Emeris Students Gain Real-World Edge During Career Services Week

Emeris Durban North and The Vega School at Emeris uMhlanga students stepped into real-world interview scenarios during the campuses’ recent Career Services Week. This hands on initiative is designed to prepare the students for the transition from campus to career.

Activities included interview workshops, mock interviews and interactive sessions which were focused on building confidence and employability skills. Emeris Durban North students also connected with more than 20 employers at the dedicated Career Fair which formed part of the Career Services Week.

At the Career Fair, students in Finance and Accounting, Information Technology and Management Studies engaged directly with 21 companies, which included PwC, Hollywoodbets, the Mr Price Group, Nexia SAB&T Durban, Carpe Diem Consulting, Woolworths and PKF Durban. They gained insight into graduate programmes, vacation work opportunities and what employers look for in candidates.

Gabi Alessandri (Career Services Specialist at Emeris Durban North) said the week was designed to give students practical tools they could apply immediately. “Our goal is to ensure that our students feel prepared for the world of work and that they’re confident in what they bring to the table”.

Students also attended an interview workshop where they learnt how to stand out from other applicants, answer questions with confidence and make a strong impression. They then applied these skills during mock interview sessions, where they responded to industry relevant questions and received feedback in a supportive environment.

Njabulo Mhlongo (first year IIE Bachelor of Accounting student at Emeris Durban North) described the week as a valuable introduction to the working world. “I’ve never experienced a job interview before, so the workshop and mock interview were very helpful. It made me feel more confident and prepared,” he said.

He added that the Career Fair helped him better understand his chosen field. “Last year, I was focused on a different career path before deciding on Accounting. This experience gave me insight into the industry and the different firms. It really broadened my perspective,” said Mhlongo.

Andiswa Mavundla (third year IIE Bachelor of Computer and Information Science in Application Development student) said she learnt a great deal from her mock interview experience. “It showed me where I can improve, the importance of preparation and being able to think on your feet,” she said.

Meanwhile, at The Vega School at Emeris uMhlanga, students explored their future goals during the Career Vision Board Picnic which formed part of the Career Services Week. The picnic created a space to reflect on their aspirations in a more informal and creative setting.

Members of the student body Emeris Voice also participated in a development workshop led by Cindy Norcott (CEO of Pro Talent Recruitment). The workshop focused on building leadership skills such as clear communication, managing conflict and leading with confidence and self awareness.

Mock interviews at the campus were conducted by Janet Hicks (People & Culture Specialist at The Vega School at Emeris uMhlanga) with members of the Emeris Careers student subcommittee.

Ariana Zarah Khan (first year IIE Bachelor of Arts in Interior Design student at The Vega School at Emeris uMhlanga) said the mock interview experience gave her practical insight into what employers expect. “The real-time feedback helped me understand how to improve my responses and what I can do differently when applying for internships,” she said.

Hicks enjoyed engaging with the students throughout the interview process. “Their openness to feedback and the thoughtful questions they asked showed a genuine interest in how they can grow and contribute to a professional environment”.

She added that employers often look for candidates who: provide specific examples of their skills, communicate clearly, demonstrate preparation and present themselves professionally.

“It was clear the students were eager to learn and make an impact, and it’s always rewarding to see them stepping outside their comfort zones and developing skills that support their future careers,” Hicks concluded.