The highly anticipated career fair in Kariega is set to empower students and young people by providing practical advice, personalised guidance, and hands-on support to navigate crucial decisions about their future studies and career paths. The event, spearheaded by organiser, Andisiwe Dyonase, aims to bridge the knowledge gap and inspire informed choices among its attendees.
“The primary aim of the career fair is to educate high school students and other interested members of the community about different career fields, and what they entail,” said Dyonase. She emphasised that participants will gain an understanding of the subjects required for university admission, the qualifications to pursue, and what to expect in a chosen profession’s daily work life. The target audience includes high school learners from Grades 9 to 12, unemployed youth who did not enrol in higher education, and individuals uncertain about their career direction.
“I want to collapse barriers to education by providing guidance and assistance in accessing institutions of higher learning and education,” added Dyonase. “This is about creating a community where everyone has the resources and knowledge to achieve financial stability, regardless of their location or economic background.”
The career fair will feature representatives from eight major fields, including Business and Economics, Health Sciences, Science, Law, Humanities, Education, Engineering, The Built Environment, and Technology. These diverse industries will give attendees access to extensive information about available opportunities and pathways to success. Beyond academic pathways, presenters aim to offer a broader understanding of career realities. Through interactive sessions, they will provide guidance on high school subject selection, explain qualifications necessary for university, and describe the day-to-day challenges and rewards of their professions.
“I had this vision in 2019 when I started my SAICA articles,” Dyonase explained. “I realised how much I didn’t know about the workforce when I was at university. This event is meant to ensure others are better informed, making decisions that align with their passions and understanding the realities of employment.”
A key benefit of the career fair is the hands-on assistance for higher education applications, with presenters and volunteers assisting each participant to apply to at least two universities. “Sometimes students lack the infrastructure to make applications or funding for simple things like transport to get their documents certified. At this career fair, we are bridging that gap,” Dyonase assured. To ease this process, South African Police Service officers and other commissioners of oaths will be present to certify documents on-site. This initiative ensures that attendees have access to necessary services without added barriers.
Participants will also have the rare opportunity to interact directly with professionals from various industries. These interactions aim to answer career-related questions, provide clarity, and help attendees jump-start their journey toward their chosen fields. According to Dyonase, “Most career fairs don’t assist with the actual applications or provide insight into what a career entails on a daily basis. That’s what sets us apart.”
Dyonase and her team of organisers are committed to inclusivity. They have already conducted outreach in high schools across Kariega and Despatch, and hope to expand to Gqeberha, and eventually the entire Eastern Cape. Dyonase envisions a broader scope for this initiative, hoping to attract funders to extend support to include funding opportunities, skills development, and more.
“I hope this becomes an annual event that covers the entire Eastern Cape. I also want the event to attract funders, allowing us to help students even further,” she said. She further stressed her commitment to ensuring that attendees leave the event equipped with knowledge and clarity about their future. “I would be so grateful if everyone who attends the event leaves more knowledgeable and with a clearer understanding of where they want to go in terms of their future careers.”
The event also tackles a widespread issue in higher education: the misalignment of students in university courses. Many students enrol simply for the sake of studying without understanding the demands of their chosen field, often leading to struggles in completing their degrees. Dyonase’s initiative seeks to mitigate this risk, ensuring that participants make informed and fulfilling choices.
The career fair will be held in KwaNobuhle on June 25.
For more information, email Dyonase on andisiwentsikadyonase@gmail.com, or via her social media handles:
Facebook: Ntsika Andisiwe Dyonase
Instagram: ntsika_d
