After years of study, projects, and late-night deadlines, many students face a familiar question: What happens after graduation?
This question inspired DUT Public Relations Management academics, Mr Obed Chauke, Ms Zakia Jeewa, and Professor Veena Rawjee to develop a workshop that helps students navigate the transition from university to the professional world. Their discussions led to another important consideration: Are DUT students taking active steps to become economically independent while studying?
According to Mr Chauke, the motivation behind the event was twofold: To prepare students for the realities of working life and to encourage them to think critically about their economic futures. He explained that the department has long worked to ready students for the world of work, but this time they wanted to go further. “We wanted to bring in guest speakers from various industries. Professionals who could share how they built their careers and learned to adapt,” he said, noting that “while students work toward their dream jobs, they must also learn how to sustain themselves and their families.”
Head of Department for Public Relations, Prof Rawjee expressed that this workshop was a series of workshops conducted in 2025 with third year Diploma students to prepare them not only for the workplace, but for life skills beyond the classroom. By including Design Thinking in the workshops, students were equipped with practical skills to take initiative, explore opportunities, and find ideas to generate their own income in order to become self-sufficient. “This series centred around what it means to be economically active. By engaging with professionals, alumni, and industry experts, third-year students were exposed to real-life experiences that encouraged them to start thinking about their future and ideas relating to income generation. A sincere thank you to CELT and our dedicated academic and admin team whose efforts made these workshops materialise.”
The workshop, titled: “Proactive Thinking: Pushing Boundaries Toward Becoming Economically Active Post-Graduation” was recently held at the DUT Hotel School Conference Centre, bringing together third-year Public Relations students and a diverse group of DUT alumni and industry experts. The event combined practical advice, honest reflection, and motivational storytelling – all aimed at equipping students with the tools to thrive after graduation.
Speakers from fields as varied as marketing, sustainability, the public sector, and entrepreneurship shared stories of growth, change, and resilience. A key theme emerged throughout the day: It’s okay to pivot. This message, deeply aligned with DUT’s graduate attribute of adaptability, encouraged students to embrace change and uncertainty, using both to reorient themselves when new opportunities arise.
Speaker, Mr Mlondi Mkhize, a 2024 postgraduate of the department and now a Public Relations and Marketing Campaign Professional at Beekman Group, spoke about “Building a Public Relations Career Before Your First PR Job.” He urged students to start developing their professional brands early through internships, networking, and side projects, adding that “asking questions is the beginning of wisdom”. This is a reminder that curiosity and initiative are invaluable in building a career and asking questions begins in the classroom.
Next, Ms Nondumiso Sibusisiwe Mazibuko, Marketing Manager at Mustard Seed, discussed the importance of flexibility and resilience in her talk titled “Pivoting – An Important Skill in Active Participation After Graduation.” Drawing on her own career journey, she noted that the ability to adapt had opened unexpected opportunities for her, remarking that “reading is to the mind what exercise is to the body”, an encouragement for students to keep learning and growing beyond the classroom.
Adding a public sector perspective, Ms Sinenhlanhla Mthembu, a Deputy Director and Spokesperson at the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs, addressed the topic “Thriving Beyond Graduation: Purpose, Passion, and Professional Growth in the Public Sector.” She urged students to approach their careers with intention and integrity, explaining that success comes from aligning “your reality with your aspirations.” Most notable is that Ms Mthembu is also doing her Postgraduate Diploma at DUT this year, which inspired students to note that learning is a lifelong journey.
Entrepreneur and Founder of Green Arch Innovations, Mr Luvo Gugwana, reinforced the importance of adaptability in his presentation, “The Power of the Pivot: Finding Opportunity Beyond Your Original Field.” Drawing on his own experience of moving beyond his initial qualification, where he had originally registered in the Department of Orthodontics and Prosthetics at DUT but eventually left to pursue success in sustainable projects at DUT, he encouraged students not to confine their potential to a single discipline, reminding them that “a qualification should never limit your ability to succeed in other fields.”
Concluding the session, Mrs Lasandra Kaldenberg of Annique Health and Beauty Products inspired the audience with her talk, “Good to Great.” She spoke passionately about self-reliance and personal excellence, advising students to remain proactive while seeking employment: “While waiting for your turn of employment, learn how to sell.” Her message underscored the value of initiative and the entrepreneurial mindset, qualities considered essential in today’s evolving job market.
Miss Zakia Jeewa, lecturer in the department and co-organiser of the event expressed the following sentiments: “As lecturers, we hope the best for our students. They spend a few years with us before going off on their respective journeys. In the classroom, you’re taught lessons by your lecturers, then tested in your assessments and exams. In the real world, the tests come first, and the well learnt, often harsh lessons follow after. Nobody is able to predict their path in this life. And success looks different to each of us. Our guest speakers presented this reality to the students.”
The workshop’s message was to DUT students was to be adaptable, be curious, and to be courageous.
Pictured: Guest speakers and staff of the Public Relations and Communication Management Department. (From left to right): Mr Obed Chauke, Mr Mlondi Mkhize, Mr Luvo Gugwana, Ms. Sinenhlanhla Mthembu, Mrs. Lasandra Kaldenberg, Miss Zakia Jeewa, Dr Venencia Nyambuya and Miss Alandra Naidoo, Ms Nondumiso and Sibusisiwe Mazibuko.
Siboniso Siyaya/Zakia Jeewa
