Graduate unemployment in South Africa highlights the need for students to gain practical experience and skills during their time with the institution (Statistics South Africa, 2018). A need to focus on the implementation of the UWC’s 2035 Institutional Operating Plan (IOP) to "cultivate a socially responsive, people-centred approach through education and research and critical engagement on important matters...."

The Covid-19 scenario was used as a means for students to consider alternative forms of employment. The group assignment presented students with the opportunity to create products or services, using Stanford’s design thinking process (empathise, define, ideate, prototype and test) (d.school, 2013). Design thinking aided the development of 4IR skills such as technical skills, critical thinking and problem-solving (Yusuf, Walters & Sailin, 2020). The increased focus on entrepreneurship allowed students to implement strategies for their start-up businesses rather than just focusing on the analysis of other companies’ strategies.

I hosted a session to assist students in preparing for the world of work by complementing their core learning with the necessary industry skills. I also arranged a session with Career Services to further assist by providing advices on the services offered such as C.V. writing, interview preparation and using Career Explora.