The expo, organised by UMP, aimed to connect students and graduates with potential employers while offering guidance on their career paths. It brought together a range of organisations, providing students with the chance to explore job opportunities in their respective fields of study. The students shared their experiences encountered during the 2024 Career Expo.
Kgomotso Khambule, a Bachelor of Administration student, expressed her gratitude for the event, stating that it opened up various career avenues for her.
"Today, I was able to interact with different stakeholders, particularly representatives from the Mpumalanga Provincial Treasury, who helped me understand the different fields I can pursue after graduation. I learnt about several career options, including Human Resources and Logistics."
Tertia Nkosi, a final-year Bachelor of Arts student, says the experience was amazing.
"I'm thrilled to have participated in the Career Expo because I managed to land an interview with South African Breweries (SAB). The support from student societies has helped build my confidence and improved my communication skills, which caught SAB HR’s attention. I asked relevant questions about their company, which ultimately led to the interview opportunity.

Bachelor of Commerce student, Khenneth Sandleni, found the expo particularly useful in identifying companies that offer learnerships and bursaries.
"The expo has been valuable for me. It gave me insights into my career options after completing my undergraduate degree. At the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA) stall, I learnt about the path to becoming a Chartered Accountant, including the bridging courses offered by universities accredited by SAICA.
The information I received will be crucial as I navigate the post-graduation world. I also discovered internship opportunities at South African National Parks in their marketing and business sectors," Sandleni said.

Nkosinathi Khanyile, a student in Agricultural Extension and Rural Resources Management, appreciated the opportunity to explore internships related to his field.
"I’m looking forward to finishing my third year and continuing with my studies. Today, I learnt that I can continue studying while working as an intern. I encourage every student to attend events like this and seize the opportunities they offer. We are grateful to the university for creating these opportunities for us.
"Representatives from the Department of Small Business Development, MEGA (The Mpumalanga Economic Growth Agency), and SEDA (Small Enterprise Development Agency) were present to provide business development services. I’m benefitting from these services thanks to the institution’s initiative."
Story and pictures by Cleopatra Makhaga.