a magazine for career development c… · a magazine for career development te august 2018 3...

updateA MAGAZINE FOR CAREER DEVELOPMENT

AUGUST 2018

3 LINKING ONLINE MAXIMISING YOUR LINKEDIN ACCOUNT

13 LIZA GOES HOME THE JOYS, CHALLENGES AND SUCCESSES AS A STUDENT AND AN ATTORNEY

22 THE 5-MINUTE GAME CHANGER HOW A CHANCE ENCOUNTER CAN CHANGE A LIFE FOREVER

CAREER XPLORA MADE EASY A STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE

F R O M H O P E T O A C T I O N T H R O U G H K N O W L E D G E

SUBTITLE

| UNIVERSITY OF THE WESTERN CAPE | CAREER UPDATE 2018 | 1

FROM THE ED TEAM

A MAGAZINE FOR CAREER DEVELOPMENT

AUGUST 2018

SUBBING, DESIGN AND LAYOUT: Kult CreativePRINTING: FingerPrint Worker Co-operative Ltd

Thank you to all the writers and participants.Career Update, August 2018TELEPHONE: 021 959 2436EMAIL: [email protected].

Career Update is produced by the Offi ce for Student Development, University of the Western Cape.

EDITORS: Winston Middleton, Nazrana Parker and Dominique Goch.

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this magazine are those of the authors and writers and do not necessarily represent nor refl ect the views of the University of the Western Cape. © All rights reserved. Articles may only be reproduced, stored or transmitted with written permission of the copyright holder.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

“Careers in a Changing World” was the theme of the June 2018 Conference hosted by the Department of Higher Education and Training. Avid discussions about the “Industrial Revolution 4.0” prevailed and its impact on higher education. This is defi ned as a blending of technologies, combining physical, digital and organic systems. A recent article in Forbes.com describes machines “augmented with web connectivity”, “connected to a system that can visualise a production chain and make decisions on its own”. The world of work is changing drastically as we journey into an era characterised by advanced robotics, artifi cial intelligence, advances in biotechnology and genomics, and business intelligence using data analytics.

Our graduates have to be ready for this future, as employers will be paying increasing attention to the use of technology. Career services at universities, in turn, will have to shift a gear from the linearity of traditional ‘career development’ approaches, bringing job search preparation up to speed with the exigencies of our mutable and tech-based world of work.

The South African Graduate Employers Association is unpacking the conceptual lexicon of the ‘future-fi t’ graduate with phrases such as “rotational training programmes”, “tech-enabled”, “micro-learning” and “fostering a culture of entrepreneurship, creativity and innovation”.

We showcase our alumni making their mark across this competitive and evolving landscape. Our Centre for Entrepreneurship and Innovation refl ects on how entrepreneurship is a career. We explore how to maximise your LinkedIn account, delve into your fi rst pay slip and paying tax, and becoming fi nancially savvy. Trusting that these messages will inspire all students as you construct your career journey into this new environment.

THE ED TEAMWINSTON MIDDLETON, NAZRANA PARKER, DOMINIQUE GOCH AND NATALIE THOMAS

2 Have your say

3 Linking online by Sarah Jane Seale

7 Unpacking your first salary slip and tax

by Dominique Goch and Winston Middleton

10 Applying for your UWC Co-Curricular Record

11 Entrepreneurship is a career by Charleen Duncan

13 Liza goes home by Dominique Goch

16 Wall of Fame

18 Flying the UWC flag high at FNB

22 Asiphe aces his actual interview by Asiphe Cetywayo

23 The 5-minute game changer by Dominique Goch and Winston Middleton

25 Summa for Sonja by Sonja Conradie

27 Unpacking financial literacy by Sarah Jane Seale

30 Success starts with the first step by Allison Arnold


12.7%

23.8%36.5%

9.5%

CAREERS SERVICE ONLINE

ABOUT CAREER XPLORAsay!HAVE YOUR

How has Career Xplora enhanced your job search?• Career Xplora is amazing;

everything you need is in one system; very easy to navigate.

• It is convenient as the job notifi cations come to me.

• Helped me to "get both feet in the door".• I now know of many more law fi rms.• Everything is available on a user-friendly App.• I landed an internship through

this site while others secured interviews.

• I am working because of it.• It was easier to fi nd my dream job.

Which components of the system do you value most?• The CV review process opened

my views to new thinking.• The online interaction is great.• The CV review unpleasantly

pushed me in the right direction.• Turnaround time for feedback was quick.• The job board narrows down

the job search and gives more employment options.

• I take my "hat off " to the wonderful assistance from OSD.

• I graduated in 2017- but still use this system.

• Provides jobs relevant to my majors.

WHICH COMPONENTS OF THE SYSTEM DO YOU VALUE THE MOST?

CV review and received feedback Job Board Employer Directory Resume Builder 'Careers by Symplicity' App Career Service events - Career Xpo Career Service events - Career Graduate

Recruitment Mock Interview

HOW EASY OR DIFFICULT WAS IT TO COMPLETE YOUR PROFILE?

Extremely diffi cult Diffi cult Easy Very easy Can't say

11.1%38.1%

9.5%

28.6%

12.7%


Career Update explores how students can use LinkedIn to build their profi le and brand, and for their job search.

L inkedIn is the world’s largest professional network with more than 106 million active members

in over 200 countries. It provides professionals with the platform to connect and share each other’s work profi les and expertise. It is also an excellent platform to learn from and engage with your peers, mentors, lecturers, industry leaders, expert professionals, ideal employers and possible recruiters. LinkedIn also serves as a recruitment platform for employers and job seekers.

Donuts on social media and LinkedInLet us use the analogy of donuts to explain the meaning of the statement that other social media networks are for your ‘personal life’ while ‘LinkedIn’ is for your professional life.

Build your professional profi leLinkedIn is a platform for someone to learn about who you are, where you come from and the direction in which your career is heading. Don’t cut and paste from your CV. 75% of hiring managers look at profi les to learn about candidates, so build your professional brand to get noticed. Globally, 9 out of 10 employers use LinkedIn to identify prospective employees. You can get a recruiter’s attention by ensuring that the following seven sections of your profi le are updated:

EDUCATIONEducation is the foundation of your career. Add your tertiary qualifi cations, majors and academic achievements.

PHOTOThis is where you make your fi rst impression. Profi les with a picture get 21 x more views than those without. Heed a few simple rules for pictures: you should be featured alone against a neutral background, head and shoulder, and smile but do not pout.

WORK EXPERIENCEUse short phrases and action words to explain your work experience. Profi les with more than one position are 36 x more likely to be noticed by recruiters. List your casual/part-time work on and off campus, vacation work, practicum placements and internships. Describe what you have accomplished in these roles.

LINKING ONLINEMAXIMISING YOUR LINKEDIN ACCOUNT

by Sarah Jane Seale

75% OF HIRING MANAGERS LOOK AT PROFILES TO LEARN ABOUT THE CANDIDATE.

PROFILES WITH MORE THAN ONE POSITION ARE 36 TIMES MORE LIKELY TO BE NOTICED BY RECRUITERS.

DONUTS ON OTHER SOCIAL MEDIA

I like donuts Watch me eat a donut

Here’s a cool photo of my

donut

Here’s a donut recipe

I’m listening to “Donuts”

Anyone want a donut?

DONUTS ON LINKEDIN

I hope to operate a donut franchise

one day.

I’m looking for a job at a donut

company.

I have three years experience

making donuts.

My top skills are donut production

and sales.

Here are three recommendations from former donut colleagues

1

4 5

2 3

BUILD YOUR PROFILE AND BRAND

>>



VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE41% of hiring managers consider volunteer experience as valuable as paid work experience. As volunteer experience counts, so include it.

SKILLSSkills raise your ranking in recruiter searches. If you list 5+ skills you will get up to 17 x more profi le views. Add your top skills you have learned on and off campus. Add skills that your connections can endorse and endorse others as well.

SUMMARYThis pitch should highlight your achievements and attributes that sets you apart from others. Be

vibrant and creative, and let your personality show in your choice of words.

PERSONAL STATUS UPDATES“People won’t notice you if they aren’t hearing from you, so make your voice heard!” says J. T. O’Donnell, founder and CEO of Work It Daily. While keeping your profi le current, be wary of posting and sharing too many updates!

Customise your URLNow that you have updated your profi le, customise your URL by

clicking on “Edit public profi le & URL” (under “Add profi le section”) to make your profi le easy to access. Keep it simple: www.linkedin.com/in/yournameandsurname. You are now ready to make your profi le public. It is no use creating an account and not having your connections and recruiters view it. Go to: “Edit public profi le & URL” and edit visibility.

Building your ConnectionsEver heard of the saying “birds of a feather fl ock together”? When sifting through LinkedIn profi les, connect with people who share your interests and will ‘fl y in your fl ock’. A good place to start is by connecting to peers, lecturers and alumni of UWC. Seeing where fellow graduates are might alert you to

Sarah Jane SealeEnglish Honours Student at the University of the Western Cape

Office for Student Development • University of the Western Cape

Cape Town Area, South Africa • 88

Edit public profile & URL ?

Add profile section

Add profile in another language ?

https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-jane-seale/

ADD YOUR TOP SKILLS YOU HAVE LEARNED ON AND OFF CAMPUS. ADD SKILLS THAT YOUR CONNECTIONS CAN ENDORSE AND ENDORSE OTHERS AS WELL.

9 OUT OF 10 EMPLOYERS USE LINKEDIN TO IDENTIFY PROSPECTIVE EMPLOYEES.

CONNECT WITH PEOPLE YOU KNOW

Start with friends, family, classmates, mentors, teachers and professors.

Personalise your invitation so people remember who you are.



prospective employers. Try to have at least 50 connections as soon as possible. Jumpstart your search by using the Alumni Tool. It will assist in identifying UWC connections.

There are 35 767 listed alumni on LinkedIn (9 July 2018) which makes ‘fi nding the needle in the haystack’ easier. You can view where alumni are working and what they do.

If you have excelled in a project or activity, ask the relevant connection for a recommendation. Having good recommendations could invite others to connect with you and catch the eye of a recruiter.

LinkedIn GroupsJoin groups relevant to your discipline. By engaging in discussions, you demonstrate an

interest in your career fi eld and possibly gain connections and mentors.

Consult relevant LinkedIn resources in the Document Library of the UWC Career Xplora portal.

Referenceshttps://www.themuse.com/advice/the-31-best-linkedin-profi le-tips-for-job-seekers.

Boost your profi le: How to make the most of your LinkedIn presence.Build a great Linkedin profi le and build your professional brand: 10 tips to building a strong profi le.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GpdrYXNaoyk.

JOIN LINKEDIN GROUPS RELEVANT TO YOUR DISCIPLINE.

UWC ALUMNI HAVE BEEN LISTED ON LINKEDIN UP TO JULY 2018.

35 767

TAP YOUR CONNECTIONS AND ALUMNI FOR HELP

Why?They work in the jobs or companies that interest

you mostThey can connect you with someone else who does

What to say?Who are youHow you came across their profi leHow they can help you

KIN

GJA

MES

424

66

Build a careerthat lastsBack then, things were made to last. At Sanlam, we still believe

in this way of thinking. That’s why we’ve spent the last 100 years

building a better world for others to inherit, and that includes

investing in future leaders, like you. If you join Sanlam as a graduate,

you’ll be placed in one of our Graduate Programmes, where we’ll

guide you to realise your ambitions, grow your skills and develop

your leadership potential to last for years to come.

Apply for one of our Graduate Programmes today.

www.sanlam.co.za/graduates

Sanlam is a Licensed Financial Services Provider.

In 1795, Nicolas-Jacques Conté invented the pencil. Who knows how many stories, scientific insights or works of art might have gone unrecorded without it?

For generations to come


WELCOME TO THE WORLD OF WORK

Career Update unpacks a salary slip and paying taxes on entry into the world of work.

G raduates are often excited when they receive an off er of appointment. On

receiving your fi rst salary slip some of the jargon might be unfamiliar. Let us unpack this jargon and explain how PAYE is calculated.

UNPACKING YOUR FIRSTSALARY SLIP AND TAXby Dominique Goch and Winston Middleton

Sample Payslip

Employee: Smith, JJ (ID: 1231231231231)Employee Code: 123123Employee Address: 12 Queen Road, Bellville, 7535 Employer: Smith Accountants Department: Support

PAYE Number: 1234512345Medical Details: Med FundDependants: NoneStart Date: 2018-01-01

Basic Cash

Housing Allowance

Overtime

Gross Income/Total Earnings

Tax Details

Description Taxable Amount

Basic Cash

Housing Allowance

Medical Aid ER

Retirement ER

Group Life ER

Total

Account Details

Name of bank (xxxxxxxxx)

Total

Position: 1234512345Pay Date: Med FundAnnual Leave Balance: NoneAccumulative Leave: 2018-01-01

Company Name

Earnings Deductions

Medical Aid Tax Credit

PAYE

UIF EE

Funeral Scheme

Medical Aid EE

Provident Fund EE

Bonus Tax Provision

Group Life EE

Loan/Garnishee order

Trade Union

Total Deductions

Nett Pay

Company Contributions

Monthly Bonus Provision

SDL Levy

Med Fund

Provident Fund

UIF Employer Contribution

Group Life ER

Total

Employee code: Employees are assigned a staff number (as students are assigned a student number).

Deductions: Money deducted from an employee's earnings for identifi ed items.

Gross Income/Total Earnings: All cash, overtime and majority of benefi ts such as medical aid, group schemes and housing allowance. This is the amount you receive prior to deductions.

Company Contributions: An employer’s contribution to employee benefi t schemes.

Taxable Amount: The portion of your income and benefi ts that are subject to tax.

1

3

5

2

4

>>



1. GENERAL (top box of payslip)Employee CodeEmployees are assigned a staff number (as students are assigned astudent number).

PAYE Number Your unique “Pay-as-you-earn” tax number provided by SARS.

Medical Details Name of your medical aid fund. 2. EARNINGSGross Income/Total EarningsThis is the amount you receive prior to deductions.

Pensionable AmountBasic cash and bonus.

Housing AllowanceA subsidy towards your accommodation costs. Amount various among employers.

Overtime RateAdditional income received for overtime worked. Employers must pay workers overtime at 1.5 times the normal hourly wage,1 and 2 times the normal hourly wage on Public Holidays and Sundays.

3. DEDUCTIONS Medical aid tax creditA Medical Scheme Fees Tax Credit (also known as an “MTC”) is a rebate which reduces the normal tax a person pays. The MTC eff ectively replaced part of the tax deduction that was specifi cally allowed annually for medical scheme contributions, and applies to contributions paid by a taxpayer.

The MTC is a fi xed monthly amount which increases according to the number of dependants. The MTC seeks to bring about greater fairness and help achieve greater equality in the treatment of medical expenses across all income groups.2

PAYE (Pay As You Earn)Employees’ Tax refers to the tax specifi ed by SARS to be deducted by an employer from an employee’s taxable earnings. The process of deducting tax from remuneration is commonly referred to as PAYE. The amount deducted must be paid by the employer to SARS on a monthly basis.3

UIF Employee Contribution (EE) Employers must pay unemployment insurance contributions of 2% of a worker’s monthly salary. The employer and the worker each contribute 1%. Contributions are paid to the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF).4

Funeral Scheme On the death of an employee, a cash amount is paid out to benefi ciaries. This does not form part of the estate and should be used for funeral expenses.

Medical Aid Employers have a set monthly amount that they contribute to their employees’ medical aid scheme; employees are required to pay the

balance should the chosen medical aid plan exceed this set amount.

Provident Fund A specifi c percentage of your pensionable salary (usually basic cash portion only) is deducted and invested into a Provident (Pension) fund, e.g. 7.5%. If the employer matches this amount, a total of 15% of pensionable salary is paid into your provident fund. Alternatively an employee might be expected to buy her/his own pension.

Bonus Tax ProvisionSARS allows you to spread the tax on a guaranteed bonus over the tax year. This is called 'provision for tax on annual bonus'. This means that you can pay tax on a monthly portion of the bonus you are going to receive instead of paying all the tax in the bonus month.5

Group Life EEOn the death of an employee, a cash amount will be paid out to benefi ciaries. This does not form part of the estate.

Loan/Garnishee OrderIn lieu of directly paying debtors or bank debit orders, instalments can be deducted from an employee’s salary and paid directly to the debtor by the employer.

Trade UnionEmployee’s monthly membership fee towards a trade union.

Nett PayIncome less all deductions: this amount is paid into your bank account.

SARS ALLOWS YOU TO SPREAD THE TAX ON A GUARANTEED BONUS OVER THE TAX YEAR.



4. TAXABLE AMOUNTThe portion of your income and benefi ts that are subject to tax.

5. COMPANY CONTRIBUTIONSAn employer’s contribution to employee benefi t schemes.

Monthly Bonus Provision In this instance, the employee has chosen to receive their annual bonus in monthly instalments; bear in mind that not all employers give bonuses.

SDL LevyQualifying employers are required to pay 1% of your earnings towards the Skills Development Levy. SDL is a levy imposed to encourage learning and development of workers and is determined by an employer's salary bill.6

Medical AidAn employer's contribution towards an employee’s medical aid plan.

UIF – Employer Contribution (ER)Your employer’s 1% contribution to the UIF.

Workmen’s CompensationApplicable employers must register with the Compensation Fund and pay an annual assessment fee based on their workers earnings and the risks associated with the type of work.

The Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Diseases Act applies to all employers of casual and full-time workers who, as a result of a workplace accident or work-related disease are injured, disabled, or killed or become ill.7

UNDERSTANDING YOUR TAXESNow that you understand how to analyse your salary slip as a new graduate in the world of work, Daniel Baines, author of ‘How to Get a SARS Refund’, explains the tax implication for graduates who started work in January 2018.8

The 2018 tax year runs from 1 March 2017 until 28 February 2018. Assuming you started work in January 2018, your fi rst major income (presuming you have not earned large amounts after 1 March 2017), should have come in your pay cheque at the end of January 2018.

Let's say that your salary is R15 000 a month. Your employer would have taxed you for the 2017-2018 tax year, being January and February 2018. You will then have paid tax of R1 563 a month for January and February 2018 (total R 1 563 x 2 = R 3 126). However, you should not be liable for this tax. Mr Baines goes on to explain this point.

As you are under the age of 65 years, the tax threshold is R 75 750. As your taxable income did not exceed this amount for the tax year, you should not have paid income tax. In other words you have overpaid PAYE during the 2017-2018 tax year.

In order to get a refund from the SARS for the tax that was overpaid (R 3 126), you will need to submit your tax return when the 2018 tax season opens (1 July 2018).

However, if you were working during 2017, that additional income will need to be added to the total taxable income of R 30 000 to determine whether your taxable income for the 2018 tax year exceeds R75 750. If it does, then your employer correctly withheld PAYE for January and February and you won’t get a refund.

References1. http://www.labour.gov.za/DOL/legislation/

acts/basic-guides/basic-guide-to-overtime

2. http://www.sars.gov.za/TaxTypes/PIT/

Pages/Medical-Credits.aspx

3. http://www.sars.gov.za/TaxTypes/PAYE/

Pages/default.aspx

4. http://www.labour.gov.za/DOL/legislation/acts/

basic-guides/basic-guide-to-uif-contributions

5. https://app.payroll.sageone.co.za/15.03/

help/Content/More%20information%20

on/Provision%20for%20tax%20on%20

annual%20bonus.htm

6. http://www.sars.gov.za/TaxTypes/SDL/

Pages/default.aspx

7. http://www.labour.gov.za/DOL/

legislation/acts/basic-guides/

basic-guide-to-compensation-fund-

assessment-fees

8. https://www.businesslive.co.za/bt/

opinion/2017-12-16-daniel-baines-welcome-

to-the-world-of-work-and-paying-taxes/


CO-CURRICULAR RECOGNITION

APPLYING FOR YOUR UWC CO-CURRICULAR RECORDThe Co-Curricular Record is a platform for students to apply for offi cial recognition of their co-curricular involvement that facilitate the development and growth of students. Your CCR will demonstrate to prospective employers and sponsors your commitment to holistic learning, and appropriate skills and attributes. Follow the steps to complete your application.

1. IDENTIFY YOURSELF: Insert your Student- and Identity/Passport numbers.

2. SELECT PROGRAMME & TIME PERIOD

Select the category: The department category. Select the sub-category: The programme you participated in. Indicate the start and end date of your participation.

3. ACTIVITY DETAIL: Give exact details of your role and skills developed. Ensure that your spelling is correct in your text.

4. CONTACT PERSON INFORMATION: Name of the Head of the relevant department you worked in.

5. SUBMIT: Don't forget to press submit!

Co-curricular Activities

Apply for Recognition Online

ID / Passport NumberStudent 0

Close

Previous Page

*

Start Date (YYYY/MM/DD) *

*

Sub-categoryCategory

Enter Start Date and End Date of Activity:

Contact Person 1 Phone **

Email *

Contact Person 2 Phone **

Email *

Contact person (s) who can confirm the above details:

*

Activity Detail *

*

End Date *

Submit

GET STARTED BY VISITING: https://www.uwc.ac.za/Students/SD/Pages/Co-Curricular.aspxYou can also watch the “How to apply for a Co-Curricular Record” video tutorial on the UWCOnline YouTube channel at https://youtu.be/3dJwehEv7lg.

5

4

3

2

1


centre for entrepreneurshipand innovation

GROWING ENTREPRENEURIAL EXPERTISE

Centre for Entrepreneurship and InnovationThe Centre for Entrepreneurship and Innovation (CEI), founded in 2011, at the University of the Western Cape is positioned across all faculties at the university. It aims to develop and grow entrepreneurial expertise in all disciplines, irrespective of module or degree.

The CEI staff consolidate, coordinate and synergise entrepreneurial activities through a variety of ways, which include:• Highlighting the success of

UWC more prominently with respect to current and future entrepreneurship-related activities;

• Fulfi lling a co-ordinating role for current and new entrepreneur-

related activities at UWC;• Managing external stakeholders

who wish to engage with the University in the entrepreneurial space, and

• Inculcating a critical mind-set of entrepreneurial thinking for all UWC graduates.

The Centre, being a catalyst for change, stimulates entrepreneurial and innovative thinking among the student population and the SMME community it engages with.

Training programmesThe CEI off ers practical entrepreneurship training programmes focusing on skills transfer and practical support to students who are starting up or running a business. Students are not restricted to learning the theory associated with starting a business and working towards theoretical knowledge learning outcomes, but actually work on starting up their own business or improving an existing one.

EntrepreneurshipIS A CAREER

by Charleen DuncanDIRECTOR OF THE CENTRE FOR

ENTREPRENEURSHIP AND INNOVATION, UWC

Entrepreneurship surpasses job titles, career paths and job fi elds. CEI explains their role in promoting an entrepreneurial mind-set across disciplines.

>>


GROWING ENTREPRENEURIAL EXPERTISE

An important feature of all CEI programmes is the opportunity to interact with experts in relevant fi elds such as business planning, marketing, e-commerce, product development and fi nance. CEI also facilitates engagement with venture capitalists, funders, experienced entrepreneurs and industry leaders. These outcomes are assessed practically either through the business idea refi nement process, actual market testing of prototype products or pitching start-up ideas to a panel of experts or potential investors.

What can CEI do for you?The CEI training facility was launched in August 2017, and provides a dedicated venue for UWC student entrepreneurs, which includes:• A walk-in entrepreneurship help

desk for advice and information;• Business advice and mentorship;• A dedicated meeting and training

room, and • A venue for external partners to

present workshops.

Students are encouraged to make contact with the CEI walk-in offi ce, Room C18, C-Block for these services. Regular student workshops are held, together with talks by entrepreneurs and business owners who are excited about nurturing UWC students.

The CEI have just completed the successful FinLit Challenge, sponsored by Metropolitan. This fi nancial literacy programme aims to design an innovative solution to assist young adults in bridging the fi nancial-literacy gap.The Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (2017) report shows that

the 25-34 year age cohort has the highest rate of entrepreneurial activity. This is the typical age range of UWC alumni who start up their own business thus creating work opportunities. The CEI also works with community-based entrepreneurs as part of its community engagement initiative.

Mashauri partnershipSimon Giff ord, CEO and co-founder of Mashauri, an online acceleration programme for universities wishing to off er experiential entrepreneurial education to students, and a proud CEI partner says, “We are delighted to be working with UWC. Our mission is to provide the highest quality entrepreneurial education to students at universities around the world, as there is no doubt that this will be critical in stimulating local and national economies. Students who learn the skills of entrepreneurship also fi nd themselves more employable by virtue of their initiative, attitude to risk-taking and opportunity-seeking mind-set”.The Mashauri

partnership enables a fi t-for-purpose programme for our Centre as internationalisation and ‘the university in the digital age’ are two strategic drivers of the UWC Institutional Operating Plan. With Mashauri operating in the UK, Spain, India and South Africa, the CEI benefi ts not only from the contribution of digital learning platforms but has real-world interaction with global entrepreneurship experts to enhance the co-curricular programme at UWC.

We encourage students to consider entrepreneurship as a career, and use the opportunities on campus to develop an entrepreneurial mind-set. In this way, the CEI hopes to start students off on a productive economic path as enterprise owners.

Contact: Tel. 021 959 9549, Email [email protected] or [email protected]. Room C18, C-Block.Visit http://entrepreneurship.uwc.ac.za or fi nd us on Facebook.


RETURNING HOME

CU: What has been your career path since graduating from UWC?

LL: I completed the LLB degree in 2006 at the University of the Western Cape and thereafter articles at the

law fi rm Smith Tabata Buchanan Boyes (STBB). I subsequently worked at two law fi rms. My time doing articles provided the critical experience I needed to give me a feel for ‘life as an attorney’.

CU: How did growing up in Kleinvlei, Cape Town motivate you to succeed?

LL: I grew up in a community where the chances of being successful are slim. Poverty drove many youngsters and learners in my community to gangsterism, drugs and alcohol abuse. My parents made no secret that education is the key to success and I had no other option but to further my studies. They always reminded me that my circumstances should not defi ne or limit me, and that the key to a successful future lay in my hands.

CU: To what extent did ‘giving back to the community’ inform your decision to open a practice as opposed to working for a fi rm?

LL: My humble upbringing and the opportunity to complete a degree motivates me to pay it forward. I once gave a motivational talk at a school to encourage learners to reach their goals. I encourage

HomeLIZA GOES

Career Update spoke to Liza Lawrence, a UWC Law graduate and sole partner of Liza Lawrence Attorneys. We share insights into the joys, challenges and success of her journey as a student and attorney.

by Dominique Goch

AT ALL TIMES I STRIVE TO PROVIDE MY CLIENTS WITH EXCELLENT SERVICE AND TO BUILD A GOOD CLIENT-ATTORNEY RELATIONSHIP. >>


RETURNING HOME

them to reach for the stars as I did despite the challenges along my path. I made a decisive choice to persevere and never give up. On seeing the faces of the learners lighten up, I knew that I had struck a chord with them. I have an open door policy at my fi rm. I often speak to learners who enquire about furthering their studies or the fi eld of law. Having my own practice provides me with an opportunity to sow a seed that could potentially grow into a fl ower. CU: What were the challenges and successes in starting your practice?

LL: As a new practice I have to market my services to build a client base. At all times I strive to provide my clients with excellent service and to build a good client-attorney relationship. A second challenge is to maintain a work-life balance. I am committed to being a present and active mother, wife and good attorney as we often put in long hours.

I feel a deep sense of pride as I drive towards the building with my fi rm’s name on the wall, “Liza Lawrence Attorneys”. I then say to myself, “I have arrived”. This is a legacy I want to leave behind.

CU: What can you tell us about your ability to bounce back from obstacles in your study and career journeys?

LL: I managed to bounce back despite obstacles in my way as giving up was not an option. I view my failures as an opportunity to

learn and grow. Society expects us to always succeed. My experience is to draw out the lessons from failures and challenges and to rise after I have fallen. These all contribute to a successful and determined person.

CU: You described yourself as a “bursary student”. What is the mind-set and attitude behind this idea? What advice would you give to students who face fi nancial constraints?

LL: A lack of funding often prevents many learners from pursuing tertiary studies. This should not deter them from setting goals and working hard to achieve it.

During Matric I job shadowed at a law fi rm. The consequence was an off er to pay my fi rst year tuition fees at UWC. In subsequent years I continued to do vacation work thereby attracting sponsorships

from two law fi rms in addition to the contribution of my parents.

CU: What career advice would you give prospective law students?

LL: Explore your passion for a career in law while at high school. Seek opportunities for job shadowing to inform your decision to pursue law studies. This requires a sacrifice of your school holidays. Always remember that we never stop learning - be open and teachable.

CU: Share some inspirational musings or words of advice for our readers.

LL: Believe in yourself; build a good support structure (“it takes a village to raise a child”); draw upon family and friends for advice and encouragement. When my fi rm succeeds, my family, friends and community also succeed.

LIZA LAWRENCEAT TORNEYS

I FEEL A DEEP SENSE OF PRIDE AS I DRIVE TOWARDS THE BUILDING WITH MY FIRM’S NAME ON THE WALL.


SUBTITLE

A division of FirstRand Bank Limited. An Authorised Financial Services and Credit Provider (NCRCP20).


SUBTITLE

What sets WALL O

GHAAFITHAH HOLT

B Com Information

Systems Honours,

2015

IT Risk Assurance

Associate,

Ernst & Young

VICTOR LEKHULENI

B Com

Accounting, 2015

Trainee Auditor,

Auditor General

NEHNA SINGH

MA English, 2017

Executive

Support Offi cer,

City of Cape Town

TAAHIR ALLIE

B Sc Computer

Science, 2017

Support

Associate,

Amazon Web

Services

Security Cloud

If you don’t know something, acknowledge it. Interviewers respect honesty. I conducted a company research and honed in on aspects that made them stand out. I showed a good understanding of their areas of work and this impressed them.

My extensive co-curricula activities including PF, ELP, ALP, SAWIP, tutoring, editor and research assistant, among other, enabled me to develop critical skills. My community engagement in the Neighbourhood Watch enabled me to network with signifi cant role players and thereby landed me this job.

I connected with prospective employers at UWC Career Expo’s. I attended vac work and development programmes off ered by recruiters. I prepared well for interviews, did company research and sought advice from successful alumni in my network.

I moved from being merely average. Through hard work, dedication and self-belief, I successfully completed three degrees. I worked part-time during studies, tutored at university and was active in extra-mural activities. I am involved in a CSR project at E&Y.

MANY OF OUR GRADUATES are making their mark in the world of work. that set them apart from other students. We share their “beyond the


SUBTITLE

them apart?F FAME

SIYASANGA QOMOYI

B Admin Honours

in Political

Studies, 2014

Junior

Development

Economist,

Urban-Econ

Development

Economists

LERATO MATEBESI

BSc – Medical

Biosciences, 2013

and LLB, 2017

Candidate

Attorney,

Werksmans

Attorneys

ANDRE CUNNINGHAM

B Com Finance

Honours, 2017

Corporate

Actions Fund

Administrator,

Curo Fund

Services

NOLUTHANDO NTSHABA

B Com Information

Systems &

Industrial

Psychology, 2017

Account

Technology

Strategist,

Microsoft

Vacation work is a good way to get your foot into a law fi rm. Demonstrate your eagerness to learn and engage with staff . Asking for help saves you time and money, instead of making silly mistakes. Embrace the challenges that come your way.

I put much time and eff ort into preparation for the job search. My CV stood out. I sought the wisdom of various people including recruitment agencies. My interview presentation honoured those who supported me on this journey. The rest is history.

I learnt much from unsuccessful interviews and remained positive and motivated. I then aced the interview for my current job by using my internship experiences to give appropriate examples and showed my interest and passion for the job.

I was confi dent and authentic. I emphasised my enthusiasm to learn and articulated my passion when the interviewer asked me to tell them about myself. I asked the interviewers about their roles and why they chose the company.

Career Update tracked them to fi nd out what they did during their job search box” and extra-ordinary eff orts that gave them an edge over their peers.


UWC FLAG FLIES HIGH

Alude SigabaJAVA DEVELOPERWhat is the company culture like? Professional with a dash of fun; the culture creates a space to engage, innovate, learn and grow.

What are the people like? Insightful and friendly, knowledgeable and passionate about their work.

What is it about FNB that made

you want to work there?

My dream was to be part of a team of young individuals who bring about ground-breaking technological innovation that will benefi t all South Africans. I work for the most innovative bank in South Africa.

Describe an interesting moment at

the bank.

On the day of my second interview, the graduate interviewees sat in on a meeting of the CEO of FNB, Jacques Celliers, and executives and listened to these brilliant minds discussing the future of the bank.

What is exciting about work?

Elegant offi ces, fl exible working hours, great colleagues and working on live projects. It also excites me that I can go home and show my family what I’ve worked on.

My advice to students entering the

job market.

Make informed decisions about the company and a good culture fi t; be yourself, keep an open mind and have fun while making the best of the opportunities. Actively engaging with colleagues could lead to new opportunities and benefi cial long-term relationships.

What surprised you most about

entering the working world?

I thought I had to know it all and quickly realised that it is impossible. Working means continuous learning and growth.

What would you have done

diff erently at university?

Besides being book smart, I would also have kept abreast with developments in the fi eld of technology.

Bulumko MadikaneJAVA DEVELOPERWhat is the company culture like?

Energetic, no sense of hierarchy, becoming part of the FNB family before Day One.


Our work has a direct impact on the way in which our customers use our FNB App and on customer satisfaction.



The pace at which FNB is embracing technology means it is not just a bank but a technology company and it can grow my career. FNB strives to be ahead in every aspect, and I want to be a part of it.

FNBFlying the UWC flag high at

Showcasing our highfl ying Computer Science graduates who are trainees in 2018 at FNB.


What cool projects are you

working on?

As part of the Service Immersion project, we had to fi nd solutions to queue management and migration. We had to observe customer behaviour at a branch and, based on our observations, we developed eff ective and sustainable solutions to address the challenges.

What has been your most

memorable moment at FNB?

During our induction we experienced fi ve star hotels.


job market.

Be adaptable in a fast-paced environment. Oh, if you do not know, Google it.



I was stunned by the various intricate components working together to improve banking. Customers do not know how complex it is behind the scenes.



I would have focused more on my career goals and not become side-tracked.

Fahmiyah WaltersJAVA DEVELOPERWhat is the company culture like?

FNB has an open-door policy and the people are friendly and extremely helpful.


Learning new things and meeting new people.

Describe the most interesting day

since joining the bank?

The fi rst day of the Service Immersion project, visiting at a branch and realising how little customers knew about the bank.

What cool projects are you

working on?

We are busy developing an Early Childhood Development App.



The welcome gathering of new trainees over pizza.


job market

It can be overwhelming at times, just take it one-step at a time.



I apply a vast amount of the knowledge and skills gained during my studies.



Apply my work ethic of my fi nal year throughout my studies.

Kerwan Marthinus JAVA DEVELOPER What is the company culture like?

When I joined FNB we were sent an email saying: ‘Welcome to the FNB family’ and that is truly how we were made to feel. It seems like everyone has an open-door policy.


Getting hands-on experience in my fi eld of study, the chance to apply theory and viewing how frameworks and software development life cycles function in real world situations.



It wasn’t so daunting. Being fresh out of varsity I constantly wondered whether I would have the skills and experience to do well. FNB was aware that we were a bunch of

THE PACE AT WHICH FNB IS EMBRACING TECHNOLOGY MEANS IT IS NOT JUST A BANK BUT A TECHNOLOGY COMPANY AND IT CAN GROW MY CAREER.BULUMKO MADIKANE, JAVA DEVELOPER >>


UWC FLAG FLIES HIGH

‘noobs’. My manager and colleagues are understanding and supportive. I’ve been able to catch on much faster than I expected.



Aside from my work ethic that could’ve been better, I missed getting to know more people. Who you know in the working environment is just as important as what you know.



FNB is the most innovative bank. They are open to new ideas and possibilities and not content with doing things the way they’ve always been done. As a computer scientist, I will not be coding the same functions and methods for the next 10 – 20 years. The environment is constantly changing and provides me with an opportunity to grow.


since joining the bank?

During our Service Immersion project, we were sent to various branches across the country to observe processes and fi nd ways to improve them. These staff were under the impression that we were there to monitor their performance; it was slightly amusing when some of the staff attempted to fi nd out how we were ‘rating’ them.



The graduate induction programme took place at the FNB Conference Centre in Sandton. Not only did I get to board a plane for the fi rst time, I stayed in my own room in Africa’s richest square mile.

Shuaib LukeGRADUATE MOBILE APPLICATION DEVELOPERWhat is the company culture like?

Friendly, fun and professional. We are driven by innovation with an emphasis on collaboration between people in all areas of the company, even customers.


Learning about diff erent software and components that constitute the FNB digital platform. These are aspects that you won’t necessarily be exposed to at university and therefore makes it even more thrilling to explore. What are the people like?

Extremely friendly and helpful. There are so many brilliant minds

working together to provide customers with the experience and service they deserve. There is a constant positive energy.



FNB’s vision for digitisation. This is something revolutionary that will be achieved with technology, which I am privileged to be part of.


you’ve had since joining the bank?

On the fi rst day of our Service Immersion project, I was sent to the FNB Adderley Street branch in Cape Town to observe and gather data. The branch manager asked if I could help them with a couple of things. I was provided with the opportunity to have hands-on experience with customers and I really enjoyed their reaction. It was pleasing to experience customer appreciation.


memorable moment at FNB up

until now?

First day of induction was a great experience. We interacted with all trainees from all over South Africa and the continent. The team building activities were extremely fun.



I would have pushed myself more because one should not settle to meet targets, but rather exceed them.


job market.

Although overwhelming, it is rewarding. It is challenging to adapt to a new environment. Hang in there and everything will eventually fall into place.

THERE ARE SO MANY BRILLIANT MINDS WORKING TOGETHER TO PROVIDE CUSTOMERS WITH THE EXPERIENCE AND SERVICE THEY DESERVE.SHUAIB LUKE, GRADUATE MOBILE APPLICATION DEVELOPER


SUBTITLE


MOCK INTERVIEW ONLINE

M any students fi nd their fi rst interview daunting. However, our Careers Service

staff believe that the more students practise their interview skills, the more profi cient they will become at being interviewed. With so much at stake in fi nding your fi rst job, students must realise that they need to ace the interview.

Interviews require diligent preparation. You must analyse the job advert, conduct a company and sector research, prepare responses to possible questions and compile questions you may want to ask an interviewer. Moreover, an understanding of oneself helps you to answer questions with little hesitation.

One of the many ways to prepare is to participate in a mock interview with a competent person. Some students rely on practising in front of a mirror. However, these techniques do not enable you to critically review your interview performance.

My interview preparation was made a whole lot easier thanks to the Career Xplora Mock Interview tool availed to students by the Offi ce for

Student Development. I found this tool to be a phenomenal platform that assisted me with my interview preparation. It allowed me to take my interview preparation to the next level.

You have two options. You can either take a pre-structured interview for your specifi c discipline or create your own mock interview by selecting questions. You then record your interview, play it back and request others (or Careers Service) to review it.

The questions in the tool are not only career focused. Some are personal questions such as “describe yourself; what are your short/long-term goals?” and others are behavioural based such as “describe a situation where you had diffi culty in dealing a team member”. Fortunately I was asked questions at an actual interview which were similar to those that I selected for my mock interview.

The Mock Interview tool was my favourite tool off ered on Career Xplora as I am quite shy and could record myself in my own space. I then reviewed the interview and identifi ed mistakes which could

have negatively infl uenced my subsequent interviews. My mistakes included the number of times I said ‘uhm’, lack of eye contact, poor posture, speaking too fast and facial expressions. These aspects are often overlooked by students when, in fact, it could make or break your chance of landing the job.

I received valuable feedback from a staff member of Careers Service after sharing the recording. The tool is remarkable in that you can record and review it as many times as you like until you feel that you are confi dent enough. During my preparation, I was scheduled to attend two interviews that were shortly after each other. I am glad to say that I aced both interviews. I then had the diffi cult decision of choosing which off er to accept.

While this Mock Interview tool prepared me well for my interviews, I strongly recommend that you use the many useful tools on Career Xplora. You can access the tool under the ‘UWC Careers Service Resource Centre’ tab on your menu bar.

(Refer to the article on inside back cover of this magazine).

A law graduate pursuing his articles shares his experience in using our new Mock Interview tool on Career Xplora.

ASIPHE ACES HIS ACTUAL INTERVIEWby Asiphe Cetywayo


CREATING SECOND CHANCES

Career Update spoke to Bradley Knight of how a visit to a radio station and a 5-minute chat with a security offi cer at UWC changed his life.

Your interest in radio was sparked

by a tour of the Good Hope FM

studio. Tell us about it.

That studio tour in the 90’s galvanised my interest in radio. However, my fascination with the medium dates back to before that tour. I grew up on a radio diet of Jet Jungle and Pip Friedman and, like so many kids of the 80’s, I would rush home after school to record ‘The 2:30 Date’ with Dmitri Jegels on my TDK 90 cassette. As a teenager, I did a lot of late night listening to radio legends such as Marc Gilman, Graeme White, Treasure Tshabalala and Shamiel X.

After Matric, I toured the SABC facilities to experience live radio. We visited the music library and various recording studios. When we reached the Good Hope FM studio, I was mesmerised by the tangible energy in the room when the microphone ‘went live’.

Tell us about your journey into radio.

A year after the tour, whilst studying at UWC, I auditioned at the campus radio station. Even though the audition was a complete disaster, thankfully they took a chance and offered me a slot. Unbeknown at the time, this opportunity would kick-start a 21-year radio career. After a year, I suspended my studies and joined a community radio station, C-Flat Radio. Several well-known radio presenters also acquired their radio broadcasting experience

at this station. I then completed formal studies in film and television production and then worked in technical production in live TV news. While working in television, I also returned to radio after landing a slot at Good Hope FM and am now entering my 19th year with the station. To this day, I still get butterflies when I switch on that microphone.

by Dominique Goch & Winston Middleton

THAT FIVE-MINUTE CONVERSATION CHANGED THE COURSE OF MY CAREER TRAJECTORY. THE VERY NEXT DAY I ENQUIRED ABOUT PURSUING STUDIES AT UWC AND THE REST, AS THEY SAY, IS HISTORY.

THE 5-MINUTEGAME CHANGER

>>


CREATING SECOND CHANCES

Are you a DJ, producer or presenter?

I am a radio presenter. The term DJ (Disc Jockey) describes those who perform music mixes at social events, nightclubs or on-air. A radio producer is often a behind-the-scenes person who performs editorial tasks such as interview planning, generates ideas and researches content for the show, executes technical tasks such as lining up on-air callers and manages social media platforms during a live show. Depending on the scenario, a radio presenter could be a fusion of all three roles or specialise in one.

‘Drive-time’ shows are often the busiest with large teams working together on-air and behind-the-scenes to give you a polished on-air product. In my case, I host a Sunday evening radio show, “The Sunset Smoothie”, which is largely music-driven. I present and produce my own content whilst having a resident DJ, Grant Lesch, who performs the old school DJ mixes.

You then joined UWC?

In 2005, I joined the UWC eLearning team, now CIECT. I created digital content for the eLearning platform and piloted innovative media technologies to enhance face-to-face teaching & learning. Late one night in 2008 while editing an educational video in B-Block, an elderly security offi cer informed me that he needed to lock the building. While packing up, we chatted and I discovered that he was completing a law degree part-time at UWC. This blew my mind! He just shared his story without enquiring whether I was studying or not. That fi ve-minute conversation changed the

course of my career trajectory. I could not sleep that night. I kept on thinking that if he could study at that age, then so could I. The very next day I enquired about pursuing studies at UWC and the rest, as they say, is history.

Tell us about your decision to then

pursue tertiary studies.

I commenced my studies in the following year, majoring in Psychology and English. After completing my BA and Psychology Honours degrees part-time at UWC, I went on to join the Clinical Psychology Masters Programme at Stellenbosch University followed by an internship at Valkenberg Psychiatric Hospital. In the following year, I completed my community service through the Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at Red Cross War Memorial Children's Hospital. I’ve since worked with university students in counselling services and as a circuit-based psychologist for learners from schools in the Western Cape Education Department. Presently, I am working at Student Counselling at a tertiary institution.

How has tertiary education

infl uenced your career aspirations?

My tertiary qualifi cations have been a game-changer. UWC aff orded me the opportunity to create ‘’a second chance” at following a diff erent career path which has opened doors I previously would not have imagined stepping through.

Do you have any inspirational

musings or words of advice for our

readers?

• Your age does not have to be a

barrier to achieving your dream of acquiring a tertiary education.

• Tertiary studies can be stressful but the pay-off is worth the price tag.

• Develop quality relationships with lecturers and supervisors who have your best interests at heart.

• Learn to be comfortable with uncertainty; recognise your limits and be resilient.

• Put your wellbeing fi rst by maintaining healthy boundaries between work, study and home life.

• When the going gets tough, glance at the summit, but do not get fi xated by it. Get through your next step – the next essay, the next assignment, the next test, the next exam. Just do the next thing.

• Pay now. Play later. Learning to delay gratifi cation is a sure sign of maturity.

One of my favourite quotes is by Baruch Shalem - “There’s nothing wrong with you that what’s right with you can’t fi x”. In other words, it is often what’s right with you that fi xes what’s wrong. While exploring what’s right with you can happen in a session with a psychologist, do not limit how that might happen for you. In my case, timing and opportunity collided with a conversation with the right person. To this day, I am still amazed at how a casual fi ve-minute chat with a security guard prompted me along an eight-year journey to become a clinical psychologist.

“THERE’S NOTHING WRONG WITH YOU THAT WHAT’S RIGHT WITH YOU CAN’T FIX”.BARUCH SHALEM


U nlike many learners who fi rst enroll for tertiary studies and then join the workforce, I started

working straight after school. My fi rst permanent job in 1987 was that of a data-capturer/typist at a

great market research company. This company had a remarkably warm, friendly and contemporary culture and the colleagues were equally great! Consequently, this set the tone for my future career goals and aspirations.

With over four years of experience, I left to join an international fi nancial services company where I started as a typist. After three years I became the Personal Assistant to the Head of Marketing. This was unfortunately short-lived as the company was taken over by another international organisation which placed most of our jobs in jeopardy. Instead of waiting, I went job seeking and found another Personal Assistant position within a telecommunications company.

Needless to say, this company was undergoing a major restructuring exercise and once again I was faced with the dilemma of being retrenched. However, little did I know that this very scenario would lead me into the communications fi eld. Alongside magnifi cent peers, leaders and mentors I developed an abundance of skills and a great passion for the world of communication. This restructuring led to a signifi cant reduction of staff , which in turn enabled me to broaden my skill set to writing articles, managing data bases, distributing news releases, managing a storeroom containing branded and sponsorship materials and assisting with high profi le events, to name a few. I was able to adapt to this change quickly owing to my Personal Assistant experience, a job that required excellent organisational, communication, and people skills, as well as the ability to handle stress.

My next job was as a Personal Assistant to the Head of Marketing and Communication at a renowned fi nancial services institution. This

NEVER TOO LATE

SUMMA FOR

Sonja Conradie, a UWC graduate, sketches her journey from work to studies and her experiences of being a life-long learner.

by Sonja Conradie

>>


NEVER TOO LATE

was a major turning point for me as it was at this organisation where I was able to transition to a Communication Coordinator. This was possible due to the great leaders who mentored and encouraged me on this journey. As a result, I occupied senior practitioner roles at two large corporates and one basic education institution.

I then realised that my career growth was being hampered by a lack of formal qualifi cations. Subsequently, my husband and I decided to put some of our plans on hold so that I could enroll fulltime for tertiary studies to match a degree to my experience. I contacted UWC and was immediately put through to the Division of Lifelong Learning. A very helpful lady, the late Gabiba Mokadam, invited me to apply for the Recognition of Prior Learning Portfolio Development course. The course provides a platform for the University to recognise one’s knowledge and skills developed though non-formal education for admission to degree studies. Words cannot express how much this course impacted my life! Refl ecting on my past, I feel so proud of my achievements. You see, many people who do not have a tertiary degree or diploma could feel that they are not good enough in the workplace, even though it is not true!

After completing the RPL course, I was interviewed by a panel of academia who contacted me the same day to confi rm that my application was accepted. In 2014, I commenced my fi rst year as a fulltime student. Surprisingly, the

transition from a fulltime employee to fulltime student was a lot easier than I expected. I thoroughly enjoyed my experience as a mature student engaging with academic concepts, staff and students (who were younger than half my age). I was inspired by our youth and their thirst for knowledge, as well as their drive towards fulfi lling their goals. This encouraged me, particularly since the media often portray our youth in a negative light whereas there are so many good stories that could promote and motivate our youth.

In my fi nal year (2016), the Fees Must Fall campaign protests intensifi ed causing a shutdown of the campus. However, I opted to write my exams despite the diffi cult circumstances. I then received a letter of acceptance to do my Honours studies on a part-time basis at UWC. But that was short-lived! When I went to register, I was told that I was one module

short of completing my degree. Thus, I was not able to graduate with my peers nor was I able to proceed with my Honours. I was livid! Instead of bawling my eyes out and leaving campus, I chatted with a few lecturers about options, registered for the necessary module and started classes on that day. Six months later, I graduated Summa Cum Laude with a BA degree, majoring in Linguistics, English and Psychology. I was the only Summa Cum Laude student at our graduation ceremony.

In retrospect, my experience has taught me so much about myself: being humble is important, and every challenge can be viewed as an opportunity. Were it not for the shortfall of my credits, I would never have considered following another path. Today, I am proud to share that I am a part-time LLB student at Unisa. On the one hand, it will empower me as a communication practitioner. On the other hand, it will empower me to eventually enter the legal fi eld, where I will be able to work past my retirement year. Today, at the age of 50, I fi nd myself in the tough job-seeking market, however I am more confi dent and fl exible due to my varied experiences and academic achievements.

My parting words especially to mature persons are “not to impose an age limit on oneself to start studying and to never stop studying. This is why it is called Lifelong Learning”. Never in a million years did I believe I would graduate Summa Cum Laude, but I did. Nor did I believe I would one day become a lawyer, but I will.

WORDS CANNOT EXPRESS HOW MUCH THIS COURSE IMPACTED MY LIFE. I FEEL SO PROUD OF MY ACHIEVEMENTS.


THREE IN A HUNDRED

B eing fi nancially savvy means that you understand and use ‘personal fi nance’

information to your benefi t, for example, understand how you spend your money and have an eff ective fi nancial plan that ensures your expenses are less than your income.

Reality checkUpon entering the workplace, young graduates take on responsibility for the money they now earn. Many might have had minimal exposure and knowledge of where to start, and often make decisions that place their long-term fi nancial stability at risk. Statistics provided by the 2017 Old Mutual Savings and Investment Monitor alerts us to interesting facts:• Savings levels of working South

Africans are still low, at 15%, while the gross rate of savings for the entire population is at a shocking 3%;

• Low and middle income households still spend more

per capita of their income on consumption and living expenses;

• About 46% of metro working households are saving less than they did a year ago due to infl ation;

• Middle income households allocate about 7% of their earnings towards medical aid and insurance, and

• 75% of the respondents were more stressed by fi nancial worries and the struggle to make ends meet.

Why do these statistics look gloomy?• How many of us will be able to

maintain our current lifestyle and be fi nancially independent after retirement?

• How many of us will be dependent on a social pension from government or still have to work after retirement?

What then are the implications for young graduates?It is simple – learn to become fi nancially savvy and disciplined. Let us unpack how you can develop good fi nancial habits.

FIRST STOP: PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITYTake responsibility for your actions. Your personal behaviour contributes more to your fi nancial success than anything else. The sooner you realise that YOU need to make responsible fi nancial decisions, the less likely you are to fall into a bad debt trap.

SECOND STOP: BUDGETAt this point, you will fi nd a fork in the road. Going the one way means

Entering the world of work compels you to become fi nancially savvy and disciplined. Career Update provides tips to get you started.

UnpackingFINANCIAL LITERACYby Sarah Jane Seale

THE GROSS RATE OF SAVINGS FOR THE ENTIRE SOUTH AFRICAN POPULATION IS 3% >>


SUBTITLE


THREE IN A HUNDRED

choosing to make sacrifi ces, while the other way involves wasteful expenditure leading to debt. Draw up a budget. List your income and monthly expenses, and ensure that your expenses are always less than your income. When going shopping, write down a list of things that you need and stick to buying only what is on the list. In addition, pack in lunch every day instead of buying lunches.

Diligently track your expenses:• Personal and social expenses, e.g.

lunch, cinema and coff ees;• On-going expenses, e.g. transport,

rent, electricity, cellphone, medical and insurance;

• Loans and debts, and• Occasional expenses, e.g.,

holidays, birthdays, emergency fund or studies.

Put your needs above your wants. A useful way of implementing this is a ‘delay gratifi cation’ tactic. When you do your shopping and you wish to buy an item that is not a necessity, fi rst ask yourself if you really want to spend money on it. If your answer is yes, don’t purchase it immediately. Go home, wait two weeks and if your answer has not changed, only then should you perhaps purchase it. Keep an eye out for specials in supermarkets. Sacrifi ce on luxuries

and entertainment, and use that money to pay off bills. Once you have a budget, stick to it.

THIRD STOP: SAVE ‘I am young and healthy and don’t need insurance…’, is a common expression. Saving must be your fi rst expense. You should set an automatic monthly transfer into an investment from day one no matter how small the amount. The principle is to pay yourself fi rst and use the power of compound interest. You have to discipline yourself.

Young professionals often neglect medical aid, life insurance and retirement funds when they begin working. They might think that nothing will happen to them. However, an accident or injury could impede your career at an early stage and cause severe fi nancial strain. Taking out the appropriate cover will mitigate this. Early saving for retirement is cheaper with no dependents, has tax benefi ts and ensures a maximum growth period for your investment.

FOURTH STOP: STEP UP YOUR GAMEBe the best at what you do. Dana Anspach, a Certifi ed Financial Planner, says, “the best way to have job security and make more money is to get good at what you do. Pay attention at work. Look for ways to contribute. Be the one who gets things done. Find

ways to collaborate with your co-workers. These actions pay off ”. She is absolutely right! You will get glowing recommendations from your employers when you apply for a promotion or when looking for a new job. So step up your game.

FINAL STOP: STICK TO ITThe fi nal stop involves sticking to your plan. The easiest way of losing control over your fi nances is letting debt pile up. Once a payment is skipped, especially on a credit card, you will be charged signifi cant interest that will increase your monthly payment. This behaviour can lead to fi nancial distress and seriously aff ect your credit rating in the future.

By examining your income and expenses on a regular basis, you could make small changes to your financial behaviour in order to have solid habits in place when life becomes complicated. Your budget is something that you can adjust as your income and expenses change. However, once you’ve figured out a new plan, stick to it.

References• Anspach, D. (2018). https://www.

thebalance.com/how-to-achieve-fi nancial-

success-4121181.

• Faloner, J. https://www.lifehack.org/articles/

featured/32-hacks-for-sticking-to-your-

budget.html

• Huston, S. J. (2012). Financial literacy and the

cost of borrowing. International Journal of

Consumer Studies, 36: 566–572. doi:10.1111/

j.1470-6431.2012.01122.x

• Old Mutual Savings and Investment Monitor,

2017 accessed on 26 June 2018.

https://www.mappingyourfuture.org/

downloads/fi nancialliteracyguide.pdf


HANOVER PARK TO UWC

Iwas born in Hanover Park where I spent my fi rst few years with my Grandmothers. I am the eldest of four children.

At the age of nine years, I moved to my parents in Mandalay when the primary school was built. When I was ten, I decided that I wanted to become a psychologist albeit not knowing what it meant. I wished to assist individuals in the future.

I was an excellent all-rounder at primary school. My teachers coaxed my parents to enrol me at a good high school and I was accepted at Sans Souci Girls’ High. I loved the School for its extra-mural activities, a diverse group of learners and academic competition. I encountered an unconscious challenge of transitioning from a public school to a Model C school in the suburbs. A lack of personal resources and support left me feeling extremely lonely and questioning whether I was doing the right thing. During that time, intuition, perseverance and sound judgement were my best friends.

SuccessSTARTS WITH THE FIRST STEPAllison Arnold relates her journey from Hanover Park to Sans Soucci to UCT to UWC in becoming an entrepreneur.


Despite not having as much resources as the other girls, I stepped up to the challenge and ensured that I did my best with what I had. I did extremely well academically. Moreover, I was the netball Captain, softball Vice-captain and Deputy RCL Head. In hindsight, I accomplished much due to my resilience and motivation.

In 2003, I enrolled at the University of Cape Town for a Social Science degree majoring in Psychology, Organisational Psychology and Industrial Sociology. The transition and lack of resources, networks and support once again crept up. Whilst I received fi nancial assistance from NFSAS, which I started repaying upon my fi rst job, I had to fi nd a part-time job to ensure I could cover my transport and book expenses. Unfortunately, at the end of the fi rst year I had to undergo an eye operation and subsequently missed my Psychology 101 exam. Due to it being a full year course and the only exam, my deferred exam was not going to be in time to promote me to second year in Psychology, which meant I would have been a year behind. I then decided to carry on with my Organisational Psychology and Industrial Sociology as majors.

CAREER JOURNEYPrior to completing my degree, I spoke to the head of HR at the retail company where I was doing casual work. I informed them that I was studying towards a degree and would like to be considered for a vacancy. I networked with all senior management team members to make them aware of my value proposition. On graduating in 2006, I was immediately off ered a post in

HR. My networking paid off . I was extremely excited about this.

After six months as a HR Assistant, I was promoted to the Head Offi ce to become a Talent Acquisition Practitioner. Later on I was approached by a fi nancial institution to become a Financial Advisor. This was out of my fi eld. As a young 23 year old, I was faced with a challenge, but my competitive nature was a good person-job fi t with sales. Within seven months I become the top advisor in the Province, winning an all expenses paid trip to Sun City with my partner. I won several performance incentives. The recognitions were amazing, but the small voice within me spoke to my previous training in Industrial and Organisational Psychology.

I never regretted moving into the sales fi eld - it built my character. Numerous rejections increased my resilience and awareness of the line between taking something personal and realising whether it is just a business deal. Rejection also increased my perseverance to remain the top fi nancial advisor.

Searching for a job in the fi eld of HR proved diffi cult as I was out of the industry for almost two years. After a year, I was recruited by a Financial Broker to help build their recruitment business and to work as an Advisor. During that time, I enrolled at Unisa for my Honours in Industrial Psychology. Finding the balance between being a mother, wife and student proved challenging.

I was later approached by an automotive company to assist with their recruitment. After 6 months,

I was promoted to also train staff and assist with the administration of psychometric assessments. At this point, I was doing my Master’s in Industrial Psychology at the University of the Western Cape on a part-time basis. After my course work, I looked for a structured internship in order to get one step closer to registering as an Industrial Psychologist. After a year of searching, I wrote down 30 companies that I would want to work for, called the heads of HR to enquire whether they are registered Industrial Psychologists and if they could provide me with an opportunity to complete my internship. Taking agency quickly proved successful. On calling one of these companies, I spoke to an employee who advised me that her colleague was looking to hire and supervise an intern.

In 2014, I went from managing the recruitment, training and psychometric assessments for the Western and Eastern Cape Provinces, a post with amazing employment benefi ts and four people reporting to me, to being an intern, taking a huge salary drop. This was a calculated risk. I knew that as soon as I qualifi ed

I NEVER REGRETTED MOVING INTO THE SALES FIELD - IT BUILT MY CHARACTER. THE NUMEROUS REJECTIONS INCREASED MY RESILIENCE AND AWARENESS OF THE LINE BETWEEN PERSONAL AND BUSINESS.

>>


HANOVER PARK TO UWC

as an Industrial Psychologist, the ‘world would be my oyster’ as I had a large network and eight years of work experience. After six months, I was promoted to Talent Specialist for the Group and, a few months later, Group Talent Manager. I devised and implemented a talent management strategy for nine businesses including Logistics and Distribution, Print Media, Digital Media and eCommerce. It was hard work but doing what I love and following my passion paid off . I remained at this company for almost four years, worked with amazing people and learnt a great deal, all of which contributed to my global networks and experience.

I registered as an Industrial Psychologist in 2016 after passing the Board exam with 85%. I then had to consider the next step of my career journey. As I have always wanted to be an entrepreneur and work in the fi eld of youth and women development, I decided to open my own practice in September 2017. I now assist NPOs with their psycho-social support programmes for learners, off er skills training for parents, coach learners and work with former inmates on their rehabilitation. I also assist organisations with their talent management strategies and interventions in the areas of talent acquisition, coaching, leadership, graduate development programmes, psychometric assessments, and training and development.

Becoming an entrepreneur has been challenging yet rewarding. I am giving back to the youth of South Africa. In this way, their transitions from primary

to high school, and high school to university will be less anxiety provoking than my experience. I am to them what I needed while at school and university.

ALLISON SHARES TIPS FOR YOUR FUTURE JOB SEARCH.• Ensure that your CV is up to date;

you will be judged by this piece of paper.

• Your Letter of Motivation must show the value you can add to your chosen fi eld.

• Be strategic in your job search and selection of prospective employers.

• Your social media persona must match the brand you wish to portray.

• Create job alerts on diff erent job boards (Career Xplora, GradConnection, Leap.ly, CareersSA.net, Careers24, Indeed, Career Junction, PNET, etc.).

… and Interview tips• Prepare for your interview -

do research on the company, consider the job requirements and prepare possible questions about the job and the company [Many companies use Competency based questions – S(Situation), T(Task), A(Action) and R(Result)].

• Dress appropriately.

• Be confi dent and know what you want from the job and environment.

• Arrive 15 minutes earlier than the scheduled time.

• Put your phone off or on silent – not on vibrate.

• Display positive body language (good posture and eye contact).

• Speak clearly and avoid single word sentences.

There are many ways to have a competitive edge:• Put lots of energy into your job

search; start early – before your fi nal year.

• Get involved in co-curricular activity on or off campus.

• Seek out casual/vacation work opportunities in your fi eld.

• Follow prospective employers on social media.

WHAT CAN WE EXTRACT FROM ALLISON’S STORY?Allison’s story provides readers with a few insights. Firstly, she made a decision about a possible career at a young age. Secondly, she worked diligently at school and dealt with the obstacles in her way. Thirdly, on starting her tertiary studies, she crafted her career journey and dealt with the ‘detours’ along the way. Fourthly, she sought out opportunities to enhance her marketability. In conclusion, Allison never allowed her circumstances to define or hinder her desire to be successful.

BECOMING AN ENTREPRENEUR HAS BEEN CHALLENGING YET REWARDING. I AM GIVING BACK TO THE YOUTH OF SOUTH AFRICA. I AM TO THEM WHAT I NEEDED WHILE AT SCHOOL AND UNIVERSITY.

Ca

ree

r Xp

lora

Ma

de

Ea

sy

1

4

8

GETTIN

G STARTED: Click on your initials to access your account details.

CLICK ON

THE PERSO

NAL IN

FORM

ATION

TAB and com

plete these 3 important sections. After com

pleting your Privacy Settings, press SAVE only and not SAVE and CO

NTIN

UE. D

o not upload your CV yet. Return to your H

OM

EPAGE.

CLICK ON

THE H

OM

E TAB to access your Hom

epage.

CLICK TO VIEW

YOU

R ENTIRE JO

B BOARD

and explore job opportunities listed locally and internationally.

CLICK TO VIEW

YOU

R UW

C CAREERS SERVICE EVENTS

CALENDAR.

CLICK TO VIEW

THE EM

PLOYER DIRECTO

RY of recruiters w

ho utilise UW

C Careers Service.

CLICK TO ACCESS ALL TH

E ON

LINE JO

B SEARCH

PREPARATION

TOO

LS. Draft copies of your docum

ents w

ill be stored in your DO

CUM

ENT LIBRARY. U

se the RESU

ME BU

ILDER to assist you in developing your CV

and Letter of Motivation. The M

OCK IN

TERVIEW TO

OL

offers you a recording system to practise your interview

.

YOU

R CAREERS SERVICE ANN

OU

NCEM

ENTS

SLIDESHO

W AN

D REMIN

DERS.

WATCH

THIS SPACE for updates on Careers Service and

Graduate Recruitm

ent events and job notifi cations.

OU

R “LIVE CHAT W

ITH CAREERS SERVICE”

feature is available during offi ce hours.

12345678910

GET STARTED BY VISITING:

https://uwc-csm

.symplicity.com

/students

3579 6

2

10

a magazine for career development c… · a magazine for career development te august 2018 3...

Documents