Opportunities galore at Careers Expo

The Harare Gardens was recently a hive of activity as the inaugural Speciss College Careers Expo brought together students, examining bodies, industry representatives and tuition providers.

Students attending the two-day Careers Expo were exposed to various career opportunities, from professional careers like accounting to vocations in the technical and clothing fields.

Nyasha Antonio, an Upper Sixth student at Warren Park High School, said he had found the Careers Expo very helpful.

"I got introduced to many interesting career prospects that I did not know about before," said Nyasha.

The Careers Expo saw over 40 exhibitors, ranging from examining bodies to industry experts participating.

Ms Marcelle du Rand, the NCC Education Manager for Africa and the Caribbean, flew in from her Cape Town base to take part in the Expo.

She applauded the Careers Expo for bringing together different organisations under one roof where students could easily access useful career information from the relevant experts.

"The Careers Expo is a great initiative and it was especially beneficial for students as it provided a one-stop shop for information," the NCC Education representative said.

Ms du Rand expressed hope that the Careers Expo would become an annual function and promised that NCC Education would continue to support future editions.

Mr Adam Scott, an international development manager for the London Chamber of Commerce & Industry, said that the Careers Expo had surpassed his expectations.

"I found this expo to have been well organised with a vibrant atmosphere that helped people to be more receptive to the information on offer," he said.

Students attending the Careers Expo were given printed career sheets outlining a range of careers in detail, while career guidance teachers each received a folder of these career sheets.

Leading recruitment agency CV People was on hand to advise the schoolchildren on how to write an effective CV, while students could view an assortment of prescribed books at a book stand.

One of the highlights of the Careers Expo was a fashion show that saw garment students from Speciss Technical Campus modelling clothes they had designed and sewn.

In addition to providing students with career information, the Careers Expo also enabled the various exhibitors to network and to establish business relationships.

Mr Chris Mafuwa, the chairman for the Zimbabwean Chapter of the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport, said the Careers Expo had provided the institution with a great networking opportunity.

"This Expo was a great forum as we got to meet people from other economic sectors which complement the transport industry," said Mr Mafuwa.

According to Ms Sue McNally, the Speciss College Director for Education and Quality Assurance, the Careers Expo was a resounding success.

"We are happy with the feedback we continue to receive from participants and we plan on organising an even more extensive and informative Careers Expo next year," she said.

Many teens thanked the organisers for great opportunity saying it would go long way in boosting their careers.

"I will use what I have learnt last weekend. This career expo serves as a great opportunity for us to know where we are going," said Tatenda Mbanje from Denmak College.