On 21 May 2016 the University of Pretoria hosted its much anticipated annual Open Day. The event was designed for learners wishing to begin their studies at UP in the near future. It is estimated that a record number of approximately 25 000 visitors comprising mainly Grade 11 and Grade 12 learners, their parents and teachers, flocked to the UP Hatfield Campus to enquire about their degrees of choice.

Prospective students enjoyed interacting with the enthusiastic and approachable Marketing Management lecturers and current BCom Honours Marketing Management students, who provided valuable information to enable the learners to make informed career decisions. Popular questions from prospective students were centred around admission requirements, job opportunities and the duration of the programme.

Despite their enthusiasm, many prospective students were disappointed upon realising that pure Mathematics and not Maths Literacy is required for entry into a Bachelor of Commerce degree. Learners with Maths Literacy as a subject were redirected to other departments where they could enrol.

The Head of the Department of Marketing Management, Prof Jordaan, presented a motivating speech to aspiring marketing students, which touched on how the programme is presented, industry collaborations and the marketing profession in general. Prof Jordaan was also proud to acknowledge that most of the BCom (Hons) Marketing Management students secure employment within a few months of graduating from UP.

One of the current BCom Marketing Management honours students, Mahlodi Kgatle, says that her experience of serving at the Department of Marketing Management information table at the 2016 Open Day was rewarding, as it helped her to uncover her own modus operandi in establishing her career goals. “A Grade 11 learner was seeking advise on how to pursue her own dreams, contrary to her father's wishes of applying for a finance degree. I found myself reflecting on my own life's journey and looking back I realise that pursuing a qualification in the marketing field is something that I did, not for future monetary gains, but for self-actualisation,” says Kgatle.

By serving at career fairs and open days, we open up portals for young people to start dreaming beyond their current circumstances. Kgatle’s wish for the future is “for our country to start engaging with young people in a way that promotes the vastness of career paths by emphasising an intrinsic need for growth. Let us make today matter by building careers for fulfilment.”

Apart from the informative sessions, prospective students had the opportunity to tour the main Hatfield Campus and explore the university life. We thank all visitors and look forward to a very successful 2017 academic year.

Feel free to visit the website of the Department of Marketing Management or the degree programmes in Marketing Management.

Mr Michael Humbani (Marketing Management lecturer) with prospective students

Mahlodi Kgatle (BCom (Hons) Marketing Management student) and prospective students