Housing Students host Alumni and Careers Expo

BY: .

The newly formed Human Settlements Students' Organisation (HSSO),  a student organisational unit of the Housing discipline within the School of Built Environment and Development Studies (BEDS), hosted their first event for the year - an alumni and Careers Expo on the Howard College campus.

The 50-strong student organisation, which comprises BEDS members, is hopeful that such events will encourage more students to join.

Co-founder and Chairperson for the HSSO, Mr Sibonelo Gumede, said: ‘The expo was conceptualised and initiated by our organisation for students to connect with industry professionals and receive valuable careers advice. We wanted students to be exposed to all the opportunities available through this event.’

The expo allowed students to network with industry representatives from various companies from the Built Environment sphere such as QAL Greens, Iyer Urban Design Studio, Digits Architects, the Olive Group and Zamokuhle Development Consultants.

Director of QAL Greens (an eco-friendly company), Mr Qiniso Mseleku, said he hoped a partnership between the Housing discipline and his company would be long lasting.‘I decided to take part in this expo because it is commendable to see these students getting involved in sustainable human settlements which is the aim of my company. The student response has been promising and I hope that this expo continues in the future.’

Addressing students at the alumni segment of the event, eThekwini Municipality representative, Ms Andile Ngubane, applauded the efforts of the HSSO in coordinating an opportunistic event.‘Events like these are important because they allow you to envision a future in Housing, where you want to be and how to get there. Interaction is key and you should be grabbing these opportunities with both hands.’

Ngubane then advised students how to apply to be on the municipality’s two- year graduate training programme, what to expect and how the eThekwini Human Settlements Unit operates and the possible future employment opportunities.

Mr Ivan Mkhathini of the Provincial Department of Human Settlements spoke on his career trajectory thus far, providing words of advice and encouragement. ‘Work experience is crucial when applying for positions. Make an effort to volunteer at organisations to gain experience because that will make you stand out from so many other graduates entering the workforce. You need to work hard and make it happen for yourself.’

Student Mr Mfundo Ngubane said: ‘We would like to extend our gratitude to the members of the organisation for the event. It’s people like them who bring change in our society through the simplest ways and end up bringing unity amongst students in the University.’

Interim Dean for the School, Professor Betty Mubangizi said: ‘I congratulate the Housing students on this novel initiative.  With discussions under way to professionalise the Housing sector, the formation of the Human Settlements Students Organisation (HSSO) is both topical and timely.’

‘The HSSO forms a firm foundation to nurture development of appropriate skills, to monitor quality assurance and inculcate the right values and attitudes needed in the performance of South Africa’s Housing practitioners. I have no doubt that HSSO will grow to become a respected and reputable organisation nationally and internationally.

The HSSO is expected to host various other events during the course of the year leading up to major national commemorative ones such as Youth Day and  National Women’s Day. These celebratory and often reflective events will coincide with the organisation's ongoing community outreach programmes.

Melissa Mungroo