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#YouthMonth: Celebrating youth empowerment (Sanchay Kalicharan)

21 June 2023 | Story Sanchay Kalicharan | Photo Supplied

The University of the Free State (UFS) is celebrating Youth Month by showcasing the positive influence of the institution on career development. As part of this initiative, we are sharing the stories of UFS alumni who are now working at the university.

Sanchay Kalicharan, ETDP SETA Intern at DiMTEC, shares his UFS journey:

Q: Year of graduation from the UFS:

A: I graduated from the UFS Bloemfontein Campus in 2022.

Q: Qualification obtained from the UFS:

A: I obtained my Postgraduate Diploma in Disaster Management through the Disaster Management Training and Education Centre for Africa (DiMTEC) at the UFS.

Q: Date of joining the UFS as a staff member:

A: In August 2022, I embarked on a new journey as a staff member at the UFS. From the outset, the UFS provided a nurturing and challenging environment that fostered both personal and professional growth. As an intern, I was immersed in a diverse range of tasks and responsibilities that contributed significantly to my understanding of my chosen field.

The experience has been highly rewarding, equipping me with valuable insights and practical skills, while offering an opportunity to make meaningful contributions to the university's community. The camaraderie and support of my colleagues made for a dynamic work culture that drove excellence and innovation. Overall, joining the UFS marked a significant step on my career path.

Q: Initial job title and current job title:

A: In August 2022, I embarked on an enriching journey with the UFS as a PYEI intern at DiMTEC. Over the course of six months, I was deeply immersed in a variety of tasks, honing my skills, and gaining valuable insights into disaster management.

As my initial internship drew to a close in January 2023, a new chapter began. I transitioned into the role of an ETDP SETA intern with DiMTEC. From February 2023 till now, I have been extending my understanding and practical knowledge of the field. Each day brings a new learning opportunity, reinforcing the theoretical concepts I have studied with real-world applications. These successive roles at the UFS have played an integral part in shaping my professional career.

Q: How did the UFS prepare you for the professional world?

A: The UFS prepared me for the professional world in numerous ways. The internships I undertook at DiMTEC provided me with a robust platform to acquire practical skills and insights that are highly valuable in the professional world.

During my time as a PYEI intern, I was exposed to various facets of disaster management. This hands-on experience, paired with guidance from seasoned professionals, allowed me to delve into the complexities of the field and build my competency. Transitioning into the role of an ETDP SETA intern, I was able to further develop my understanding and skills in the disaster management field. The UFS provided continuous opportunities for learning and development, reinforcing theoretical knowledge with practical, real-world experiences.

In addition to the technical skills, the UFS also fostered the growth of soft skills such as teamwork, communication, problem-solving, and leadership, which are paramount in the professional world. Through collaborations, projects, and day-to-day interactions, I learned how to work effectively with diverse individuals, navigate challenges, and lead initiatives. This holistic training at the UFS has equipped me with the tools and confidence to navigate the professional landscape.

Q: What are your thoughts on transitioning from a UFS alumnus to a staff member?

A: Transitioning from a UFS alumnus to a staff member has been an enriching and rewarding journey. As a student, the university provided an excellent foundation of academic knowledge and practical skills. As a staff member, I have had the opportunity to apply and extend this knowledge, further deepening my understanding of my chosen field.

This transition has offered a different perspective on the workings of the institution. While my focus as a student was primarily on learning and personal development, as a staff member I am now contributing to the university's operations and its mission. This has given me a greater appreciation for the efforts that go into running such an institution, and the responsibilities that come with my role.

Being a part of the UFS staff also gives me a unique opportunity to give back to the community that has given so much to me during my student years. It is a chance to contribute to the academic and personal growth of current and future students, just as my teachers and mentors did for me. Overall, the transition has been a fulfilling experience and I look forward to continuing to make a positive impact in my role at the UFS.

Q: Any additional comments about your experience?

A: Throughout my journey at the UFS, both as an alumnus and as a staff member, I have found the environment to be nurturing and inspiring. Each role has brought new challenges and opportunities that have fostered my personal and professional growth.

The transition from being a student to joining the staff was seamless, largely due to the supportive community and culture of the UFS. I have been fortunate to collaborate with and learn from a diverse and talented group of professionals who are deeply committed to their work and the university's mission.

One significant aspect of my experience has been the real-world impact of the work we do at DiMTEC. It is fulfilling to know that our efforts contribute to the broader goal of enhancing disaster management strategies and practices.

Lastly, I greatly appreciate the continuous learning opportunities provided by the UFS. Whether it is through formal training, learning from colleagues, or tackling challenging projects, there is always an opportunity to learn and grow. This commitment to continuous learning is something I value deeply, and it fuels my passion for my work at the UFS.

News Archive

Guest lecture: Mr Pretorius, CEO of McCarthy Limited

2004-11-05

The challenges facing business leaders in a rapidly changing South Africa

“The world we used to know does not exist anymore. Leaders are continually dealing with crisis and opportunities, in a high-pressure environment,” said Mr Brand Pretorius, honorary professor from the University of the Free State , delivering his 13th guest lecture on the challenges facing business leaders in a rapidly changing South Africa .

Mr Pretorius, CEO of McCarthy Limited, identified certain trends which are responsible for changes to the South African business environment. He said the South African business environment is ever-changing, fast moving, complex and unpredictable. “As business people we have to deal with the impact,” he said.

“Years ago we were globally isolated. Now we live in a shrinking borderless world with crumbling trade barriers. Globilisation of our economy is accelerating. For South African business leaders this creates a sea of export opportunities,” he said.

Although there are ongoing demands for substantial profit growth from shareholders, the days of focussing only on their interests are gone, said Mr Pretorius. Stakeholder commitment now enjoys high priority and business leaders have to deal with the challenges accompanying black economic empowerment and employment equity.

Customers are also well-informed and demanding. Business leaders could easily loose the loyalty of their customers because of a hyper-competitive environment with an oversupply of goods and services.

Mr Pretorius stated that staff want to be involved and are looking for meaning in their workplace. Employers also have to deal with HIV/Aids in their workplaces. Trauma, absenteeism and financial implications could have a great effect on the viability of a business.

Against these changes Mr Pretorius pointed out the challenges business leaders are facing. In doing so a number of questions arise. The external business climate is characterised by turbulence and change. Internally there is a need for stability and meaning. How do we handle both challenges effectively?

Because of changes strategy decay is taking place and past strategies become irrelevant. Mr Pretorius said that business leaders need to modify their business models to prevent the downfall of their companies.

It is important for leaders to know what is happening in their world. “Continuous innovation is a critical success factor. The reality is that innovation is the only insurance against irrelevance,” he said.

Because of a changed environment leaders must perform and transform, simultaneously. How do we strike a balance between focused transformation and the achievement of world class performance, asked Mr Pretorius? “We need to bring about meaningful and sustainable empowerment, in order to create an inclusive economy and society. Leadership and management profiles should reflect the diversity of our teams, however at the same time every effort should be made to stop the brain drain and retain the expertise of experienced white managers.”

He also stated that leaders have an important role to play in terms of employment creation and corporate caring. “Sustainable stability and prosperity will not materialise without efforts in this regard.”

Mr Pretorius said that above challenges could be addressed by developing the ability to focus on creating a better future, rather than defending the past, a long-term vision, facing new realities, enhancing the value of brands and mobilising IT and the Internet to serve the business and customers better.

Retaining a positive vision of the future, embracing change and transformation, building your business according to the right principles and values and aspiring to be the best are some of the guidelines, according to Mr Brand, for future business success. He stated that creating a value advantage above one’s competitors, customer satisfaction and retention and inspirational leadership will add to the success of one’s business.

“We are indeed living in the era of the ultimate challenges, but also the ultimate opportunities. Let me clearly state that I have hope – in my view the tide has turned. Every day I experience small miracles inspired by ordinary people making an extraordinary difference,” said Mr Pretorius.

Media release
Issued by: Lacea Loader
Media Representative
Tel: (051) 401-2584
Cell: 083 645 2454
E-mail: loaderl.stg@mail.uovs.ac.za
5 November 2004

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