DISCOVER
Plan your FIRST YEAR
journey
Looking to secure a bursary? Discover bursary opportunities advertised via our MyCareer portal.
Complete all Faculty orientation activities –they are all important. Doubting your degree choice or uncertain where it can lead? Contact us on careers.service@uct.ac.za Once you have registered, you have until the end of the first week of lectures to change your options (as long as you meet requirements).
Term 1 Discover Careers Service. You will be invited via email to the events relevant to you.
Join societies and sports clubs that interest you, but prioritise your academics.
Make a start on your CV during your first vac.
Aspiring entrepreneurs can join the UCT entrepreneurship community by emailing entrepreneurship @uct.ac.za
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Attend the L.I.T. Career Expo to discover how your degree connects to the World of Work and Explore vacation opportunities.
Attend the Epic Job Expo to connect with potential employers. Join Student Entrepreneurship Week activities.
Term 2 Attend Faculty career events.
Careers Service has CV resources that can help.
Term 3
Gain experience, apply for student leadership positions and student jobs. Apply online for vacation opportunities.
Dec vac Do voluntary or vacation work. Any work experience will help you develop transferable skills.
Read the Career Guide Search for internships and bursary opportunities.
Prepare your CV and participate in the Virtual Mock Interview Programme (VMIP).
Look out for Industry Uncovered events related to your career interests.
Dec/Jan vac Take up vacation work – preferably a job that will give you exposure to a career you are interested in.
June/July vac Do voluntary or vac work to expand your skills. Log on to MyCareer to view various opportunities.
Term 3 Term 2 Attend Faculty Career Events to gain career insights.
Be aware of the deadline to change courses.
Attend the Career Development webinar series
If you have a business idea or existing venture, participate in the National Entrepreneurship Intervarsity competition.
Attend the Epic Job Expo and focus on employers you are interested in. Choose prospective employer presentations to learn more about the companies where you want to work. Complete your UCT Plus Leadership Award Reflection if you were in an eligible leadership/ volunteer role during the year. Find vac work opportunities and prepare your application.
Registration
FOCUS INTERMEDIATE YEARS
Uncertain about where your degree leads? Book an appointment with a career development consultant via MyCareer.
Take part in Student Entrepreneurship Week.
Update and improve your Linkedin profile and add relevant contacts.
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TA K E ACT I O N FINAL YEAR
Registration
Graduation
Uncertain about where your degree leads? Book an appointment with a career development consultant via MyCareer.
Complete the Graduate Exit Survey. If you struggle to find employment, book a career consultation for help with your job search, application and interview. Book a CV Review with one of our consultants.
Most graduate opportunities are advertised in the second semester, so use the first semester to prepare.
Use your Careers Service Guide as a resource to help you with your job search.
Attend employer events. Access the Finding Work Series.
Term 2 Attend faculty career events. Practice your interview skills – sign up for the Virtual Mock Interview Programme (VMIP).
June/July vac
Attend the internship career expo (L.I.T.). Apply for July internships and vac work.
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Need help with your job search? Find opportunities at the end of the Career Guide or look on MyCareer.
Gain insights from Industry leaders – attend the Industry Uncovered events.
Term 3 Visit the Epic Job Expo, but do your homework first: identify which employers you wish to speak to and think of questions you need to ask. Compile your application for postgrad studies.
You can log into MyCareer for up to 3 years after graduation.
About us
Where will you go next? Proceed with postgrad Log into MyCareer to update your preferences. Look out for teaching or tutoring opportunities in your department.
Update your CV and create a Researchgate profile to kickstart your academic career.
1
Continue your entrepreneurial journey
2
Continue your job search
Not sure where to go from here? Remember you still have access to Careers Service up to three years after graduation.
3
Start working
If your business can’t yet sustain you financially, look for a job that will allow you to also work on your business.
Network. Start with us and reach out to people you know working in industries you are seeking to work in.
Complete your work induction, register with SARS and get settled in your job. Get to know and learn from your colleagues.
Build a network that can support you when the going gets tough. Reach out and keep in touch with peers, mentors, and fellow entrepreneurs.
Consider options outside your field. Any work experience is valuable and will develop transferable skills.
Keep your LinkedIn Profile up to date and align your social media presence with that of a professional.
If you are a freelancer, make sure you have all the tools of the trade to come across as a professional. Think about a business profile, services, rates, documentation, email address, website, etc.
Talk to a career development consultant to get assistance with your job search .
Continue learning. Find a mentor or use continuous professional development opportunities through your employer.
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