The University of the Free State (UFS) will present a Career Development Week from 19-23 September 2005 for students on the Main Campus in Bloemfontein.  This will give companies the opportunity to introduce themselves to students. 

It will be the first time that such a programme is presented at the UFS.  Similar career development programmes take place at most of the other big South African universities.

This initiative was inspired by the huge need among students to network with the business sector so as to prepare themselves for the practical demands made on prospective employees in the marketplace.  The UFS also receives many requests from the corporate and private sector to meet with students with a view to possible recruitment.

There will be no costs involved at participating in the programme and companies may also use it as a recruitment opportunity.

The Career Development Week will be presented in the format of “lunch hour talks”.  Companies specify at which time and date they would prefer to make a presentation of about 30 minutes to the students.  Aspects to be covered in the presentation include information about the company, the career possibilities within the company and the type of academic qualifications and personality characteristics needed in the specific company and industry.  If necessary, afternoon sessions (14:00–17:00) could be arranged.

Companies interested in taking part in this opportunity can contact Ms Ilse Olivier on (051) 4012415.

Media release
Issued by:  Lacea Loader
   Media Representative
   Tel:  (051) 401-2584
   Cell:  083 645 2454
   E-mail:  loaderl.stg@mail.uovs.ac.za 
   2 September 2005