The importance of investigating career support services before deciding on a university

Choosing a university is one of the most significant decisions you’ll make as a prospective student. Beyond academics, one critical factor often overlooked is the quality of a university’s Career Services offering. These services play a pivotal role in preparing you for the workplace, and equipping you with the skills, connections, and confidence needed to succeed in today’s competitive job market.

“Investigating a university’s Career Services offering before enrolling can make all the difference in shaping your future career,” says Francine Mashabela, Manager: Career Services at The Independent Institute of Education’s Varsity College, IIE MSA and IIE Vega School.

THE ROLE OF CAREER SERVICES

Career Services acts as a bridge between your academic journey and professional life, says Mashabela.

“It equips you with essential skills for career and work readiness, ensuring a smooth transition from the classroom to the workplace. These services go beyond job placement. They provide tools, resources, and opportunities to develop the mindset and capabilities employers value, such as innovation, holistic thinking, adaptability, and engaged citizenship.

“By offering industry exposure and professional development, Career Services helps you become a well-rounded, employable graduate ready to thrive.”

Mashabela says public universities and private higher education providers with robust Career Services demonstrate a commitment to producing graduates who are not just academically proficient but also highly employable.

“Employers today seek candidates who combine academic knowledge with practical, work-based skills. A strong Career Services program collaborates with faculty and industry partners to ensure you gain these competencies. This strategic partnership fosters professional networks, real-world experience, and the confidence to navigate the job market, giving you a competitive edge.”

WHAT TO CHECK

When evaluating an institution’s Career Services, ensure that it offers a comprehensive programme that provides a range of support tailored to students’ career journeys.

This should include:

• Individualised support with one-on-one consultations to guide your career planning and decision-making;
• Employability workshops which provide training in critical skills like CV design, interview preparation, job search techniques, workplace etiquette, emotional intelligence, self-leadership, digital etiquette, networking, career confidence, and personal branding;
• Industry insights by way of workshops and masterclasses that offer insider knowledge from professionals in your field;
• Industry immersion programmes which provide hands-on opportunities to engage with real-world work environments, and a
• Career Services portal to provide access to career resources and job boards.

“We often say to students that their career journey does not start when they complete their studies. The journey requires intentionality so that they can have a competitive advantage in the job market. Thus, prospective students should look for Career Services that will walk their career journey with them,” says Mashabela.

“They should look for an offering of career readiness programmes that provide meaningful industry exposure, foster professional skills, and support entrepreneurial thinking. Career Services does not just prepare students for their first job, but equips them with adaptable skills for a lifelong career journey, and provides a clear advantage in today’s competitive job market.”