Bridging Futures: Inside the University of Pretoria’s General Career Fair

by Ompha Mudau | May 26, 2024 | News

On 23 April, the University of Pretoria showcased its commitment to student career success and academic application in the real world through its well-attended general career fair. Organised by the Career Service team, the event had a plethora of employers. This initiative not only provided a platform for students to engage directly with potential employers but also reflected the university’s ongoing efforts to enhance student employability and practical job market readiness.

The Career Service team has initiated broader career fairs, such as the recently introduced one for Theology students, to better accommodate diverse academic backgrounds and career aspirations. PDBY spoke to Tando Tyakume, the Career Service manager, who shared insights into the organisation and objectives of the fair. “Our main goal is to directly connect students with potential employers, providing them with a clear sense of what to expect in their future careers,” said Tyakume. Despite the positive turnout, feedback from participants varied. Some students lauded the fair for its breadth of information and organisational excellence. However, concerns were raised about its inclusivity, particularly regarding international students and those from less represented disciplines who felt the fair did not fully cater to their careers. They also shared that the fair had a perceived focus on certain industries, which seemed to overshadow the fair’s generalist label.

An image of students in career fair. Picture by PDBY staff

One of the employers from PepsiCo, also mentioned how different the fair was from other institutions since the UP students do not seem interested. Moving forward, the Career Service team is optimistic about refining and expanding the career fair to better meet the diverse needs of its student body, as they are continually learning from each event and are committed to enhancing the effectiveness of these fairs.

The University’s career fair remains a cornerstone event for students on the edge of their professional journeys. With each year, the fair evolves, driven by a commitment to bridge the gap between academia and industry, providing every student with valuable opportunities to advance their careers.

Ompha Mudau
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