AgriCAREERConnect 2026 at UJ:
Another inspiring event
The final AgriCAREERConnect (ACC) university event of 2026 took place at the University of Johannesburg’s Bunting Road Campus on 22 September, bringing together students and industry leaders for a day filled with career insights, practical advice, networking opportunities and valuable industry connections.
Hosted in partnership with the University of Johannesburg, the event welcomed 185 students across two sessions, with 80 students attending the Production & Technical session and 105 participating in the Commercial Value Chain session. Throughout the day, students engaged directly with professionals representing a diverse cross-section of South Africa’s agricultural value chain, while MC Keratilwe Mokoditoa kept discussions flowing and helped create an engaging and interactive atmosphere.
Opening the event, Marianne van der Laarse, Managing Director of Agrijob, highlighted how AgriCAREERConnect has evolved into a dynamic platform where students, graduates and postgraduates can connect with employers, explore career pathways and gain firsthand insight into what industry is looking for in future talent. ACC continues to bridge the gap between academia and industry by creating meaningful engagement opportunities between students and employers.
Agriculture is an Ecosystem of Careers
One of the strongest themes throughout the day was that agriculture offers far more opportunities than many students realise.
As highlighted during the discussions, agriculture is not simply a career path. It is an ecosystem of careers requiring scientists, engineers, researchers, logistics specialists, policy experts, marketers, entrepreneurs and business professionals. Students were encouraged to think broadly when considering their future careers and to remain open to unexpected opportunities.
During Session 1, which focused on horticulture, crops, food production and technical careers, representatives from SANSOR, Limagrain Field Seeds, Tunnel Tomatoes, Bosman van Zaal South Africa and Potatoes South Africa shared their career journeys and industry perspectives.
Advice from Industry Leaders
A recurring theme throughout the day was perseverance, continuous learning and believing in your own abilities.
Juan Fourie of Bosman van Zaal South Africa challenged students with a simple but powerful message:
“Don’t doubt yourself. Doubt your doubts.”
His own career journey demonstrated that successful careers do not always follow traditional pathways and that opportunities often arise when individuals remain open to learning and growth.
Anjé Venter from Potatoes South Africa emphasised the importance of perseverance and excellence in even the smallest tasks.
“Do everything to the fullest of your ability. The way you approach the small tasks today determines how you will handle the bigger challenges tomorrow.”
Students also received practical advice on preparing for interviews from Sheryl Wulfsohn of Limagrain Field Seeds. She reminded attendees that first impressions matter more than ever, especially in virtual interviews.
She encouraged students to find a quiet space, ensure their technology is working properly and present themselves professionally, noting that opportunities can be limited and that a first impression can often make the difference between success and disappointment.
The Skills Employers Are Looking For
The afternoon Commercial Value Chain session featured representatives from the Fresh Produce Exporters’ Forum (FPEF), Simply Garlic, Hapag-Lloyd, the Agricultural Produce Agents Council (APAC) and Agbiz. Together they provided students with valuable insight into the skills most sought after by employers today.
Among the key attributes highlighted were:
- Passion and enthusiasm for the industry
- Strong communication skills and the ability to listen professionally
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Adaptability and problem-solving ability
- Lifelong learning and continuous skills development
- Curiosity and a willingness to learn
- Strong work ethic and reliability
- The ability to meet deadlines
- Confidence, energy and initiative
- Professionalism and teachability
Johannes Brand of FPEF noted that qualifications alone are not enough.
“Employers are looking for passion, somebody with a spark in their eye, energy and confidence. Not arrogance, but a hunger and a can-do attitude.”
Jeanette van Jaarsveld of Simply Garlic highlighted the importance of solving complex problems by bringing together knowledge from different departments and disciplines.
Callan Stevens of Hapag-Lloyd encouraged students to stay curious.
“Curiosity is the most important thing. Be humble enough to learn, absorb as much information as possible and use that information to create solutions.”
He also challenged students to think beyond traditional agricultural careers and to explore opportunities both within and beyond the sectors they currently know.
From APAC, Francois Knowles left students with a memorable message about striving for excellence:
“If you want to be the best, you have to be the best at everything you do. Study extremely hard and don’t stop there.”
He also encouraged students to bring energy and enthusiasm into the workplace, reminding them that the agricultural value chain needs talented people from a wide range of backgrounds and disciplines. His message was clear: continuous improvement and a commitment to excellence are essential for those who want to make a meaningful contribution to the industry.
Representing Agbiz, Charmaine ka Makhaya emphasised the importance of being teachable and remaining open to learning throughout one’s career. She highlighted strong work ethic, meeting deadlines, communication, teamwork and adaptability as critical workplace skills.
Learning Through Fun
The popular wake-up quizzes added an extra element of fun to both sessions, with students competing for an exciting selection of prizes sponsored by event partners. Winners walked away with SANSOR goodie bags, Mexican candy tins and delicious treats from Oh My Fudge. To show appreciation for their contribution to the event, company representatives also received specially prepared gift bags featuring Oh My Fudge products, Rooibos teas from Carmién, Funky Ouma spice tins and other South African favourites.
A Vibrant Networking and Expo Experience
The networking and expo area provided students with an excellent opportunity to engage directly with company representatives, ask questions and learn more about the diverse career opportunities available across the agricultural value chain. The exhibition area was buzzing with activity, with SANSOR and Limagrain Field Seeds attracting attention with their popcorn station. Potatoes SA offered branded socks as giveaways, Hapag-Lloyd provided lanyards, and Simply Garlic treated visitors to popular chickpea snack packs. These interactive stands helped create a vibrant atmosphere while encouraging meaningful conversations between students and industry representatives. Agrijob and PARC (Postharvest and Agroprocessing Research Centre) were also on hand to showcase opportunities and support services available to students and graduates.
Looking Ahead
As the final AgriCAREERConnect university event of 2026, the UJ event was a fitting conclusion to a successful year of connecting students with industry.
The message delivered throughout the day was clear: opportunities in agriculture extend far beyond traditional farming roles. The industry needs passionate, adaptable, curious and hardworking young professionals who are willing to learn, collaborate and contribute to solving real-world challenges.
For the students who attended, the event provided more than just career advice. It offered a glimpse into the many possibilities that exist within one of South Africa’s most dynamic and essential industries and an opportunity to begin building the professional relationships that may shape their future careers.
As AgriCAREERConnect concludes another successful year of university engagement, we extend our sincere thanks to the industry partners, universities and students who contributed to making these events possible. Students, graduates and employers are encouraged to keep an eye on Agrijob and AgriCAREERConnect communications for details of the 2027 programme. Subject to final confirmation, the next round of university events is expected to take place at Stellenbosch University in July, followed by University of Pretoria in August, with additional ACC engagements and industry events to be announced. We look forward to connecting the next generation of talent with the agricultural value chain once again.
Compiled by: Majella van der Arend