UWC Career Xpo 2018: Tomorrow’s careers, today

“If you want to get the career you deserve, you need to plan for it, and work at it, and have the best information available. That’s the idea behind UWC’s Career Xpo 2018.”

So said Winston Middleton, Student Development Manager at the University of the Western Cape (UWC), speaking as UWC Career Service was hosting yet another successful Career Expo 2018, giving post- and undergraduate students the opportunity to interact with recruiters and potential employers and help figure out their career after graduation.

The Career Expo took place on Tuesday,17 April 2018 (Law), Wednesday 18 April (General: Arts, EMS, Science and Law) and Thursday 19 April (Accounting) – and this year’s Expo added a new exciting career day – Technology – on 24 April.

The Career Expo provides space not only for students to make personal contact with these potential employers, but for companies and organizations to market themselves to our students and create brand identification and awareness.

“It’s interesting to see the different types of careers that are here today – I had no idea some of them were even options,” said Ryan, a first-year Arts student.  “As I am going through each stall I am glad for the information, and hopeful that I won’t be one of those graduates who sit at home with their qualification.”

The Expo isn’t just for the students, though.

“Employers deserve the chance to get to know their future leaders,” Middleton said. “Today’s student could be tomorrow’s top worker, or innovator, or manager – they could be just the talent they’re looking for.”

Attending companies included: the Auditor General of South Africa; the Department of  Environmental Affairs; Wesgro; S-RM; Standard Bank; Wilearn; Sanlam; Tiger Brands; Austell, iThemba LABS; and many m​ore.

“I am impressed with how this event has been organized,” noted the recruiter from Austell, South Africa’s growing pharmaceutical company.  “We have met quite a number of students who are interested in what we do – and not all of them are studying pharmacy or natural science. Most of them did not know much about careers like pharmaceutical sales, so we were able to guide them and expand their views of what the careers out there.”

The Expo has been growing by leaps and bounds ever since it got started, way back in 2003 – and this year involved even more students and exhibitors than the record-breaking 2017 total. Since 2013, UWC Career Service has featured consistently in the Top 7 of “Best Career Service” and “Best Career Fair” categories.

“We believe in helping our students find their way in the world beyond campus,” Middleton added. “And we remain an institution of choice when employers search for the top talent.”

In preparing for the working world, Mr. Middleton advises that students visit the online career portal to build their resume by adding the CV and Letter of Motivation, view job opportunities and much more.

“Don’t leave your job search until after your final exams – and waiting until graduation is a bit late. Commence your job search now – and position yourself to be able to have the career that’s right for you.”

The new Technology expo on 24 April 2018 will focus on Computer Science, Information Systems, Maths, Statistics and Physics Students – and all those who are interested in the many challenges and opportunities available in the Tech space.

Source University of the Western Cape