Wall of fame

What sets them apart?

CAREER UPDATEshares stories of graduates who have landed their fi rst job. We tracked them to fi nd out what they did during their job search and share the “beyond the box” and remarkable eff orts that gave them an edge over their peers.

Wandile Mhlanga B Com Honours in Finance, 2019 Client Service Consultant, Sanlam Collective Investments

My involvement in co-curricular activities throughout my studies, maintaining a consistent academic record and managing my time well impressed recruiters. My activities included leadership at residence and SCO, as a PF, a tutor, and SRC member; ABSA scholarship and internship. I made extensive use of UWC Careers Service.

Hussain Parker B Com, Marketing and Information Systems, 2018 Security Analyst, Sanlam Personal Finance

I prepared immediately and thoroughly for each interview on being invited; did extensive company research to generate relevant questions for the interviewer; dressed formally for interviews; remained calm and answered questions appropriately, and asked if I didn’t understand a question.

Hlengiwe Mkono B Com Honours in Finance, 2019 Graduate Trainee in Global Markets, HSBC Bank

My CV set me apart. It was well-structured (thanks to Careers Service),and demonstrated my skills and interests through co-curricular activities such as a PF, tutor and a member of the Young Investor Programme). During interviews, I was well versed in current aff airs and demonstrated self-confi dence.

Zhytoeniesa Brophy MSc Biotechnology, 2019 Quality Compliance Intern, Accelerated Enrolment Solutions (Synexus Clinical Research Centre)

I networked globally with people in the scientifi c and clinical industries. LinkedIn became my best friend. I followed hashtags and pages, subscribed to groups and attended discussion forums to show my hunger to get into the industry. I never gave up despite rejections.

Sibusiso Khoza B Admin Honours in Industrial Psychology, 2018 Human Capital Graduate Intern, Momentum Metropolitan Holdings

I contacted the recruiter via LinkedIn. I practised online mock psychometric tests and responses to behavioural based questions using the STAR method. I conducted company research on the merger, the role and the panelists. A Personal Development Course boosted my moral and confi dence.

Garcia Josephus PG Diploma in ICT, Software Development, 2018 and B Com Financial Accounting, 2017 Integration Developer, Pepkor IT

During my internship, I completed assigned tasks and requested additional ones. I then assisted the research analyst and provided technical insight to senior cloud specialists and project managers. My willingness to learn and work after hours set me apart. My passion for I.T. was recognised by my seniors.

Tamzen Thomas B Com, Information Systems and Financial Accounting, 2019 Business and Integration Architecture Analyst, Accenture

I tried to feature my personality, as recruiters hire people, not only qualifi cations. My roles in the co-curricular space as a tutor, tutor coordinator, student assistant, brand ambassador and call centre agent attracted the attention of my employer. My degree alone did not determine my future; I did.

Yaseen Akleker BA Honours in Industrial Psychology, 2019 Human Capital Intern, Old Mutual South Africa

I knew what I wanted out of the opportunity and what I had to off er before going into an interview, and allowed my passion to be seen. I recorded the questions and my responses after interviews to build confi dence in responding to similar questions. I learnt something from each interview.

Zolani Myalo MSc Nanochemistry, 2018 Scientist, Stellenbosch Nanofi ber Company

My job search preparation started from my fi rst year. My cocurricular activities put me on the radar of prospective employers. These activities included being a tutor, mentor and leader of the Big Bang Club. I prepared diligently for interviews and practised my responses to possible questions.

Tamara Truter BSc Biotechnology, 2017 Medical Technician, Pathcare

Grab the attention of the recruiter through your CV. The rest is up to you. Prepare well for interviews - understand the requirements and job description of the post; focus on the questions; demonstrate confidence about your skills, achievements and what you have to offer.

Mthokozisi Ngcingane BSc Biotechnology, 2018 Microbiology Laboratory Trainee, GlaxoSmithKline

I practised responding to competency-based interview questions. By studying the job descriptions, I was well prepared. During interviews, I smiled and varied my tone of voice. I was later told that I came across as curious and eager to learn. LinkedIn was a great tool in my job search.

Trevor Malgas BSc Environmental and Water Science, 2019 Content Marketer, Regenize

I was attracted to Regenize by the CU magazine article and the subsequent job opportunity. This seemed an ideal match. My letter of motivation set me apart from other applicants. I enrolled for a software testing course to meet the required I.T. skills of the job.