The Faculty of Accounting and Informatics, Department of Financial Accounting recently hosted a Work Readiness Training workshop at Ritson campus. This workshop was exclusively tailored for third-year Financial Accounting ECP students, aiming to provide them with essential skills and knowledge necessary for a successful transition into the professional world. The primary goal was to equip these students with the confidence and competence needed for their future careers, acknowledging the challenges often faced by graduates with limited work experience and exposure to real-world scenarios.
The core objectives of this workshop revolved around preparing final-year ECP students for the workforce by imparting practical skills. In a country with a high unemployment rate, the pursuit of employment or business opportunities is a central aspect of university education. The programme integrated both academic coursework and team-building activities to enhance problem-solving, critical thinking, and networking abilities. The workshop focused on a blend of topics, including resume creation, interview preparation, job search strategies, effective written communication, professional etiquette, and engaging discussions on relevant industry matters.
The guest speaker at the workshop was Mr Nhlanhla Mnguni, the Chief Financial Director of Bull Services Group (Pty) Ltd, a Durban based two-division business, providing specialised IT and accounting services to small and medium-sized businesses in South Africa. He shared invaluable insights from his extensive experience in both the private and public sectors, particularly in external and internal audit, financial analysis, and taxation. He emphasized the interconnectedness of academic modules in the real-world workplace and introduced students to commonly used accounting software, stressing how these tools have simplified tasks, especially in the era of Artificial Intelligence.
Mnguni stressed that the experience one gains in industry differs significantly from academic learning at university. “In the workplace, you don’t work with hypothetical scenarios; rather, you are tasked with solving genuine problems,” he said.
He advised the students to place high importance on each academic module they undertake, as these subjects will be directly applicable in their future professional environments.
The general consensus from students who were present at the event were that they had learnt a lot about how to behave and communicate in the workplace. They also learnt further on how to go about looking for jobs, and preparing a CV.
The workshop was facilitated by academics: Stephanie Samuel (ECP Programme Co-ordinator), Nolwando Mgilane, and Sharanam Abbana, from the Department of Financial Accounting. Mndeni Mthembu, the ECP administrator, also played a crucial role in organising the event. The Head of the Department of Financial Accounting, Dr Ferina Marimuthu, concluded the workshop with words of wisdom, reinforcing the importance of the knowledge and skills imparted during this insightful event.
Pictured: Attendees at the workshop.
Pictured: Guest speaker, Nhlanhla Mnguni.
Siphokazi Dlamini.
