Empowering youth through career guidance

JUSTISIA SHIPENA
Ester Kamati

For many scholars who are approaching the end of their high school journey, it becomes stressful trying to choose a career to commit to for the rest of their lives.

Many often rush into picking a career under the pressure of either not getting placement at a university or lack of funding.

This year, under the theme ‘Catalysing Youth Empowerment for the Fourth Industrial Revolution’, the Namibia University of Science and Technology (Nust) came on board to tackle this issue with their annual career fair, which took place on 13 March.

They ensured that learners across the country have the necessary information before choosing or finalising their choice of a career.

Before heading into the exhibition hall to network with the 33 exhibitors, consisting of professionals, graduates as well as students, the event was opened by the Nust SRC president Juno Angula, who was also the master of ceremonies.

He said the career fair presents a unique opportunity to interact with a large number of company recruiters that are on a mission to find prospective applicants. Angula further clarified that about 70% of the exhibitors are Nust alumni, which is proof that the institution had brought a team of experts to guide the learners.

Speaking at the event, Dr Tjama Tjivikua, the founding vice-chancellor of the university, emphasised the importance of being able to operate in a technology-based society, as this is where the world is headed.

He further advised the attendees to connect and acquire the necessary knowledge and said the current grade 12s should return to the institution as students and not just visitors.

The master of ceremonies proceeded to thank the main sponsors, namely Standard Bank, Cenored and dB Audio, who helped make the event possible. The guest speaker at the event, the marketing manager of Standard Bank, Sindano Nekundi, explained the importance of discovering one’s personality in addition to partaking in extramural activities, as well as community work and sport, in order to stand out when applying for the job you want.

He further instructed scholars to use the knowledge they gain from classed to solve problems in the community.

Nekundi, on behalf of Standard Bank, handed over a cheque of N$38 000 as part of the bank’s sponsorship to the career fair. This was received by Tjivikua on behalf of the institution.

For entertainment, the Nust choir was on top of their game, and livened up the opening ceremony; even adding some dance moves to the mix. The exhibitors were welcoming and most importantly, informative.

“The future belongs to those who prepare for it today,” Tjivikua said.

The scholars took that advice to heart as they networked with each other and the exhibitors.