Focus on Advisory Board Member: Belinda Janeke
"Growth and comfort do not coexist." – Ginni Rometty.
Currently, the Head of Career Services (Student Affairs), Belinda Janeke, is a qualified academic advisor and career expert (with master's degrees in Corporate Communication and Industrial Psychology). Janeke is a key player in fostering an employability culture at the UFS and manages a team of placement professionals who actively match and place students in jobs. During her 15 years at the University of the Free State, Janeke has led the online migration of a work readiness programme featuring CV writing, professional online profiles, and job interview skills. Her passion for graduate employability has motivated her to build on the successes of UFS Career Services by expanding its offering beyond the time students spend on campus. Building corporate relationships is important to pave the way for UFS graduates in the workspace, hence her drive to connect top students and graduates with employers of choice.
As part of her position at the UFS, she is required to perform needs analyses, from which she must create, design, and present workshops for staff and students. Her disciplined and focused approach contributes to her professional and personal success. We regard Janeke as a valuable partner because of her extensive experience in career advising and promoting work readiness. Her expertise aligning academic preparation with workplace expectations helps enhance curriculum relevance, connect Social Science students with real-world skills, and provide valuable internship opportunities.
The career landscape is dynamic and forever changing. Therefore, entrepreneurs and employees must be resilient and flexible to adapt to the continuous shifts in the corporate environment. Janeke, together with her colleagues at the UFS Career Services, play a vital role in the long-term success of our students!