“Despite us (as you mentioned yourself) having been introduced to the manners in which our personal experience of the recruitment process can be improved (CV writing, interview training etc) before, your session provided a different perspective on how to actively make yourself seem more attractive for a position. What I mean particularly was the way in which you made us realise that any previous experience (academic or professional) can be used as an asset if presented adequately.
I liked that you gave a realistic representation of the domestic job market for the political science field (which was a downer, for sure) but also an eye-opener.
What made me enjoy it the most was your genuine honesty throughout, sharing your ups and downs and especially talking about how to calm yourself down. I feel social anxiety has become a serious problem across the board but I can tell especially with students and young professionals, so being able to relate to someone who suffers from anxiety but regardless offered a great presentation was a nice reminder of the ways in which we are able to control our flaws and maybe even turn them into another asset.
Hope this makes sense and helps. Thanks again for the session and all the best!
Warmest, Jule”
- Jule Marie Hamker - Political Science, Masters Candidate - August 2022
“Dit wat vir ons uitgestaan het is die interaktiewe aktiwiteit aan die einde van die dag.”
- Sonet Meyer - Graad 9 Graadhoof - Hoërskool Jan van Riebeeck - Augustus 2022
“Philip is accessible in his presentation style while delivering golden nuggets that need to be heard. Some do’s and don’ts that not everyone is willing to say, but that can make or break opportunities for those entering the working-world”.
- Dr Nicola de Jager - Department of Political Science, Stellenbosch University - August 2022
“I enjoyed the session yesterday. It was engaging and offered a lot of helpful advice for how to approach writing CVs and interviews. I will definitely apply your tips in my next interview.
Your tone and speed made it easy to listen and to stay focused. I also appreciated you mentioning your anxiety, as it made you more relatable.”
- Anonymous Feedback - Presentation to Post Graduate Political Science Students -
August 2022
The seminar focused on finding a job within the political science field. From CVs to presentation and interviews
What was really good - the audience was listening and focused on you showcasing you have good presentation skills plus the funny PowerPoint slides was a nice touch.
The personal insights made everyone connect to you , knowing you’re nervous made us more relaxed and at ease. The honesty about networking and meeting new people. the insights you shared on building relationships and volunteer work to diversify yourself as a student.
The question and answer portion was really good despite not getting a lot of questions from the audience. The opportunity to ask is really appreciated.
Overall I love the session , I went to correct a few things on my CV after and also knowing what recruiters in the field look out for help. I think it wasn’t too much information that we felt like we were in a lecture but had a relaxed vibe.”
- Lebby Moiloa - Philosophy, Politics and Economics - Final year - August 2022
I really enjoyed the seminar as it showed me that although it’s scary to think about entering the job market, that there are opportunities out there and there are ways to make yourself more accessible through networking and broadening your horizons and being open to new opportunities and challenges. I think the only thing I would say could use an improvement is maybe if we can see an example of a good CV and cover letter as I know you told us what they entail, but sometimes just seeing it makes it easier to understand.
Overall though I thoroughly enjoyed it. It made me feel a bit more calm about my choices heading into the job market and has offered great advice on how to further myself and make myself more employable.
Thank you so much!
- Courtney Forster - Political Science, Honours Candidate - August 2022