Students connecting with industry at AgriCAREERConnect at UP:
The 12th of September 2024 was a day bustling with students and industry professionals from different companies, all gathered at the Plant Sciences Auditorium at the University of Pretoria for one common event: AgriCAREERConnect 2024 @ UP.
AgriCAREERConnect is an event hosted by Agrijob where the agricultural industry shares insights into job opportunities across the entire value chain and networks with students and graduates. These events not only attract youth to the industry but also help companies identify talent, and students gain valuable advice on industry requirements for graduates at entry-level and beyond.
Companies involved were the Fresh Produce Exporters’ Forum (FPEF), Simply Garlic, RussellStone Group (Grainvest Physicals, RussellStone Foods, RussellStone International Platform, Southern Hemisphere Seeds), Standard Bank, Meadow Feeds, Starke Ayres, Rijk Zwaan SA, Koppert SA and Citrus Academy.
Over 300 students from different fields such as Plant and Soil Sciences, Agricultural Economics, Consumer and Food Sciences, Geography, Geoinformatics and Meteorology, Biochemistry, Genetics, Microbiology and Industrial Engineering took part.
Representatives from each company introduced their company, followed by a lively panel discussion and a Q & A session. Afterwards, companies and students networked over pizza and drinks.
This day was packed with wisdom.
Students learnt how important networking was. Master of Ceremonies, Rimbilana Shingange said, “You don’t need to be Miss Bubbly…but you need to be someone who is confident, someone who can articulate themselves and absolutely someone who is good at the knowledge base of whatever industry there is.”
They heard that companies prefer a good attitude over high marks. Wilmarie Kriel, from Starke Ayres, said the following, “I can’t teach someone attitude; I’d rather teach someone from scratch than someone with pre-fixed ideas.”
Furthermore, students were reminded about the importance of modesty. Helena Hartley from Rijk Zwaan said, “Be an open book, stay humble and work hard.” Sive Silo from Citrus Academy informed students about the Citrus Academy’s role to develop young people and reminded students to apply in time for bursaries offered by Citrus Academy, for students studying in various fields, from horticulture to commercial to industrial engineering.
Many other lessons were learnt.
Perhaps the most significant part of the day, besides the networking, is that students were able to hear what career opportunities are possible within their respective fields of study. They were also told that they will not necessarily be doing what they studied and that a degree is only a foot in the door, not necessarily the end destination. The fact that students have options was emphasised, and they should make an effort to find an additional interest, i.e. data analytics, project management or marketing, and upskill themselves by doing courses in these fields.
Lerissa Acres, from Simply Garlic said, “Your degree is your steppingstone. There are a lot of people where, where they are now [vs what they studied] is completely different.”
Rimbilana and the panelists emphasised the importance of soft skills and that graduates will learn what they need to know on the job. Technical skills and completing their qualifications were also emphasised.
AgriCAREERConnect @ UP was a resounding success! We gained valuable insights and forged numerous new connections. Students now have a clearer vision of their future, which speaks volumes about the event’s impact. A heartfelt thank you to everyone who contributed to making this event possible.
The next event will be held at Stellenbosch University on 3 October, focusing on Input Supply and Production (Horticulture, Crops, Viticulture), and Commercial, Value-Adding, Market Places (Horticulture & Crops and Animal Sciences). Students and graduates from Stellenbosch can register here: www.agrijob.co.za/agricareerconnect
Compiled by: Tanja Werle