BA in Development and Management graduate from the Potchefstroom Campus

I am currently a Member of Parliament and the Deputy Minister of Water and Sanitation. After completing my BA in Development and Management, my first interview took place six months later while I was pursuing my honours degree in the same field. I applied for an administrative assistant position and was fortunate enough to be offered the job on my very first interview. The most important thing when going for an interview is to understand that many interviews won’t necessarily align with your university qualification. Preparation is key, so research the company, understand its needs, and use platforms like LinkedIn to build your confidence.

Adapting from being a student to a professional was 100% nerve-wracking. Entering the professional world as a “newbie” is intimidating, especially when surrounded by older, more accomplished individuals, which is why mentorship is crucial. In my daily work, reading and writing proficiency are essential, along with the ability to assess and analyse reports. I enjoy travelling across our beautiful country and being involved in policymaking at a national level, particularly implementing sections 19 and 20 of the National Water Act. To handle difficult situations, I rely on being well-read, articulate, firm, and decisive while remaining welcoming and approachable.

What stood out for me at NWU was the brotherhood and friendships I built. Coming from a disadvantaged background didn’t hold me back as we truly lived the university’s motto, Innovation Through Diversity. I wouldn’t change anything about my journey because I believe I’m exactly where God intended me to be. My advice to students entering the job market is to maintain balance and discipline, start financial planning early, and remember that colleagues are not your friends. Learning Afrikaans, gaining self-confidence, and forming lasting friendships are some of the greatest personal attributes I gained during my time at NWU.

NWU Gradute

I am the Chief Executive Officer of Brand South Africa, the country’s official marketing agency focused on building South Africa’s global reputation and competitiveness. My first interview was exciting but nerve-wracking. I prepared thoroughly, stayed honest, and highlighted my ability to learn quickly. I went to two interviews before receiving my first job offer, and each one helped me grow and improve. The most important thing when going for an interview is preparation. Understand the job, research the company, and practise answering questions. Stay calm, read your CV carefully, and prepare thoughtful questions for the interviewer. Confidence matters, but it should never come across as arrogance.

Adapting from being a student to a professional was challenging because the shift in responsibility and pace was tough. I had to learn to be proactive, manage my time well, and stay ahead by reading and knowing my work. In my daily role, I rely on communication, problem-solving, time management, and adaptability. I enjoy making a difference in people’s lives, and when things get tough, I stay calm, break problems into smaller parts, and seek advice when needed. Passion, planning, and openness to learning from others keep me motivated.

During my years at NWU, the sense of community and diversity stood out the most. I learnt perseverance, time management, and the importance of building strong relationships. I don’t regret anything, but I do wish I had taken more risks and explored opportunities outside my comfort zone. My advice to students entering the job market is to build a strong network, stay persistent, and keep learning. Listening and critical thinking are powerful tools for growth. From NWU, I gained self-discipline, time management, creativity, and collaboration skills, all of which continue to shape my professional journey.

NWU Graduates

Our business is called Student Heights Accommodations. We were inspired to start it because of the high unemployment rate and our desire to create income-generating opportunities for ourselves and others through employment and partnerships. The business idea came from identifying a gap in the real estate market, specifically in the student accommodation sector in the Vaal Triangle area. We noticed a lack of coordination among stakeholders such as students, landlords, and institutions of higher learning, and developed a model to integrate these relationships. Our biggest challenge was start-up capital, but through hard work, determination, perseverance, and God’s grace, we managed to overcome it.

Our advice to aspiring entrepreneurs is to start where you are and use what you have. Do not fear failure, as it builds character and resilience. Communication, leadership, and adaptability are essential skills for success. We initially funded the business by combining our own resources and receiving support from the Masia Brothers of Bovua Holdings, who also became our mentors. The most rewarding part of running our business has been watching it grow—expanding our client base, achieving financial goals, acquiring assets, and building a dedicated team—while enjoying the freedom of managing our own time.

From our experience as entrepreneurs, we have learnt that the journey is not always smooth, but perseverance and consistency help you overcome challenges. We have also learnt to separate business and personal relationships, avoid sharing strategic information prematurely, and use business resources responsibly. During our years at NWU, what stood out most was leadership. Being in leadership roles exposed us to opportunities that shaped our character and taught us valuable interpersonal and management skills, which we still apply today. The friendships, experiences, and memories we made at NWU truly confirmed that “It all starts here.”

A Bachelor of Commerce Graduate in Economics Science with Econometrics from  the Mahikeng Campus

Career Services has been a game-changer for me. Their workshops and specialized courses at North-West University gave me the skills and confidence I needed to step into the professional world. One-on-one sessions with Ms R Sekati were especially helpful. She gave me detailed feedback on my resume and encouraged me to get involved in volunteer work to strengthen my profile. After applying her advice, I started getting positive responses from graduate programmes.

The mock interview she arranged was another turning point; it really boosted my confidence and helped me perform well in real interviews. Career Services also helped me discover my strengths and passions, and even connected me with alumni in my field, which opened up new opportunities.

Their workshops have been amazing for building soft skills like communication, teamwork, time management, and leadership. I’ve grown so much in terms of emotional intelligence and how I handle workplace dynamics.

I first heard about Career Services during my first-year orientation, and the reminders through posters, social media, and faculty kept me engaged. I’d absolutely recommend Career Services to anyone; it’s a supportive space with personalized guidance, job listings, networking opportunities, and everything you need to grow professionally.

Psychology, Geography, and Environmental Management Graduate from  Potchefstroom Campus

Career Services really helped me grow. I used to be an introvert who preferred being alone, but now I’m confident working with others and enjoy team environments. That shift has made me feel ready for the professional world.

I also joined CV activation sessions where we helped students improve their resumes. Those sessions taught me how to refine my own CV; what to include, what to leave out. Plus, a LinkedIn expert showed us how to build strong profiles, which boosted my visibility to recruiters.

Honestly, I’d rate my confidence to enter the workforce at a 10. Half of that comes from Career Services, and the other half from my personal growth.

Their workshops really sharpened my communication skills. I can now express ideas clearly and persuasively, which helps a lot in professional settings.

I first got involved when I volunteered as a photographer at a career fair. Nombulelo invited me to join the team afterward, and I’ve been part of it since. I’d definitely recommend Career Services to other students. It’s full of learning opportunities and helps you keep improving.

Occupational Hygiene graduate from the Potchefstroom Campus

Career Services played a huge role in helping me prepare for the working world. The resume workshops, both group and one-on-one, taught me how to create a professional CV that truly reflects my skills in occupational hygiene. I learned how even small details, like font choice or the order of sections, can make or break your chances of landing an interview.

One experience that stands out was when I met with Ms Nombulelo Malunga in my final year. She walked me through a PowerPoint on interview types and gave me practical tips—from how to answer common questions to what to wear and when to arrive. Thanks to her guidance, I went into my interview feeling confident and ended up receiving a conditional offer.

Career fairs hosted by the services were also a great way to build my networking skills. Talking to potential employers helped me feel more comfortable and gave me a clearer picture of the professional world. Career Services gave me both the tools and the mindset to step into it with confidence.

Volunteering with Career Services helped me grow my soft skills, too. Promoting their programmes to other students improved my communication, adaptability, and confidence.

I first heard about Career Services at a pop-up stand in Lover’s Lane. My friends and I were final-year students thinking about our next steps, and that moment led me on a journey of growth. I’d absolutely recommend Career Services; it’s a powerful resource that prepares you not just for a job, but for life.