Alumni and industry professionals share lessons for success beyond university

More than 120 students at the Tshwane University of Technology Polokwane Campus had an opportunity to engage with and learn from TUT alumni and professionals from Polokwane Municipality during the Future Readiness Dialogue. These professionals shared practical workplace insights aimed at preparing graduates for professional working environments.

Hosted by Student Affairs and Extracurricular Development in collaboration with the Directorates of Extracurricular Development; Health and Wellness; Sport and Recreation; as well as Student Governance and Leadership Development, the dialogue provided a platform for students to engage with professionals and gain practical workplace knowledge beyond the classroom.

The final-year, advanced diploma, and postgraduate students who attended the event, represented the four faculties at the Polokwane Campus, including the Faculty of Humanities, Faculty of Information and Communication Technology, Faculty of Management Sciences, as well as Faculty of Finance and Economics.

The event featured presentations by TUT alumna Zinzi Mphahlele and municipal professional, Malesela Maubane, the Manager for Budget and Reporting at the Polokwane Municipality, They shared career guidance, workplace expectations, and professional development insights with students.

“When graduates enter professional environments, they should continuously improve their skills, remain confident and be willing to learn and grow within their respective industries,” said Zinzi.

Maubane addressed students on professional readiness, ethics, leadership, and public service, encouraging them to prepare beyond academic qualifications.

“Students must understand that transitioning from university into the workplace requires more than a qualification. Professionalism, discipline, ethics and adaptability are equally important in preparing for the world of work,” said Maubane.

The dialogue focused on helping students transition from student life into professional environments while equipping them with practical insights, workplace skills and industry knowledge needed to adapt successfully to the world of work.

The initiative forms part of TUT’s commitment to strengthening industry-relevant learning, graduate development and community engagement through alumni and professional networks.