For the past two days, from 15 to 16 August 2018, the Durban University of Technology students had a chance to interact with the industry during the annual World of Work (WoW) career exhibition, held at the DUT Ritson Campus.

The interactive initiative between the institution and industry stakeholders was launched in 2007 by the Department of Co-operative Education with the aim of providing a networking platform for students and prospective employers.

According to Terry Mavundla, CEO of Wisolve (IT Solution Company), WoW is a great platform for students to gain knowledge and promote themselves to companies.

“The World of Work career exhibition is a good initiative mainly because it brings companies closer to students to engage with one another directly. However, I feel that more emphasis should be on students on how to sell themselves to these companies. I was impressed with one student who came with a CV and told us about his skills in the field of Information Technology. That is what we want from students,” he said.

Senior Lecturer in the Department of Biomedical and Clinical Technology, Dr Mogapi Mohapi said the WoW career exhibition provides a rare opportunity for students to know about their fields of study.

“I am part of the committee that organises the WoW career exhibition. For us, the main objective is to expose our students to the World of Work, to interact with companies, get first-hand information and make informed decisions about their careers. The other objective is to thank the industry in terms of our cooperative relationship that we have developed with them over the years,” said Dr Mohapi.

Apart from the exhibitors and entrepreneurs who shared information about their companies with the students, the second day of the WoW career exhibition was also attended by the Vice-Chancellor and Principal of DUT, Professor Thandwa Mthembu who interacted with various companies and students.

Also, during the two-day career exhibition, several companies provided presentations and career guidance information at the DUT ML Sultan campus.

Pictured: DUT Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Professor Thandwa Mthembu interacting with industry during the last day of the WoW career exhibition.

Sandile Lukhozi