MaVUTis learn to market themselves
MaVUTis learn to market themselves
Mr Babazile Nhlapo, a TV presenter and owner of Pusha Phanda Marketing Foundation
Owen Talane
The Department of Marketing and Sport Management at the Vaal University of Technology (VUT) held its first Marketing Day presentation for students at the Desmond Tutu Great Hall on 4 May with Mr Lehlohonolo Masitenyane, VUT marketing lecturer, as the organizer and programme director.
The purpose of the event was to enlighten the students about the different industries they could approach when they are finished with their courses. Over the past four years, the lecturers and the staff members of the department have learnt that most of the students (especially third-year level students) are uncertain of what exactly they should do after completing their national diplomas. Four guest speakers, representing various industries in the marketing and sporting fields, were invited to educate the students further about possible career paths and give guidelines on how the students can identify opportunities in the marketing field.
The first speaker, Ms Lisebo Pooe from Informer Marketing, addressed the students about the importance of marketing, areas of employment in the marketing field and also advised students to make use of the advisory centre that will be based at VUT FM premises.
Lloyd Mopane, from the Wholesale and Retail SETA (W&RSETA), explained the bursaries and internships they offer in marketing and retail management. The W&RSETA is also going to hand out books for free to students who enrol for Retail and Business Management next year.
Ms Nadia de Beer, Dischem Organisational Development Coordinator, gave out information about employment at Dischem, under the marketing and sporting fields. She further advised students to watch their behaviour when they enter the workplace.
The last speaker, Mr Babazile Nhlapo, a TV presenter and owner of Pusha Phanda Marketing Foundation, shared his story of success and encouraged the students to be independent entrepreneurs.
Overall the event was a success as students attended in their numbers.
“In the new age of marketing, you can sell yourself… get paid to be yourself,” Mr Nhlapo concluded with these words of empowerment.