Career Fairs help those that are prepared
The Dogg is performing outside and the crowd is wild with rapture. Through this background noise, Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST) representatives have to field rapid questions being fired from more than 15 curious learners all jostling for space at the exhibition table. This is the first round, within minutes more learners will be pouring in through the gym doors. The UNAM career fair has begun. This is typical at most career fairs. Students rush to the tables and grab anything they can get their hands on.
“Don’t just take the brochures, ask us questions,” repeats Antoinette Kakujaha, the NUST Public Relations officer. After having been to several career fairs and expecting to attend a few more before the year is done, NUST representatives have encountered a multitude of not only inquisitive but also very amusing questions. One learner mused over a faculty of management sciences brochure before she burst forth, “So once I have completed the degree, do I become a CEO?” A few have sometimes asked, how long does the degree take? Before turning around in dismay to friends saying, “ne man, three years is too long.”
Through the different characters and personalities one salient issue has stood out; a number of learners, including those in the 12th grade still struggle to know where they will fit in when they one day have to contribute to society, an especially important point to consider at a time when the cost of education is a contentious issue.
As much as the university can give the learner an idea of what they offer, more often, a one-on-one individual assessment at any career fair is not always possible unless the learner knows what they want and have a realistic expectation of their career path once the degree is complete. As learners get more opportunities to visit NUST and other institutions at the various career fairs, having a clear idea of what they are good at and what they would like to pursue, will help them get the most out of it.
Kumbi Chitenderu
“Don’t just take the brochures, ask us questions,” repeats Antoinette Kakujaha, the NUST Public Relations officer. After having been to several career fairs and expecting to attend a few more before the year is done, NUST representatives have encountered a multitude of not only inquisitive but also very amusing questions. One learner mused over a faculty of management sciences brochure before she burst forth, “So once I have completed the degree, do I become a CEO?” A few have sometimes asked, how long does the degree take? Before turning around in dismay to friends saying, “ne man, three years is too long.”
Through the different characters and personalities one salient issue has stood out; a number of learners, including those in the 12th grade still struggle to know where they will fit in when they one day have to contribute to society, an especially important point to consider at a time when the cost of education is a contentious issue.
As much as the university can give the learner an idea of what they offer, more often, a one-on-one individual assessment at any career fair is not always possible unless the learner knows what they want and have a realistic expectation of their career path once the degree is complete. As learners get more opportunities to visit NUST and other institutions at the various career fairs, having a clear idea of what they are good at and what they would like to pursue, will help them get the most out of it.
Kumbi Chitenderu
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