Changing perspectives on traditional careers

NUST hosts career fair
The Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST) hosted its annual career fair last week, drawing hundreds of students and more than 35 exhibitors from its Windhoek and Eenhana campuses.
Ndapandula Lilonga
  • 17 Hours Ago

While the career fair connected students with employers, its biggest impact was on how young people now view their career options.

NUST career guidance practitioner Michael Kisting said the fair plays an important role in exposing students to opportunities early. “The career fair is about providing access and ensuring that students are exposed to opportunities while they are still studying,” he said.

Acting Vice-Chancellor Andrew Niikondo added that the event benefits both students and industry. He noted that it allows students to explore different professions while giving employers access to future graduates.

Industry representatives also encouraged students to take advantage of such platforms.

Cenored CEO Fessor Mbango urged students to prepare themselves for leadership roles and to actively engage with employers on internship and employment opportunities.

The fair also recognised exhibitors for outstanding engagement with students. Award recipients included Rössing Uranium, Cenored, Hyphen Hydrogen Energy, Namibia Media Academy, the Office of the Auditor-General, the Ministry of Justice and Labour Relations, and the Ministry of Industries, Mines and Energy.

For many students, the experience challenged long-held assumptions about what success looks like.

Rauna Metride Teeleleni Kashululu, a third-year accounting student at NUST, said the fair introduced her to new opportunities. “I learned about programmes such as the FNB graduate programme. It made me realise how important it is to start preparing early instead of waiting until after graduation,” she said.


Shifting mindsets

Elizabeth Ndinaelao Edward, a second-year education student at the International University of Management’s Eenhana campus, said the event shifted her perspective. “I always thought an education degree only meant becoming a teacher, but the career fair opened my eyes to other paths I had not considered,” she said.

Students in the technology field also described a shift in mindset. Alina Auala, who is studying towards a Bachelor of Computer Science, said the fair expanded her understanding of the industry. “It exposed me to a wider range of opportunities in tech, such as cybersecurity and networking, and made me realise that success is not limited to traditional careers,” she said.

Similarly, cybersecurity student Nokutenda Mlambo said the event highlighted the diversity of career paths. “It made me realise that even though we study in one field, we can combine different interests and explore careers that are not widely known,” she said.

Rowan Chaka, a Bachelor of Science student, said the fair encouraged him to rethink his future. “I learned about paths I had never heard of before, which made me reconsider what I want for my future,” he said.

The fair also highlighted the importance of early career guidance, as many students still focus on a limited number of professions. By exposing students to a wider range of opportunities, the NUST career fair is helping to broaden perspectives and encourage a more open approach to career development.