Connecting with Alumni for a Charitable Cause

08 Sep 2015
Right to left: Zandile Nkhata, Director of Business Development at the GSB and Nawaal Boolay, Head of Graduate Recruitment at UCT Careers Service, engage with alumni at the event.
08 Sep 2015

CLASS ACT
By: Natalie Kammies
Image: Alexis Pillay

UCT’s Careers Service and the Graduate School of Business (GSB) recently rubbed shoulders with alumni working in the UK– and did their bit for charity too.

The careers networking event, held at The Shard in London, created a platform for the university to connect with UCT graduates now living/working in the UK. Alumni funds raised from ticket sales went to the Centre for Higher Education Development’s 100UP+ programme, which helps talented students from disadvantaged backgrounds transition from school to university life at UCT. 

The Careers Service highlighted their current work, which centres on careers information, advice and opportunities, and talked about how employers can recruit top, talented graduates from UCT. They also showcased their graduate gallery – an online platform where alumni share their career stories to, among others, make current students aware of job opportunities and job-search strategies. 

GSB showcased the International Executive Development Programme, which it is currently developing in partnership with Warwick Business School. The programme offers participants the chance to acquire global business and leadership acumen, and covers key themes such as leadership in turbulent times and managing investors. 

David Casey, Director of the Careers Service, said: ‘This evening saw the vision of our online graduate gallery come alive, which will allow students who are considering university education as well as those currently studying at the university, learn from alumni how to navigate career planning and success. We encourage alumni to submit stories to this exciting portal so that students can gain experience in career planning and course/subject choices. We were delighted to have many global recruiters present (some UCT Alumni) who are interested in recruiting top UCT talent across all faculties.’ 

Zandile Nkhata, Director of Business Development at GSB, said it was a ‘privilege’ to network with alumni and hear their success stories. ‘It is also a great opportunity for us to be able to share with them our own stories of growth and achievements as a university. These events are critical in keeping the lines of communication open with our alumni and in nurturing the deep relationship they have with their alma mater,’ she said.

Former UCT student and Business Development manager at FDM Group, Henry Duddy, has worked with the Careers Service to recruit high-quality technical graduates for well-known South African investment banks. ‘I was supported by a very customer-focused team who supported and provided all the facilities to engage with the students: presentation rooms, interview rooms, catering, etc.

'Having dealt with many universities across the UK for a number of years, I am proud to say that UCT ranks right up there with their focus on employability of students and corporate engagement. The alumni event at The Shard was a great way to connect with other UK-based alumni and hear about the international connections with UK-based Warwick University,’ he said.