The catch-22 position that many young people find themselves in – they need experience to get work, but need work to get the experience – can be alleviated through volunteering “Volunteering is a great way to learn workplace skills and give back at the same time. You’ll be working alongside industry professionals and building social capital that can help you
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The pandemic has changed so much, not all for the better, but some leaders’ greater understanding of employees is certainly a change for the good “Many will agree that the pandemic and lockdowns sparked an empathy epiphany in companies around the world, a marked contrast to the work culture we saw a few years prior,” says Firdous Osman, deputy MD
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Mentorship programmes are a good way to develop talent and use the technical expertise available in the organisation; however, the programmes are only as good as the mentors “Mentoring is the opportunity for leaders to provide support and insights to help less-experienced individuals to grow and develop in their careers. The beauty of a mentorship relationships is when reverse-mentoring happens
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reelance work has always been uncertain, but the pandemic has made it even more so Psychologist and executive coach Alan Ahlfeldt, who was part of a South African Freelancers’ Association workshop, says: “The vulnerability of freelancers is huge, which leads to people putting undue pressure on themselves.” He advises: Freelancers have autonomy but little certainty, which means adaptability, is crucial
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Maths and science cultivate skills that are critical, which is why we need to encourage young people to take these subjects at school and beyond “Maths and science lay the foundation in applying knowledge when encountering complex principles at schools and tertiary level, as well as in scenarios beyond the classroom. Had it not been for the effort of scientists,
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Companies that employ lifelong learners have the edge in a constantly changing environment “Lifelong learners will be the most important assets of tomorrow’s most successful businesses, helping them to grow and innovate at a time of rapid and constant change… BUT there is a shared responsibility between employers and employees while you can create an enabling environment and deliver the
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It could be a presentation you have to give to your team or a speech at a conference, but not long after you have celebrated being chosen to shine, you are crippled by doubt and unable to stop thinking about how badly it will go “It is healthy to be a little nervous. You are honing your talents – but
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Many managers are under the impression that they are approachable and easy to talk to when in actual fact, they seem unfriendly and more remote “The importance of approachability cannot be exaggerated. Putting people at ease allows them to think and perform at their best in your presence,” says life coach Lizette Volkwyn She advises: You need to set and
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Finding a job in South Africa with a high unemployment rate, even among graduates, can be daunting for those about to being their first search for work Recent graduates must keep an open mind and stay alert for potential opportunities Don’t get stuck on the idea that there is just one job for you and that if you don’t find
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Sell yourself with the three A’s: Beth Hendler-Grunt the president of the career counselling firm Next Great Step, teaches young applicants what she calls the three A’s to prepare for a casual meeting or a formal interview. The first A is for the Actions you want the person you’re meeting with to take, such as referring you to a hiring
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