Students gain career insights at varsity college event
IIE Varsity College Sandton’s career evening provided final-year students with the tools and confidence to navigate the competitive job market.
Final-year students at IIE Varsity College Sandton recently participated in a transformative career evening, providing them with invaluable insights, resources, and networking opportunities to help them confidently navigate their professional journeys.
Organised by Cherlee Engelbrecht, the campus’ career services specialist, the event brought together a diverse group of industry professionals, all alumni of the institution.
These experts engaged with students through panel discussions and keynote speeches, offering first-hand insights into various career paths and the latest trends shaping the job market.
Distinguished speakers included Dashen Naidoo, a legal researcher and associate lecturer in public health law and policy at Priceless SA; Michelle Pinkney, junior account manager at Vat It SA; Neri Mabilu and Sisonke Mantanga, registration finance administrators at IIE Varsity College Sandton; and Yuvaan Pather, IT graduate intern at Red MPS.
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Each speaker shared valuable perspectives from their fields, helping students gain a deeper understanding of industry expectations.
The event also provided practical advice on job search strategies, CV building, and interview techniques, with expert-led sessions designed to equip students with tools to stand out in a competitive job market.
A key highlight was a Career Development Workshop by Tumi Ndlovu, assistant brand manager at Network Recruitment.
The workshop covered essential topics such as personal branding, LinkedIn strategies, and goal setting, helping students craft compelling applications and present themselves effectively in professional settings.
Ndlovu shared two key tips for students navigating the job market.
“Tip number one is to make sure that your CV is detailed, including your contact details, skills, education, and every experience related to the position you are applying for. This makes your CV more noticeable and attractive to future employers. Tip number two: Don’t stop applying for jobs. There is a job out there for you; you just haven’t found it yet.”
The career evening also allowed students to connect with industry professionals and learn how to transition from academic life to the workforce.
Kayla Jameson, a third-year Bachelor of Commerce student at IIE Varsity College Sandton, found the event particularly beneficial and said, “I gained insight from Tumi Ndlovu on starting a career and navigating the transition from tertiary to the workforce. Hearing from alumni Neri Mabilu and Sisonke Mantanga, who once walked these same halls and are now building successful careers, reassured me that I am on the right path.”
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According to Kate Traill, the campus’ public relations and events coordinator, the event reflected IIE Varsity College Sandton’s commitment to empowering students to enter the workforce confidently.
“By fostering connections between students and industry leaders, we are helping to bridge the gap between academic achievements and real-world career opportunities,” she said.
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