Witsies get a further boost from ‘WorkReady Gen Z’ initiative
- Wits University
An engaging, work-readiness and skills-building online course, available for free to all Wits students.
The Wits Student Representative Council (SRC), in collaboration with the Counselling and Careers Development Unit (CCDU), has introduced WorkReady Gen Z, an engaging and practical online course now available on Ulwazi. This student-driven initiative, shaped through the active involvement of Wits students, is designed to equip participants with essential skills for a seamless transition from university to the professional world.
The course is self-paced, allowing students to complete it at their own convenience, making it flexible enough to fit into even the busiest schedules. Students are encouraged to complete the course within three months, after which they receive a letter of completion to enhance their professional profiles.
Lindelwe Cili, Career Services Team Leader at Wits, moderated and reviewed the content for the course. Meanwhile, Bongi Ndlovu, Graduate Recruitment Programme (GRP) Officer, played a critical role in overseeing the operations and successful launch of the project.
“WorkReady Gen Z was built to empower students not just for their first jobs but for long-term success in their careers. It’s designed to help them navigate the workplace and grow into future leaders and entrepreneurs,” says Cili. The CCDU's active involvement, particularly through its Career Development Services team, ensured that the course aligns with industry expectations.
Launched on 1 October 2024, this course builds on several other employability initiatives at Wits, such as the Recruiters’ Breakfast, Professional Speed-Dating, and the Entrepreneurship Hub. These efforts collectively aim to bridge the gap between university qualifications and the demands of the labour market.
Dan Kabongo, the All-Residence Postgraduate Representative at the SRC and one of the key drivers behind the initiative, explains the core motivation:
"Often, university students graduate with academic knowledge, but they lack the core skills needed to excel in the workplace. WorkReady Gen Z addresses this by offering practical exercises that build these critical skills."
The three pillars of WorkReady Gen Z
The course is structured into three key sections to provide comprehensive career readiness:
- Job Hunting Strategies
This section offers tips on crafting a standout CV, writing a compelling cover letter, and preparing for interviews. Students also learn to build a strong online presence, boosting their professional profiles. - My First Job Series
A resource from the Africa Careers Network, this video series provides real-world advice from professionals, covering topics like job roles, imposter syndrome, and workplace biases. It helps students transition smoothly into their first jobs with confidence. - Skills-Building Exercises
Through interactive case studies and thought-provoking activities, students develop critical skills such as problem-solving, communication, time management, and professionalism.
A pathway to success
Reflecting on the journey that led to the creation of WorkReady Gen Z, Kabongo shares:
"It was my first real job, my first experience in the professional world. I remember looking around and feeling overwhelmed, as if I’d suddenly stepped into a new language I hadn’t been taught. I noticed something: those who thrived, those who stood out, didn’t just have degrees and qualifications. They had something else. They communicated clearly. They asked the right questions. They collaborated effortlessly, and above all, they knew how to navigate this complex space we call ‘the workplace.’
That’s when a thought crossed my mind: What if students could learn these things before they even left university? What if we created a pathway that made the transition from student to professional smoother, more confident, and less intimidating?
That’s how WorkReady Gen Z was born — from a place of wondering, a place of imagining better for young people stepping into their futures," he says.
A holistic approach to career development
Kabongo emphasises that the course builds the whole person, not just job-specific skills. “The goal is to equip students with general but core competencies. The course offers practical advice from professionals who provide real-world insights, making the learning process engaging and relatable.”
Aligned with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4 Quality Education and SDG 8 ‘Decent Work and Economic Growth, this initiative promotes quality education and prepares students for meaningful participation in the global economy.
Available for free on Ulwazi, WorkReady Gen Z is an indispensable resource for students looking to take charge of their professional journeys. Log in to Ulwazi, head to the courses section, and begin your journey to employability today!