In a significant milestone for student development, the Advancement and Alumni Relations Unit (AARU), in collaboration with Student Counselling and Health, successfully hosted its first-ever Skills Workshop at Durban University of Technology’s (DUT) Riverside Campus in Pietermaritzburg. Held under the theme “Personal Branding: Part 2”, the interactive session drew an impressive 98 attendees, marking a promising start for AARU’s outreach in this region.
The workshop, which took place in early May, was facilitated by the dynamic Gita Winter from Recruiters Care, a seasoned professional renowned for her work in graduate employability and recruitment strategies. Tailored specifically to equip DUT students with practical tools for self-promotion and career readiness, the session emphasised the importance of personal branding in navigating the modern job market.
From building compelling LinkedIn profiles to understanding how to communicate one’s unique strengths in a competitive environment, the workshop provided students with hands-on strategies to enhance their professional visibility. Winter’s engaging style and wealth of industry knowledge fostered a highly participative atmosphere where students were encouraged to ask questions, share insights, and network with peers.
“This session was more than just a workshop; it was a turning point for many students. We now understand how to position ourselves professionally, especially online, where most recruiters are looking,” said one attendee.
The Personal Branding workshop forms part of a broader initiative by AARU to bridge the gap between student life and the world of work. Recognising the challenges students face in entering a competitive job market, the Skills Workshop series seeks to empower students through relevant, future-focused training that promotes self-confidence, career clarity, and digital fluency.
Winter shared her enthusiasm for the Riverside Campus engagement: “It was inspiring to see such high levels of interest and participation. These students are hungry to learn, and they understand the power of branding themselves strategically to access career opportunities.”
The event also demonstrated the value of cross-departmental collaboration at DUT, with Student Health and Counselling contributing to the holistic development of students by addressing not only academic and emotional wellness, but also employability.
For the AARU, this first workshop at Riverside Campus represents more than just a logistical success, it reflects a commitment to inclusive engagement and developmental impact across all DUT campuses. As part of DUT’s ongoing efforts to prepare students to be innovative, adaptive, and workplace-ready, workshops like these are paving the way for a generation of graduates who are confident in their personal and professional identities.
AARU is also grateful to Nobuhle Sithole from Student Health and Counselling for her invaluable efforts and collaborative spirit in helping plan and to coordinate the workshop, which contributed to its overall success.
With future sessions already in planning, the response from Riverside students has set a strong precedent for continued growth. As DUT builds towards its ENVISION2030 goals, initiatives like the Skills Workshop are a testament to the university’s dedication to creating well-rounded, employable, and empowered graduates.
Sharing her sentiments was said Ronelle Lyson, Coordinator: Alumni Relations, “We are excited about what lies ahead. On 5 June 2025, we will be launching a Pre-Alumni Programme that is set to be a game-changer. This initiative will bridge the gap between academia and the workplace by integrating final-year students into the world of work, equipping them with essential tools and mentorship opportunities before they even graduate.”
Pictured: Attendees at the first-ever Skills Workshop at DUT Riverside Campus in Pietermaritzburg.
Swelihle Shoba
