In an innovative and forward-looking initiative, the Department of Architecture at the University of Pretoria (UP) held its maiden Career Fair on September 11th and 12th.

This seminal event was crafted to enhance the visibility of exit-year students and forge sustaining connections between them and crucial industry partners. With adeptly curated workshops, exhibitions, and network-building opportunities, the fair provided a fertile ground for students to seamlessly merge their academic pursuits with industry realities.

The two-day event commenced with a notably insightful 'Employability Workshop' by Dr. Krinesha George. This workshop illuminated practical aspects of entering the job market, elucidating topics such as effective self-marketing, crafting a professional image, and astute CV writing. Significantly, the session was peppered with presentations by recent alums and postgraduate students like Mangaliso Mtetwa and Khulukani Bila, offering students a realistic and relatable perspective on transitioning from academia to industry.

Concurrently, a series of workshops held in the afternoon-oriented students toward various postgraduate pathways and innovative career-building strategies. These sessions witnessed insights from industry mavens such as Onthatile Makgalemela (Marketing Manager, Boogertman & Partners), Juliet Kavishe (Interior & Architectural Consultant and Educator), and Charldon Wilken (Director, Fieldworks Design Group), thereby providing a multifaceted understanding of the avenues available post-graduation.

Day 2 of the fair transitioned into a vibrant exhibition, spotlighting the work of exit year (third-year, Honours, and Masters) students. A dual poster series allowed students to demonstrate their finest work and honed skills, while bespoke flyers offered a succinct summary of their key skills and contact information, providing a structured platform for networking and engagement with industry representatives.

Industry partners were highly complimentary about the quality of student work and the overall organization and impact of the event itself. The day was enriched with presentations and marketing talks by stalwarts from the Built Environment Industry, featuring two distinguished architectural firms, SAOTO and ARCA Unlimited. Furthermore, the event was graced by influential entities, including Newtown Landscape Architects, Solid Green Consulting, The Green Building Council of South Africa, The Pretoria Institute for Architecture, and representatives from SACAP and SACLAP.

In reflection, the inaugural Career Fair served as a dynamic conduit between students and the architecture industry. It firmly established UP's Department of Architecture as a nurturing ground for the architects of tomorrow. The event demonstrated a profound commitment to student success and industry collaboration, and plans for the next instalment are eagerly anticipated.

Looking Ahead to 2024.

With the resounding success of this year's event, anticipation is already building for the next Career Fair. UP's Department of Architecture is set to continue fostering this essential bridge between the academic and professional worlds, aiming to introduce more students to fruitful career pathways and to solidify relationships with industry partners further. The university, students, and industry partners will undoubtedly carry forward the momentum from this year's event, ensuring that the next Career Fair is not merely a sequel but a magnified celebration of architectural talent, innovation, and industry partnership. Stay tuned for more details on the forthcoming, unmissable event.