Twenty-eighth International Conference on Learning

Abstract

The transition from student to employee can be daunting, yet there is often a lack of work-readiness preparation and guidance to undergraduate students. It can place young graduates at a disadvantage as they enter the world of work. Included in the Ready for Work initiative of the University of Pretoria, a career mentorship pilot was launched in 2019. The programme focussed initially on the School of Engineering. It was extended to the Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology, and the Faculty of Theology and Religion Studies in 2020. A questionnaire was submitted to all the alumni and students at the beginning of the programme and the programme’s end in both years. During 2019, 32 final year students and 24 alumni mentors were involved in the programme, and in 2020, 66 students and 55 alumni mentors completed the programme. The alumni varied from early career professionals to senior professionals. The alumni’s reflected they could see someone grow and that it was an opportunity to give back to the University. The students indicated that the mentors made a difference in their lives. The programme seems to be successful and will be extended to more Faculties in 2021. This paper considers the unique process of how the career mentorship programme was implemented and will provide feedback from the students and alumni. The study shares the valuable lessons learned and will suggest changes to the existing programme.