The most coveted Durban University of Technology (DUT) World of Work (WoW) 2023 Career Fair welcomed hundreds of students at the DUT Fred Crookes Sports Centre and DUT sports ground from Wednesday, 16 August 2023 to Thursday, 17 August 2023. The World of Work Career Fair, hosted by the University’s Co-operative Education saw students from all faculties make their way to experience face to face interactions with companies, assessing the company profiles and guidelines as to what was on offer.
DUT warmly welcomed representatives from industries such as Engineering, Science, Technology, Finance, Food, Tourism, Hospitality, Software, Security, Health, Transport, Entertainment, Forestry, Municipality, Child and Youth Care, Water, Law, Clothing and Fashion, Commerce, Government Departments, SETAs, and Retail industries.
DUT’s Co-operative Education also played host to a spectacular gala dinner on the first day of the event to express their gratitude to their regular exhibitors as well as new, innovative exhibitors who have now become part of the most sought after Career Fair established at DUT.
Dr Themba Msukwini, Acting Director: Co-operative Education is very proud of this project as it has grown in leaps and bound with an increase of 38 new exhibitors from 104 stands in 2022 to 142 exhibitors this year, 2023.
““Pietermaritzburg students were bused to Durban, and we are grateful to the Pietermaritzburg Work Integrated Learning (WIL) Coordinators, Ms Hlengiwe Mabizela, Ms Lethukuthula Hadebe and Mr Sanele Khubone who have ensured that students arrived on time and safely. The dinner hosted on the 16th of August at the ICC and was attended by 500 guests. The Annual Work of Work Careers Fair 2023 was successful and fruitful. We are receiving messages of appreciation and pledges from organisations to assist placing DUT learners for permanent and/or training for WIL at their workplaces. Furthermore, some entities are extending invites for plant visitations for DUT students to have a real-world view of their chosen careers,” he said excitedly.
Exhibitor, Zama Mdlalose, Senior Marketing Coordinator at BET Software said she had lots of fun at the event. “Career fairs at DUT are always a great opportunity to interact with students, especially those in the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) field. The two days of exposure that our company had to showcase our success story, our culture, the CSI work we are passionate about, our ‘Dare To Dream’ bursary programme, as well as our graduate programme, were beneficial. Most of the students who visited our stand were in their second or last year, and we discovered that they were fascinated about our technology stack choices, which they could relate to. The Career Fair was also a chance to network with industry players, and raise brand awareness. We were meticulous in how we wanted our booth to attract students, and it definitely drew crowds. We look forward to partnering again with DUT next year,” she said.
DUT Advanced Diploma in Taxation student, Elias Hlope explained why the career fair has been helpful to him.
“I came to the fair to ascertain which companies are offering bursaries and any other type of financial aid as my goal is to apply for such a programme and hopefully be successful in obtaining it. I am also happy to learn of the job market and prospects which are available for students like me,” he stressed.
DUT’s Deputy Vice Chancellor: Research Innovation and Engagement, Professor Fulufhelo Nemavhola echoed his sentiments on the career fair saying that having esteemed partner organisations reflects the intricate tapestry of South Africa’s economy. “Let us cherish the possibilities that arise from these interactions. Let us recognise the potential that springs from the blend of diverse industries, and the energy that ignites when academia and the world of work unite,” he said.
Dr Msukwini indicated that the annual World of Work Careers Fair 2024 is scheduled for the 21st August 2024 to 22nd August 2024. “Planning has commenced already, and plans are in place for a bigger venue to accommodate new companies to participate,” he said.
Pictured: Health Promotion Officer, Juandre Watson, who is from the Heart and Stroke Foundation SA, provides pressure and sugar tests to DUT students visiting the stand.
Waheeda Peters
