Several studies have concluded that community engagement can increase the chances of students finding employment after graduation.

“Students who participate in community engagement during their studies are more likely in their adult lives to be involved in community initiatives, that may turn into small-business enterprises in some instances,” says Dr Eugene Machimana, Senior Education Consultant in Community Engagement at the University of Pretoria (UP).

Getting involved in community work has several benefits for students, he adds.  “Students who partake in community engagement usually have an increased academic performance, are self-efficient, and enjoy broadened values and career choices. Community engagement partnerships also have the potential to draw students’ attention to social justice issues during their academic years.”

There are several community engagement activities that students can partake in. “Educational programmes at schools, animal treatment vaccinations, environmental enrichment projects, psychological intervention projects are all activities that are readily available to students,” Dr Machimana said.

Community engagement also prepares students for the world of work. “Students can gain numerous skills from partaking in community engagement. These include public speaking, improved communication, conflict management, project management, and negotiation and teamwork skills. All these abilities come in handy in the workplace.”

As such, there is a clear link between community engagement and employability, Dr Machimana stresses. “There is no doubt that community engagement builds global citizenship based on the following elements: values, knowledge, skills, efficacy and commitment to social justice. Furthermore, students learn to manage time, resources and flexibility. These are some of the critical skills that potential employers are looking for. It would be a significant positive for South Africa to exploit its diverse cultural heritage through community engagement to provide gainful employment.”

Another upshot of student community participation is that even schoolchildren can benefit. When university students engage with learners, they facilitate growth by offering career guidance. “Students who are active in community engagement are advancing the social justice agenda by contributing positively to community development,” Dr Machimana added. “This could lead to job creation, depending on the nature of the intervention. It is crucial to expose learners to new career opportunities, as COVID-19 and/or the fourth industrial revolution have shown that some careers are now redundant. Community engagement can serve as a platform to introduce learners and students alike to new careers.”

Enrol for UP’s free Ready for Work programme on clickUP and learn all the job-seeking and workplace skills you need to be successful at finding a job. Getting Ready for Work is THE UP WAY.