Economics students get glimpse of industry expectations

TUT’s Department of Economics hosted its annual Work Integrated Learning session where ITAC GGDA and MINT guided final-year students on industry expectations and preparing for the workplace.

Economics students attending the Work Intergreted session. Welcoming the students, Prof Mulatu Zerihun, Head of Department of Economics at the Tshwane University of Technology, encouraged students to use this engagement session to ask questions and get an in depth understanding of the industry.  “We have no doubt that leaning does not only happen in lecture rooms or from textbooks. True learning is impactful, transformative and exposes students to real workplaces, real economic challenges and work opportunities to apply their knowledge,” Prof Zerihun highlighted.

 Speakers from various economic sectors spoke on various disciplines of economics, including economics analysis, career options, trade and export, as well as entrepreneurship.

Elaborating on economic analysis and trade monitoring, ITAC representatives, Oatlhotse Madito, Pfano Sikhipha and Thalukanyo Nangambi outlined the role and responsibility of their organisation and where students fit in their structure. He explained import and export processes and outlined compliance steps including permits and trade regulations. He said safeguard measures monitor import volumes to protect South African businesses and support sustainability.

The engagement and insights shared by speakers from various institutions provided students with an understanding of practical exceptions and how to prepare for the industry. They were briefed about salary expectations in the industry and realistic market-related offers they should expect.

The event ended with a quiz to assess whether students understood the information shared during presentations. This also encouraged interaction between students and the speakers.

Staff members of the Department of Economics attending the WIL session.