Page 18 - Kyalami Issue 1 2025

Kyalami Estates Corporate Brand Bible Design 26
3.0 Folder (Inner)
EDUCATION

LANDING YOUR FIRST JOB

AFTER UNIVERSITY

tudents across South Africa now need to start considering their job hunt Gaining practical experience through
and career strategy to ensure they are able to successfully transition internships or part-time work
Sinto the world of work, in the context of our extremely competitive “One of the most effective ways to prepare
employment landscape. for the workforce is by gaining practical
experience while at university. Internships,
“Graduation is rightly seen as the ultimate milestone in a student’s life—a part-time jobs or volunteer work provide
triumph after years of hard work and dedication. But as the cap and gown are hands-on experience, allowing you to apply
hung up, a new challenge looms: entering the world of work,” says James Read, the knowledge you’ve gained in class to real-
senior manager at the Independent Institute of Education’s Rosebank College. world situations. Not only does this bolster
your resume, but it also helps you develop
“The transition from university to starting the job hunt and then landing your essential workplace skills such as teamwork,
first job is daunting, but can be made a little less so if you prepare properly,” communication and problem-solving,” notes
says Read. He says the importance of early preparation – that is, starting to look Read.
ahead while you are still at university – cannot be emphasised enough.
In South Africa, many companies offer
“While your university years are filled with lectures, exams and assignments, internship programs specifically designed for
they also offer invaluable opportunities to build the foundation for your students, and students are encouraged to
professional life. Employers today are looking for more than just academic investigate opportunities in their field.
qualifications - they want candidates who are well-rounded, experienced and
ready to contribute from day one – and that is something you should start “These opportunities not only give you a taste
of the working world but can also lead to
working on sooner rather than later.”
full-time employment after graduation. But
even if your part-time job isn’t directly related
Read says there are various practical ways in which students can ensure they to your field of study, it teaches you valuable
leave university in a stronger position than their peers who had only focused on skills and makes for an attractive entry on
academics. These include: your CV.”

16 Kyalami Estates • CONNECT • Issue 1 • 2025