The University of the Free State has received national recognition after its Career Services unit was shortlisted for two prestigious South African Graduate Employers Association (SAGEA) Awards.

Career Services has been nominated in the Best Career Fair and Best Career Services categories, placing the university among South Africa’s leading institutions recognised for excellence in student career development and graduate employability.

Recognition reflects commitment to student success

According to Nobesuthu Sonti, Chief Officer: Kovsie Support Services, the dual nomination is a significant achievement for both the university and the Career Services team.

“Being recognised among South Africa’s top three Career Services offices is a proud achievement for both the University of the Free State and our team. It reflects the university's value of excellence and affirms our commitment to preparing students for success beyond graduation,” she said.

Sonti added that the recognition strengthens the university's reputation for producing work-ready graduates and encourages students to invest actively in their career development.

Initiatives preparing graduates for the world of work

The nominations acknowledge a range of initiatives designed to equip students with the skills and confidence needed to enter the workplace successfully. These include career readiness programmes, career fairs, employer networking events, mock interviews, one-on-one career consultations, and curriculum-integrated employability initiatives.

“By working closely with employers and academic faculties, we ensure our programmes remain relevant, preparing UFS graduates to navigate the world of work confidently,” Sonti said.

The Best Career Fair nomination highlights the university’s ability to create impactful platforms that enable students to engage directly with employers, learn about career opportunities, and build professional networks. The Best Career Services nomination recognises the unit's broader contribution to providing comprehensive career guidance throughout students' academic journeys.

Building partnerships for future opportunities

Sonti said the nominations also reflect the positive impact that Career Services has had in strengthening employer partnerships and connecting students with meaningful career opportunities.

Looking ahead, Career Services plans to deepen collaboration with academic departments, expand industry partnerships, and explore ways to provide personalised career support to more students.

“We aim to continue cultivating a culture where every student understands that employability is a shared responsibility between themselves, the university, and industry,” she said.

She added that the ultimate goal is for every UFS graduate to leave the institution not only with a qualification, but also with the skills, experiences, and confidence required to thrive in a rapidly changing world.