Networking and resilience shine at IIE’s Varsity College alumni event in Sandton
The Gauteng Regional Alumni Connect Breakfast brought together graduates to share insights and strategies for career success, emphasising the importance of networking and learning.
In a display of camaraderie and career development, 23 alumni from The IIE’s Varsity College Sandton, Waterfall, and Pretoria campuses, along with alumni from IIE MSA and IIE Vega, gathered at the Gauteng Regional Alumni Connect Breakfast.
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Hosted by the campuses’ Career Services, this event aimed to facilitate networking and engagement among former students while creating a platform for meaningful career-oriented connections.
The event, themed ‘Resilient as a catalyst in our careers’, featured keynote speaker Candice Preston, a secondary school teacher at St Dunstan’s College in Benoni, author of Unlocking Your Superpowers, and a respected motivational speaker.
Preston’s address offered practical advice on fostering resilience in the workplace, equipping alumni with the tools and mindset to face professional challenges head-on.
“Many of us encounter difficulties in our work environments. It’s vital to recognise that networking, engaging more deeply, and truly understanding the professional landscape we find ourselves in can provide us with essential skills to thrive. Building the right connections and maintaining a positive attitude can be the key to unlocking new opportunities and achieving career success.”
The event resonated with many attendees, who appreciated the opportunity to connect with peers and industry experts.
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Darshen Naidoo, an associate lecturer at Wits, expressed his enthusiasm for the event.
“I am glad that I am still able to attend The IIE’s Varsity College events of this magnitude. The Alumni Connect Breakfast was a great initiative, allowing us as alumni to feel part of a community that understands the journey of fellow graduates.”
He added being able to network with industry experts who equipped them with tools and tips on how to thrive in the workplace was invaluable.
“As a new employee at Wits, I have some pearls of wisdom from Candice Preston that I will apply in my career.”
Anto Kagisho, the public relations and events coordinator at The IIE’s Varsity College Sandton, emphasised the importance of creating these platforms for alumni to connect and grow professionally.
“Our aim with the Alumni Connect Breakfast was to build a bridge between our graduates and the career opportunities that await them. We believe that events like these empower our alumni by expanding their networks, exposing them to new ideas, and providing insights that they can take forward into their respective careers,” said Kagisho.
The event successfully fostered a sense of community among graduates, reinforcing the importance of resilience in navigating today’s competitive job market.
By bringing together like-minded professionals to share experiences, knowledge, and strategies for career growth, the event highlighted the power of networking and continuous learning as crucial components in any successful career journey.
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