Page 36 - Graduate Recruitment Handbook 2025

Phuthego Nthoke

Qualification(s): Diploma in Public Relations Management,
Nelson Mandela University (2024)
Advanced Diploma in Publi, Nelson Mandela University (2025)
BA Hons in Corporate Communication, Nelson Mandela University
(in progress)

| 1. What was your career goal when you first started university?
I wanted to be an accountant, my goals were to attain an
accounting degree and start working immediately, I wanted a quiet
career, but I ended up in a field that required me to be bold and loud. My goals shifted.
| 2. What experiences or opportunities at university best prepared you for your career?
Being the chairperson of a student society really did equip me with the skills needed for me to integrate into
the working world. I had been volunteering in the university since my second year, I was also enrolled in some
of the extra activities such as the beyond the classroom programme, Leaders for change programme and Lead
Her programme. All these programmes have equipped me with the necessary skills to network with different
people and taught me how to present myself. Volunteering with the how to buddy programme for 3 years, and
marketing for small and big events such as open days, gave me a fresh perspective and open doors to other
opportunities.
| 3. What challenges did you face as a student, and how did you overcome them?
The Language barrier played a huge role in my first year. I was raised in a Sepedi speaking household, I
understand Sepedi, Xitsonga, Venda, Afrikaans and English which are the normal languages for people in
Limpopo however when I arrived in the Eastern Cape, Some people refused to communicate with me in English,
I eventually learned Xhosa however till this date I do come across people who make tribalistic comments when I
speak my home language, you really do not overcome it however you become confident and surround yourself
with people who are willing to learn and grow. Also adapting to the humid climate was a huge factor for me.
| 4. How did you make the transition from university to the working world? Any tips you’d share?
it was relatively easy as we were required to have 8 months of in-service training in my third year of studies, we
had support from our lecturers, and they advised us on how we should navigate the environment. We were truly
lucky to have lecturers who also mentored us and followed up with our managers in our respective placements.
| 5. Is there something you wish you had done differently or taken more advantage of while at university?
I wish I took advantage of more of the programmes and the health facilities; Good Health care and a
psychologist are expensive; I wish that I used those services more in my undergrad. I encourage students to use
the mental health and clinical services offered by the university.
| 6. What advice would you give current students preparing for graduation and entering the job market?
Form bonds with your lecturers, one that you will need is their reference one you start working or plan on
pursuing your post grad studies. Students should have a contact in each faculty as you may need them in the
future, the last thing you can do is reach out to the company that you would like to work for and ask to join
them, some really do appreciate you reaching out.

36 2025/26 Graduate Recruitment Handbook