Breakfast talk unlocks boundless career opportunities in Journalism and Communication

The first year at university could feel like stepping onto a road without knowing exactly where it will lead. For first-year Journalism and Integrated Communication students, the journey can bring questions about where their qualifications can take them and what the world of work will expect of them.

Keynote address by Boitumelo Morobe, Global Communication Executive , sharing his career journey with first-year students during the Second Annual Breakfast Talk.

The Second Annual Breakfast Talk with Alumni and Industry Experts, hosted by the Department of Journalism and Integrated Communication on 12 August at the Soshanguve North Campus, offered a clearer view of those possibilities by bringing the classroom closer to industry realities.

Opening the programme, Dr Maria Mushaathoni, Head of the Department, reminded students that learning extends beyond the classroom and encouraged them to engage with industry professionals, ask questions and build relationships. Keynote speaker Boitumelo Morobe, Global Communication Executive and TUT graduate, whose career journey demonstrated the breadth of opportunities available to communication graduates, reinforced this message. Mabopane reflected on his early career at Talk Radio 702 to working across major mining companies before taking up a global communications role in Indonesia. His experience at Weda Bay Nickel showed students that a Journalism and Integrated Communication qualification can open doors far beyond traditional media and across international industries. He encouraged students to build cultural intelligence and multimedia skills from their first year, while treating every University assignment as an opportunity to build a professional portfolio. 

The programme featured two panel discussions, unpacking the realities of working in journalism and communication, drawing on the experiences of alumni, media professionals, industry experts and academics.

First-year students listening to insights from alumni and industry professionals.

The first, themed “The Value of Journalism and Integrated Communication Qualifications: Alumni Journeys, Industry Perspectives and Professional Impact”, featured Dan Ngobeni, Stakeholder Relations Consultant at Airports Company South Africa, Nondumiso Radebe, Account Director at M&C Saatchi Abel and Tshegohaco Moagi, Radio Host at Power FM and was moderated by Aysha Tshose. The discussion explored the value of the qualification, the different career paths available to graduates and the skills needed to navigate a changing industry.

Koketso Motau, Senior TV Producer at the SABC moderated the second panel, “Building Professional Identity: Personal Branding, Networking and Career Readiness in the Journalism and Communication Industry” which featured Alpha Ramushwana, News Reporter at Radio 702 and 947, Nhlawulo Vision Chauke, Senior Officer for Alumni Relations and Communication at TUT as well as Dr Trevor Hlungwani, Senior Lecturer at UNISA and part-time lecturer at TUT. The discussion focused on the importance of developing a professional identity while still at University. 

Ramushwana emphasised that personal branding comes with responsibility, particularly for journalists working in a digital environment where information can spread quickly. He encouraged students to do their research, verify information and consistently produce work that earns the trust of their audiences. Dr Hlungwani, reflecting on his own journey across journalism, broadcasting, production and academia, encouraged students to remain adaptable, continuously develop their skills and remain open to opportunities that may lead them in unexpected directions. 

The Breakfast Talk also provided an opportunity for students to ask the invited speakers questions directly, allowing them to engage with the experiences shared throughout the day and gain practical perspectives on entering and navigating the industry. The conversations demonstrated that there is no single path for a Journalism and Integrated Communication graduate, with opportunities extending across media, advertising, corporate communication, stakeholder relations, academia and entrepreneurship. The event also offered an early look at the possibilities ahead for first-years in attendance and reinforced the importance of using their time at TUT to build skills, relationships, experience and confidence.

Panellists unpacking the realities of working in journalism and communication and the skills needed to navigate the industry.