Wits bridges gap between graduates and potential employers
- Wits University
Graduate Recruitment Programme facilitates dialogue between academia and industry and contributes to developing highly skilled and employable graduates.
The Student Affairs Office, in collaboration with the Graduate Recruitment Programme (GRP) within the Counselling and Career Development Unit (CCDU), recently hosted the annual Graduate Recruiters Breakfast at Wits University.
Marking its 12th anniversary, this year's event saw the largest gathering of potential recruiters, with over 200 attendees and a record-breaking 79-company turnout.
The event aims to bridge the gap between academia and industry, ensuring that the University produces students that are industry-ready upon completing their studies and that recruiters understand the needs of Wits graduates as they enter the world of work.
The Dean of Student Affairs, Jerome September, highlighted the significance of the occasion, emphasising its role in fostering collaboration between prospective employers and Wits University. September welcomed potential employers, reiterating the university's commitment to supporting students throughout their academic journey and ensuring their employability upon graduation.
The Principal and Vice-Chancellor of the University, Professor Zeblon Vilakazi, commended the success of Wits graduates across various fields, attributing it to the university's quality education.
"We are committed to fostering graduates who are leaders with integrity. We believe that true leadership is about more than just achieving success; it is about doing so with honesty, integrity, and compassion. And it is through partnerships between the university and employers like yourselves that we can ensure that our graduates are prepared, not just for the job search process, but for the world of work," said Vilakazi.
Vilakazi stressed the importance of partnerships between the institution and employers in preparing graduates for the world of work, underscoring the values of integrity and compassion in leadership. He thanked all the potential recruiters for their continued support in developing the next generation of leaders.
In her keynote address, Michaela Mahes encapsulated the essence of the lifelong learner mindset, stating, "My best skill was that I was coachable. I was a sponge and aggressive to learn.”
Disability Rights Unit, Dr. Leila Abdool Gafoor and Andrew Sam, highlighted the university's extensive endeavours to ensure equitable opportunities for students with disabilities, showcasing the profound impact of inclusive education.
Also in attendance, Masters of Commerce in Accounting student, Phindulo Tshikovhi expressed excitement about the event, describing it as an insightful event.
“It was very insightful, especially seeing how Wits has partnered up with multiple organisations to ensure that their esteemed graduates get the necessary support and guidance to secure a spot in the job market. It was great to see how Wits also strives for equality by ensuring that people living with disabilities get the same employment opportunities,” Tshikovhi said.
The Graduate Recruiters Breakfast event serves as a pivotal platform to facilitate dialogue between academia and industry and ultimately contribute to the development of highly skilled and employable graduates.