The International Student Organisation (ISO) under Clubs and Societies, in collaboration with the International Education and Partnerships Directorate (IEP), hosted a highly engaging Career Connect Workshop on 10 October 2025. Held in a hybrid format at the ML Sultan Campus Conference Room and streamed live via MS Teams, the event brought together students, staff, guest speakers, and industry professionals for a day of empowerment and career readiness. The workshop aimed to help students and graduates navigate the transition from university to the professional world by providing insights into employability, entrepreneurship, networking, and mental health. It aligned with DUT’s ENVISION2030 Living Values Framework-Transparency, Honesty, Respect, and Accountability, reflecting the university’s mission to produce socially responsive, skilled, and adaptable graduates.
The event began with an enthusiastic welcome from Mr Kazaka Chiyambire, who co-hosted alongside Mr. Lwazi Chiliza, encouraging participants to fully engage and absorb lessons from each speaker. Dr Andile Masuku, from the Department of Student Governance and Development, officially opened the program by commending the ISO for its initiative in organizing an event that empowers students beyond academics. He highlighted that this workshop served as a platform for personal and professional growth, urging students to seize the opportunity to gain experience, connect, and envision themselves as future leaders in a rapidly evolving global workforce.
To set a lively tone, Ms Chantell Jembere, a former ISO Executive, led an entertaining ice-breaker activity that encouraged participation and teamwork. Her session created a comfortable atmosphere where students could express their career dreams and aspirations, reminding everyone that, despite different goals, success is rooted in creativity, growth, and purpose.
Introducing the program, Dr Ejidike, President of the International Students Organisation, explained that the workshop was designed to help students define their direction after graduation and understand what they want to achieve and how to get there. He emphasised that many graduates struggle with uncertainty, and this event aimed to bridge that gap by equipping them with knowledge, confidence, and guidance from professionals. Dr Ejidike noted that clarity, preparation, and mentorship are essential for effective career transitions and encouraged students to apply the lessons shared to shape meaningful futures aligned with DUT’s goal of transforming education into opportunity.
Delivering the keynote address, Dr Emmanuel Tetteh, a lecturer and senior researcher, shared his personal journey from student to award-winning academic, highlighting the value of perseverance, self-belief, and continuous learning. He emphasized that DUT graduates must use knowledge not just for employment but to make a meaningful impact on their communities and the economy. Dr Tetteh also stressed the importance of professional identity, digital literacy, and global research participation, urging students to embrace lifelong learning and adaptability. He concluded by calling on institutions to modernize curricula, expand mentorship programs, and strengthen career support networks to ensure graduates remain relevant and future ready.
In a practical and engaging presentation, Ms Phumzile Martha Monageng, DUT’s Career Resource Officer, focused on Curriculum Vitae (CV) alignment and interview readiness. She explained that authenticity and effort are key to crafting a strong CV and warned against over-reliance on templates and AI tools. Instead, she encouraged students to highlight their genuine experiences and personal growth, even through informal or volunteer work. Ms Monageng advised those without formal experience to “create their own” by engaging in community service, sports, and leadership roles to build valuable skills. Her message was clear, “success has no shortcuts,” it requires action, participation, and consistency to stand out in today’s competitive job market.
Focusing on mental wellness, Ms Nompumelelo Nduli from Strong Training spoke about stress management and workplace balance. She explained the difference between positive and negative stress, offering strategies to maintain emotional stability and productivity. Her session emphasized that professional success depends as much on emotional intelligence and self-care as on technical skills.
Turning attention to academia, Prof Sabiu Saheed from the Department of Biotechnology and Food Technology shared valuable insights on building a brand as an academic. He described academia as a calling founded on teaching, research, and service, requiring passion and perseverance. Drawing from his own journey, he encouraged aspiring academics to pursue higher qualifications like a PhD, develop teaching excellence, and remain adaptable to technological and educational changes. Prof. Saheed highlighted networking, collaboration, and mentorship as crucial for growth and success, while candidly addressing challenges such as competition, heavy workloads, and funding demands. He reminded students that research should serve humanity, create impact, and shape society through knowledge.
From a networking perspective, Ms Ronelle Lyson of the Alumni Relations Office delivered an engaging talk on the importance of professional relationships. She explained that while a degree opens doors, it is one’s network that sustains opportunities. M. Lyson urged students to begin networking during their studies by connecting with lecturers, classmates, and professionals, being polite and curious to attract opportunities. She also encouraged active use of online platforms such as LinkedIn for career development, stressing the importance of maintaining an updated profile and engaging meaningfully. Her advice to attend alumni events, seek mentors, and follow up on new connections reinforced the idea that small interactions can lead to big breakthroughs in one’s career.
Expanding the global perspective, Ms Carol Newman from the International Education and Partnerships Office spoke about international exchange opportunities, especially the Erasmus Student Exchange Programme-one of DUT’s most influential initiatives. She outlined the process and requirements, highlighting that these programmes enhance academic growth, intercultural competence, and global networking. Ms Newman explained that international study experiences enrich students’ CVs, broaden their perspectives, and help them become adaptive graduates ready for global challenges. She encouraged those interested in exchange opportunities to visit the DUT student portal, reminding them that stepping outside their comfort zone can lead to transformative personal and academic growth.
Khothatso Memela, Mthokozisi Manqele, from the innobiz Innovation and Entrepreneurship Centre inspired students to embrace entrepreneurship as a viable and empowering career path. They defined entrepreneurship as creating value, solving problems, and driving innovation rather than simply starting a business. Mr Memela explained how Innobiz supports students in structuring their business ideas, offering mentorship, training, and access to grants and competitions. By nurturing innovation and self-employment, Innobiz aligns perfectly with DUT’s ENVISION2030 Living Values Framework, which promotes creativity, community engagement, and sustainable development. The speakers encouraged students to take initiative, think creatively, and use their knowledge to create opportunities, not just seek them.
Bringing the event to a heartfelt close, Ms Philile Mbamali, International Students Relations Officer from the International Education and Partnerships (IEP) Office, expressed her gratitude to everyone who made the workshop a success. She extended sincere thanks to all the speakers for sharing their time, expertise, and insights on career development, and to the students for their enthusiastic participation. Ms Mbamali acknowledged the effort of each attendee, noting that showing up and engaging was the first major step toward personal and professional growth. She shared her hope that the workshop had provided clarity and inspiration for those who were uncertain about their next steps after graduation, encouraging them to take what they had learned and use it to shape their future paths with confidence. Her closing words left the audience motivated and reassured that, while the transition from campus to career can be challenging, the guidance and opportunities provided by DUT and its partners will continue to light the way forward for every graduate ready to learn, grow, and make an impact.
The Bridging the Gap Career Connect Workshop was a transformative and motivational experience that embodied DUT’s mission of transforming lives and communities through learning, discovery, and engagement. Through diverse and insightful sessions, students gained practical skills, inspiration, and confidence to transition from campus to career with clarity and purpose. By combining employability training, wellness education, and entrepreneurial empowerment, the event successfully prepared DUT graduates to step into the global workforce as competent, ethical, and innovative professionals ready to make an impact.
Pictured: Attendees at the Career Connect Workshop.
Amanda Jali
