By: Lance Myburgh

Rhodes University successfully hosted Career Week 2025 from 14 to 17 April, a dynamic, multi-day event that connected students with potential employers and industry professionals. Designed to prepare students for life after graduation, the initiative provided valuable opportunities to engage directly with recruiters, explore diverse career paths, and gain insight into the professional world.

Held at Eden Grove and the Steve Biko Lawns, Career Week featured three themed career fairs—focusing on Computer Science, Accounting, and General Careers—and concluded with an engaging and interactive Career Fun Day.

The Computer Science Fair

The week kicked off with the Computer Science Fair on Monday, 14 April, which welcomed leading tech and finance firms such as Entelect, Open Box Software, Singular Systems, and Rand Merchant Bank. These companies not only offered students a chance to learn more about careers in software development, systems architecture, and fintech innovation, but also brought real-world insight into the evolving demands of the tech industry. Their presence underscored the growing demand for digital and analytical skills and affirmed Rhodes University’s role in preparing graduates who can meet that demand. For many students, interacting directly with representatives from such influential companies was inspiring and affirming, bridging the gap between academic study and future career possibilities.

The Accounting Fair

The Accounting Fair, held on Tuesday, 15 April, emerged as the highlight of Career Week 2025, drawing the highest number of student attendees and participating companies. Representatives from prominent organisations engaged meaningfully with students, offering insights into the evolving demands of the accounting profession and the realities of the working world. Among them was Mubein Hassam from the Auditor General of South Africa, who advised students to approach the transition from university to the workplace with awareness and intention. He said, “My advice is that when you enter the working industry, you should be aware of the culture and values of the firm you are joining and as a trainee.” Hassam also emphasised the value of career fairs as strategic platforms where companies can identify future talent and engage with potential employees before graduation.

Echoing this perspective, Lungile Koti from the Shoprite Group encouraged students to consider broader employability factors beyond academic qualifications. Koti noted that, “something like a driver’s licence makes you valuable to employ, because you can be sent anywhere and not be stationed in one place by the company.” he explained that as Shoprite continues to expand its workforce across the country, they are actively looking for new talent, with specific requirements in place to ensure they hire individuals equipped with both the necessary skills and flexibility to meet the company’s growth demands. Other companies at the Accounting Fair included PwC, Forvis Mazars, SNG Grant Thompson, Moore, and PKF.

General Career Day

The week continued with the General Career Day, where Rhodes University alumna Mathabo Tlali from Zazi Creative shared her journey into the creative industry. She discussed the importance of developing versatile skillsets to help students navigate the broader creative workforce. Tlali emphasised that creativity extends beyond formal qualifications and encouraged students to think beyond traditional career paths by innovatively leveraging their degrees. Lucien Dhlamini, Secretary General of RU-LED, emphasised the importance of Career Week, explaining that it is crucial in educating students about their career options. He noted, "Career Week provides valuable insights into what different businesses are about and helps students understand the challenges in entering specific career paths." Dhlamini also pointed out that such skills are not typically taught at university, making career fairs like this an essential opportunity for students to learn about the next steps after graduation.

Career Fun Day

The final day served as a career fun day with the #FutureMe x #PurpleThursday as a collaborative and vibrant outdoor event that served as a closing activation for Rhodes University’s career week 2025. This initiative brought together the Career Centres' Mission to support students' career development with the SRC’s weekly #PurpleThursday Movement, celebrating student identity, expression, and pride. The Fun Day featured interactive games such as the three-legged and egg-and-spoon races and a lively photo booth with props. A creative reflection space was also set up as an open area for group discussions, encouraging students to engage in meaningful conversations about the day's activities, their experiences, and their personal career journeys. 

Thobani Mesani, Coordinator of the Graduate Recruitment and Student Entrepreneurship Programmes, emphasised that Career Week exemplifies the value of “companies coming to Rhodes University and seeking the kinds of graduates they want to employ.” He also challenged the notion that top academic results are the most critical factor in employability, pointing out that many companies prioritise a student’s overall character. “You can get straight A’s and still be a bad employee,” he added. Rhodes University SRC Projects Manager, Bongani Mtebule, echoed these sentiments, emphasising that Career Week aligns with the SRC’s broader institutional development goals—promoting holistic student growth and academic success.

Career Week 2025 was more than just a series of career fairs—it celebrated growth, potential, and the journey from student to professional. By creating meaningful spaces for interaction between students and industry leaders, Rhodes University reaffirmed its commitment to empowering academically capable graduates with the skills, awareness, and adaptability needed in today’s dynamic workforce.