South Africa’s labour market is a tough place, especially for young graduates looking for their first jobs and hoping to eventually build careers that will see them through to a comfortable retirement.
With a national unemployment rate that is nearing 15-year highs, at 27.6 per cent, finding work can be a daunting prospect, as the shortage of jobs means the market has become a highly competitive space.
As such, it is no longer good enough to just have the right qualifications and skills.
It has become critically important to be the best of the best.
Top-notch candidates stand a far better chance to ward off the competition and to catch the attention of a prospective employer.
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“Your competition is not only in your classroom, but actually all classrooms around the world.
“Therefore, you have to stand out from all the graduates out there.
“You stand out by being the very best you can be,” said entrepreneur Lennox Wasara.
Lennox knows all about how ambition and hard work adding up to success, having just recently completed his master’s degree (MPhil in business) at a mainstream university, at the age of 22.
This while also being the co-founder of ICT company Aulver Technologies SA, which he established with his partners last year.
“The company provides a service in the wellness and health industry.
“Our app aims to bring inclusivity and convenience to ordinary South Africans trying to live a more active lifestyle,” he explained.
“My job is primarily to oversee the alignment and functionality of the different functions within the company’s ecosystem.”
Lennox attributes part of his success to the foundation he gained at the Pearson Institute of Higher Learning, where he obtained a BCom in management in 2017.
“My studies have allowed me to understand the important elements and functions of the business environment, which has enabled me to become a well-rounded young man,” he said.
“In my first year, I pursued my goal of playing in the professional golf circuit and needed a less rigid environment for me to simultaneously train and compete at a high level and study, and Pearson Institute was my preferred higher education institution based on these goals.”
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However, despite his personal success and inspirational achievements, it is more than just about beating the odds in a challenging environment.
Lennox wants to be part of the solution and said his dream job would be to create jobs and provide support to high-growth firms.
“Entrepreneurship can make a real difference to youth unemployment, which is an ongoing challenge that affects many,” he said.
“Graduates should consider entrepreneurship as an alternative.”
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