by Kgothatso Monono
“Inspire ICT”, an exciting, motivational event hosted by the Faculty of Information and Communication Technology (FoICT) at the Tshwane University of Technology’s Soshanguve Campus, connected students with young professionals and leading companies in the field of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) to inspire and motivate them as well as address and improve student graduation rates.
Tadiwanashe Songore, SFC Chairperson for the Faculty of ICT
In bringing industry experts and students into direct contact with each other, provided a unique opportunity for students to gain insights into the needs of industry and draw inspiration from those who have already achieved success in the tech world.
In his welcoming remarks, Dr Etienne Van Wyk, Executive Dean for FoICT, highlighted important attributes to ensure that “future-ready graduates are not only prepared for the jobs of tomorrow but also for the dynamic, interconnected and tech-driven world they will face.”
He highlighted attributes including the ability to quickly adapt to changing environments, technologies and job roles, innovative thinking to approach challenges creatively and develop effective solutions, commitment to continuous learning and self-improvement to stay relevant in a changing workforce, willingness to take risks, embrace innovation and think like an entrepreneur, as well as the ability to work well in teams, both physically and virtually.
Throughout the day, students had the chance to attend one on one interactive sessions with these young professionals, who assisted them in getting familiar with LinkedIn. These sessions were not just about sharing knowledge, but also about offering real-world advice and guidance.
Two experts from the industry spoke about overcoming challenges in the tech industry as well as career growth and development. Both speakers shared their personal journeys, discussed the challenges they faced and highlighted the skills needed to succeed in the ICT industry.
In addition to learning from these experts, students had the opportunity to network with them while those doing their Work Integrated Learning (WIL) shared their success stories.
“An important aspect of ‘Inspire ICT’ was its focus on creating lasting memories. It was designed to be more than just an educational experience; it aimed to be a day that students would remember fondly as a source of inspiration and motivation. The atmosphere was lively and engaging, with plenty of opportunities for students to interact with each other and with the industry professionals,” said Tadiwanashe Songore, chairperson of the Faculty of ICT Student Faculty Council.
Overall, “Inspire ICT” played a key role in inspiring students and encouraging them to stay on track in the run-up to the year-end exams and ultimately towards graduation.
Dr Etienne Van Wyk, Executive Dean for the Faculty of ICT with a group of attendees.