Degrees, Direction & the Job Market
- Mar 2
- 1 min read
-Rauna Shipalanga
IUM programmes increasingly recognise that academic knowledge alone is no longer enough in today’s competitive job market. Many faculties have integrated internships, work-integrated learning and industry-based projects into the course outlines. These components allow students to apply theoretical knowledge in practical environments, develop problem-solving skills, and gain exposure to workplace culture before graduating.
Student leadership structures should serve as a bridge between students, university management, and external stakeholders.
They are well positioned to:
Facilitate career fairs and networking events
Share information about job opportunities, bursaries, and training programmes
Mentor younger students on career readiness
By collaborating with industry partners and university alumni , student leaders can help democratise access to opportunities, ensuring that information does not reach only a few students but is shared widely and equitably.
Industry networking is extremely important in my opinion, in many cases it is just as valuable as academic performance. Networking allows students to not only understand real industry expectations but also access mentorship opportunities. Furthermore it increases their chances of internships and employment
There are several reasons why this happens sometimes due to limited career guidance before enrolment. Students may choose degrees based on popularity, pressure, or assumptions about income rather than informed research. Additionally misconceptions about the field is also a factor, the day-to-day reality of a profession may differ significantly from what students imagined. Lastly, lack of exposure, without early practical experience, students may only discover misalignment later in their studies.
Rauna Shipalanga, is the Student Representative Council(SRC) President at the International University of Management (IUM).
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