On Monday, 27 May 2024, the University of Venda’s (UNIVEN) Internal Audit and Risk department in collaboration with the Faculty of Management, Commerce and Law (Department of Accounting) held the Career Exploration Day at Lecture Hall1 of the Education Building. The aim of this Career Exploration Day was to introduce students who will be graduating next year (2025) to the diverse opportunities and career paths available after completing their studies as these young professionals transit from academia to the professional world.
Some of the students and stakeholders during the Career Exploration Day
Through this Career Exploration Day and by interacting with professionals from different fields, students have gained a deeper understanding of the industries they can explore. They have learned about job roles, responsibilities, and growth prospects. These students have established connections with industry experts, potential employers, and fellow students because networking is crucial for building professional relationships and accessing hidden job markets. Various organisations sent representatives who provided personalised advice on career planning, skill development, and industry trends. Students have received practical tips on navigating the job market successfully.
Students were given an opportunity to visit the exhibitors’ stalls that focused on resume writing, interview preparation, and soft skills development. These students left the stalls being empowered and better equipped to compete in the job market next year. There was also an opportunity for students to sign up for free membership with some of the professional bodies present and already start reaping some of the benefits of affiliation.
Some companies that participated in the expo offered students tips on how to apply for trainings,internships, graduate programmes, or full-time positions. This event was a bridge between academia and employment.Stakeholders from various companies delivered their presentations. Participating stakeholders included UNIVEN’s Human Resources department represented by Takalani Tshidada and Lucette Muila; Sello Malatsi represented the Southern African Institute of Government Auditors (SAIGA); Kenneth Ugoda represented the Limpopo Provincial Treasury; Thifhelimbilu Rathogwa represented FASSET; CHAPU was represented by Sisana Khoza and Jerminah Mamabolo; Timothy Mokobodi
represented the Institute of Internal Auditors South Africa Limpopo Region; Advent Sedibane and Ellen Mabitsela represented Motlanalo Inc; Sekgala Mokobane represented the Association for the Advancement of Black Accountants of Southern Africa (ABASA) while Thapelo Hlapa represented the Auditor General South Africa.
In his opening and welcome remarks, a Senior Lecturer: Accountancy, Mr Liberty Maunzagona thanked the exhibitors for investing their time on UNIVEN students. He advised students to make use of this Career Exploration Day and gather as much information as possible.
The Director of School of Law, Prof Lonias Ndlovu spoke about the movement of students from academia to a professional world. He told attendees that most people are saying accountants that are trained in South Africa are highly preferred or regarded as the best. Prof Ndlovu indicated that there are various career paths in the finance field and students should decide as early as possible on which career direction to take. He said that the journey in accounting needed people who are ready for continuous professional development.
“Do not stop studying, always aim to empower yourself and to improve your skills and qualifications.
In her vote of thanks, Director Internal Audit and Risk, Mrs Diana Makwarela thanked students and stakeholders for availing themselves to this Career Exploration Day.
The Internal Audit and Risk directorate had planned this day as the month of May is Internal Audit Awareness month to raise awareness around the profession and the positive impact which auditors and accountants make to organisations around the world.
The programme was directed by Mr Takalani Thabo
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University of Venda
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