Page 35 - Graduate Recruitment Handbook 2025

Sesethu Stemele

Qualification(s): Diploma in Marketing,
Nelson Mandela University (2011)
PGDip in Tertiary Education, University of South Africa
(UNISA) (2017)
Masters in Adult Education, University of South Africa
(UNISA) (2023)

| 1. What was your career goal when you first started university?
My main objective was to attain my undergraduate qualification and
start my own business. However, the incredible support and encouragement I received from my lecturers and
mentors changed my mind and made me interested in pursuing a career in adult learning and development.
| 2. What experiences or opportunities at university best prepared you for your career?
The opportunity to participate in work-based learning, whereby the faculty had partnered with Nissan, stands
out as one of the best events that opened my perspective and gave me real life trial of how things are in the
world of work.
| 3. What challenges did you face as a student, and how did you overcome them?
Finding the balance between academics and social life was a bit of a challenge in the beginning of my academic
career. Not having the rigid structure that was in High school and the leisure to partake in so many new ventures
was overwhelming. I overcame this by speaking to one of my lecturers, who had sighted this as one of the
leading causes of dropping out. The lecturer went on to encourage and assist many of the first-year candidates
by monitoring our attendance and performance.
| 4. How did you make the transition from university to the working world? Any tips you’d share?
I had an easy transition as I believe I was prepared adequately for the change through the various on course
work readiness workshops and mentoring programs. I would advise students to take advantage of all work
readiness workshops and opportunities offered while they are still on campus.
| 5. Is there something you wish you had done differently or taken more advantage of while at university?
I wish I had participated in peer tutoring programs as a tutor. This would have sharpened my capabilities and
allowed me to informally experience the processes involved with adult teaching.
| 6. What advice would you give current students preparing for graduation and entering the job market?
They should take the time to appreciate all the steps in their journey. They should be tremendously proud of
what they have achieved and humble themselves to the challenges ahead. Most importantly they should be
patient with themselves.

2025/26 Graduate Recruitment Handbook 35