On 4 September, the Golden Key International Honour Society hosted its annual Career Fair, a highly-anticipated event that has become a highlight for students seeking to bridge the gap between their studies and the professional world. Held at the University of Pretoria (UP), the fair attracted a diverse panel of speakers from leading organisations such as Boston Consulting Group (BCG), PPS, ENSAfrica, Nexia SAB&T, and Agile Bridge. It also saw professionals from the human resources, business consulting, and technology sectors.
The day was structured around interactive panel discussions where students gained valuable insights into recruitment processes, industry trends, and personal strategies for success. Students also had the opportunity to network with corporate vendors such as Moore Infinity, PPS, and others, ensuring the summit was both informative and practical.
Skills Beyond the Classroom
One of the opening panellists, with a background in technology and organisational psychology, stressed that academic qualifications alone are no longer enough to guarantee career success. She explained that industries are evolving at an unprecedented rate due to advances in technology, globalisation, and new workplace dynamics. “The working world is changing quite fast. You need to upskill yourself in the software environment, make sure your skills are current, and build resilience,” she advised.
Her comments reflected a broader theme that echoed throughout the session: the future belongs to graduates who combine technical knowledge with adaptability, critical thinking, and emotional intelligence.
Building on this point, Diana Mbanda from BCG spoke passionately about the importance of embracing discomfort as part of personal and professional growth. She urged students to not fear challenges, but to see them as opportunities. “Start by getting yourself into uncomfortable spaces. Be ready to learn, unlearn, and even fail. The key is to be greater today, but even greater tomorrow,” Mbanda encouraged.
This message resonated with the audience, particularly final-year students who face the uncertainty of transitioning into the workplace. According to her, consulting firms thrive on problem-solving and require individuals who can think quickly, embrace feedback, and constantly improve.
Recruitment and Training
A central part of the discussion focused on how companies recruit and train graduates. Alisha Jawaharlal from PPS emphasised that recruitment is not solely about academic transcripts. “We don’t just look at marks. We look at mindset, alignment with our values, and leadership potential. That’s why our onboarding and training can take at least six months,” she explained.
During this period, graduates undergo intensive exposure to real projects, leadership development, and mentorship, ensuring they are well prepared for the responsibilities ahead.
Boitshepo Monedi from ENSAfrica, Africa’s largest corporate law firm, shared the organisation’s approach to training candidate legal practitioners. Monedi explained that their programme is designed to give young lawyers structured exposure across different legal departments. “We want to train you to become efficient in your area of specialisation and prepare you 18 months ahead of others,” she said.
The programme includes mentorship from senior partners, mandatory legal practice training, and even coaching to help students adjust to the demands of long hours in corporate law. The aim, Monedi noted, is to not only build competence, but also to instill resilience and professionalism.
Networking and Professional Growth
The importance of networking was a recurring theme throughout the fair, with panellists repeatedly urging students to build meaningful relationships early on. One speaker advised, “While you’re still studying, begin building your network. Don’t limit yourself to your faculty – opportunities often come from unexpected places.” By broadening their networks, students could gain access to job opportunities, mentorship, and collaborations that may not come directly from their field of study.
Another panellist emphasised authenticity in networking, warning against superficial connections. “It’s not about the pretty face; it’s about the mindset. Do not forget the power you hold,” she said. Students were also encouraged to use LinkedIn proactively, reach out to alumni, and take advantage of professional organisations such as the Society for Industrial and Organisational Psychology of South Africa (SIOPSA).
Feedback, Resilience, and Mental Health
A significant portion of the discussion was dedicated to resilience in the face of workplace challenges. Panellists shared candid experiences about dealing with rejection, criticism, and setbacks. One speaker reminded students that perseverance is key. “Nobody is going to come save you. Learn to take rejection and keep moving forward,” she said.
Another added, “Take constructive feedback seriously. Even if it’s hard to hear, it means someone is invested in your growth.”
Mental health, which is often overlooked in professional development conversations, was also addressed. One panellist spoke frankly about the pressures of long hours and balancing personal challenges. “Learn to leave your problems [in] the car and collect them later on your way home,” she advised.
This metaphor underscores the importance of compartmentalisation and self-care in maintaining productivity and well-being in high-pressure careers.
What Employers Look For
Across the different industries represented, the panellists identified common traits they look for in graduates. Monedi from ENSAfrica was particularly direct. “We’re looking for hardworking candidates who understand business, keep up with current affairs, and are self-aware enough to ask for help when needed,” she said.
From the technology side, AI literacy and continuous upskilling were highlighted as essential. “AI is transforming every industry. Graduates must approach it consciously and be ready to adapt,” noted one speaker.
Another panellist stressed that passion is what ultimately drives success. “Passion will drive you. If you’re doing something you love, time won’t be a factor,” she said, highlighting that passion sustains graduates through long hours and tough projects.
Practical Advice
The panellists gave concrete advice on preparing for interviews and recruitment. This included researching companies, understanding their values, and practicing problem-solving skills. “Don’t just research the company; understand what it’s about. Speak to people who work there and personalise your responses,” advised one recruiter.
Another panellist encouraged students to participate in case workshops and mock interviews to sharpen their skills before entering competitive selection processes. They also warned against common pitfalls in job applications. One speaker cautioned, “Don’t put photos on your CV and never lie. Employers value honesty and substance.”
Several panellists agreed that generic cover letters and exaggerated claims undermine credibility, urging students to focus on authenticity and clarity instead.
Student Reflections
For Chikomborero Nyika, Professional Development Director of Golden Key and a BCom Financial Sciences student, the summit was more than just a career fair. “The career summit was a power-packed evening all about professional growth. Students gained insights on interviews, CVs, cover letters, networking, and graduate recruitment during the panel discussion, and then got to put those skills into action by connecting with companies face-to-face afterwards,” she said.
Nyika added that one of her personal highlights was “finally meeting, in person, the amazing people I’d only been emailing back and forth with. Putting faces to names made the night extra special, and each of them brought such valuable insights to the discussions.” She also emphasised the importance of showing up. “Those who came to the summit learnt something new just by being there.”
For Makanaka Dube, a student in Accounting Sciences, the event challenged her perception of workplace expectations. “It was to challenge the common perceptions and practices around applying for jobs, providing us with a clearer understanding of what truly matters in the recruitment process and how we should conduct ourselves professionally,” she explained. Her biggest takeaway was the importance of dedication early in one’s career. “While work-life balance and mental wellbeing are extremely important, we sometimes use them as a shield to avoid doing hard work or accepting constructive criticism. Early in our careers, it’s important to be willing to put in the effort, stay committed, and sometimes work late to ensure tasks are done properly.”
Dube also appreciated the variety that the summit offered. “It had something for everyone: insightful discussions, good food, and even a choir performance. What’s not to love?”
A Cultural Touch
The Royal Melodies choir added to the atmosphere of the evening, delivering a powerful performance that left the audience captivated. Their music not only provided a refreshing break between discussions, but also added a sense of celebration and unity to the summit. The performance highlighted the event’s balance between professional development and community spirit, reminding students that success is as much about culture and connection as it is about career growth.
Inspiring Takeaways
As the event drew to a close, the panellists reflected on their own journeys and shared final pieces of advice. One speaker noted, “What you are looking for, you will find. If you want a toxic environment, you’ll find it, but you can also choose to create impact and positive change.”
Another emphasised the importance of passion and perseverance, reminding students that “if you do something you are passionate about, time will not be a barrier”.
For many attendees, the Golden Key Career Fair was more than just an opportunity to connect with recruiters; it was a chance to gain unfiltered insights into the challenges and opportunities of professional life. By highlighting themes of resilience, networking, authenticity, and lifelong learning, and with student voices reinforcing its impact, the fair equipped students with knowledge about the job market and the mindset required to thrive in it.
