Page 34 - Graduate Recruitment Handbook 2025

ALUMNI
profiles

Busisiwe Fukweni

Qualification(s): Diploma in Public Management, Nelson Mandela
University (2016)
BTech in Public Management, Nelson Mandela University (2017)

| 1. What was your career goal when you first started university?
When I first arrived at Nelson Mandela University, I wanted to career
in information technology. However, I took a detour and ended
up enrolling in a course called public management because I was
accepted, even though I had already been accepted into the high
certificate program in information technology. I ultimately decided to go with my second choice, the Public
Management Diploma.
| 2. What experiences or opportunities at university best prepared you for your career?
I would say that my academic experiences primarily equipped me to ask questions, conduct independent
research before forming an opinion, and finally advocate for what I believe in and be open to correction.

| 3. What challenges did you face as a student, and how did you overcome them?
For three years, I was excluded from NSFAS, but my parents managed to make ends up until I graduated.
Everything changed when I completed my B-Tech, where I received funding due to fees must fall, and during my
master’s degree, I was awarded an NRF scholarship.
| 4. How did you make the transition from university to the working world? Any tips you’d share?
The transition was smooth since I had gained independence at university, where I had assignments that had
deadlines and had to be turned in by the specified time. Similarly, at work, you have tasks with due dates that
you have to finish by the deadline. My advice would be to ask questions if you don’t understand something
since, you’re new to the workforce, look for a mentor right away, set and pursue goals, and learn to read the
room.
| 5. Is there something you wish you had done differently or taken more advantage of while at university?
Definitely, I would have joined student organizations, connected with more people, and I think it would have
better prepared me for the real world.
| 6. What advice would you give current students preparing for graduation and entering the job market?
Congratulations for making it this far. Get ready to put in more effort; applying for jobs and not hearing back
can be discouraging, but giving up is not the goal. Go seek for a volunteer position while you are still looking for
employment, keep in mind that there are a lot of people applying for jobs, make sure your resume is error-free,
and always attempt to stand out. Best wishes

34 2025/26 Graduate Recruitment Handbook