receive multiple emails from Career Services, which I would read from time to time. However, what was helpful were the career expos, work readiness and CV workshops that I attended. I would just go there for vibes, but I did not realise the mind-shifting effect it had on my career journey at the time.

Will you recommend Career Services to other students? Why?

Absolutely, I place a lot of value on career guidance, especially as a person with many interests and talents. It assists you in making the most of your abilities, discovering your strengths, thinking outside the box, connecting with other students, and above all – locating a possible job.

What is your current occupation or job?

I am the Human Resources Administrator for the Free State and Northern Cape region at Clover SA.

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

I would like to believe that I did everything I wanted to do at the university. I have exposed myself to so many things, which include, but are not limited to, leadership, sports, volunteering, etc. I used the university space to find myself, and I made a lot of mistakes along the way.

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

- Develop the ability to market yourself. You speak for your work; it won't always speak for you.

- Introduce yourself to new possibilities by taking on leadership roles, joining Kovsie choirs, sports teams, etc. You'll learn so much about yourself and acquire new skills from those experiences.

- Do not be scared to ask for help and check out @ufs_careers for some tips and tricks.

Obakeng Makgetla #SuccessStory

What impact has Career Services had in your life?

During my second year of the LLB programme, I attended a career development programme at Career Services, where I learned how to create a career action plan and also received career guidance and advice. Thus, I was able to figure out which job was right for me within the legal profession, and successfully acquired that job before I completed my qualification. Furthermore, I was encouraged to take part in extracurricular activities, which were beneficial in

• - cultivating my leadership qualities;
• -improving my time management skills;
• -enhancing my teamwork experience;
• -increasing my confidence;
• -improving my academic performance; and most importantly
• -promoting my networking skills

Will you recommend Career Services to other students? Why?

Yes. According to Statistics South Africa’s Quarterly Labour Force Survey, the unemployment rate for university graduates between the ages of 15 and 34 was an astounding 33,6% in the first quarter of 2023. This suggests that about one in three university graduates in this age group are having trouble finding work.

Career Services has a range of effective services and resources that assist students to develop the employability skills they need in today’s world of work. For instance, to increase my chances of finding a job before I leave varsity, the service helped me with drafting and reviewing my CV, cover letter, and LinkedIn profile.

What is your current occupation or job?

I am currently employed as a District Court Prosecutor.

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

To have participated more in varsity moot court competitions.

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

1.Attend career fairs religiously.

2.Compile a career action plan and work on it on a daily basis.

3.Participate in activities and programmes that will assist you in connecting with potential employers and colleagues.

4.Participate in extracurricular activities that will develop your personal skills.

5.Endeavour to achieve your career goals while in varsity. Remember that academic performance is most crucial in shaping your future.