The Durban University of Technology (DUT) School Engagement Project recently hosted a transformative Career Day on Saturday, 06 September 2024, at Sastri College. The event drew participation from four local schools: Sastri College, Hunt Road Secondary School, Overport Secondary School, and Durban Girls Secondary School. The aim was to empower learners to take charge of their futures, and the impact of the event was noticeable, marking a significant step in guiding students toward their career paths.
Bérénice de La Croix, Project Manager of the DUT School Engagement Project, shared that the purpose of Career Day was to provide learners with the opportunity to become architects of their future. In small, diverse groups the learners actively engage with facilitators to explore their most urgent and alive career questions.
Nonhle Radebe, a Grade 11 learner from Overport Secondary School, shared her inspiring thoughts. “From this experience, I have learned that all successes stem from personal values and principles. You must be respectful and humble to everyone you meet, as you never know who might be important in the future. I have also learned the importance of knowing what you want in life and taking the necessary steps to achieve your goals. You must believe in yourself and have the confidence and courage to chase your dreams,” she explained.
Ms Rauwa Kallie, an educator from Hunt Road Secondary School, highlighted the importance of Career Day, saying that it was an excellent programme because it gave learners direct access to experienced professionals, broadening their understanding of career opportunities beyond what they had seen in newspapers or media. She added that she was optimistic that this exposure would help them become more focused, make informed decisions, and adjust their academic efforts towards their chosen careers.
Interacting with learners from different schools, Khanyisa Thusini, a Grade 11 learner from Hunt Road Secondary School shared her favorite sessions: Understanding The New World of Work and Building a Career Plan. She also added that choosing a career plan in this stage will help them make informed decisions, set realistic goals, and prepare for their future careers. She said that what she had learned from attending Career Day was that at this stage you can be whatever you want to be if you believe in yourself, have good grades, trust in yourself, and don’t let others influence your decisions.
Facilitators from the Department of Marketing and Retail, Dr Faith Chibvura and Dr Tessa Reddy, shared strategies for building a career plan, emphasising the importance of connecting dreams with real, actionable steps. They highlighted key objectives, including understanding the importance of career planning, creating a plan aligned with personal values, and developing leadership skills through goal setting, focus, and motivation.
They further said that individuals can explore various career opportunities, build their CVs, and gain relevant experience through job shadowing, clubs, and societies, ultimately bridging the gap between their aspirations and reality. They left the learners with a motivational message: “Remember, your career journey is yours to shape. Start taking small steps today, and you’ll get closer to the career you want.”
The learners showed immense interest in learning about careers, with many being exposed to fields they had previously not considered. The facilitators provided tips on choosing a career that aligns with individual strengths and passions. The engagement between facilitators and learners was exceptional, with learners attending in large numbers to gain understanding and explore potential career paths. This interactive session not only broadened their understanding of various careers but also empowered them to make informed decisions about their future.
Bérénice de La Croix, Project Manager of the DUT School Engagement Project said: “The DUT School Engagement Project Management team would like to thank their partners who make it possible to offer these educational opportunities: DUT, UKZN, IQRAA Trust, Victor Daitz Foundation and Albert Wessels Trust.”
Pictured: Learners that attended the Career Day together with their teachers and facilitators at Sastri College.
Phiwayinkosi Sibiya
