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Graduates: How to get in gear for your first job search

Your first job search after graduation can be both exciting and terrifying, particularly in South Africa where many qualified people compete for a limited number of vacancies. But the experience can be made much more rewarding, and the chances of success greater, by following a few simple guidelines, an education expert says.

"You have to approach the job search with a plan, rather than falling into it haphazardly, as the latter can quickly lead to frustration and disappointment," says Wonga Ntshinga, Senior Head of Programme: Faculty of ICT at The Independent Institute of Education, SA's largest and most accredited private higher education institution.

Ntshinga says when the economy is constrained, as it currently is in South Africa, finding a job can be hard even for those with experience, but that it can be especially daunting for first-time job seekers who are not yet familiar with the processes related to searching for work.

"First of all, recent graduates must keep an open mind and stay alert for potential opportunities. Don't get stuck on the idea that there is just one specific kind of job for you and that if you don't find the exact role that you intended stepping into after graduation, you need to keep looking until you do.

"Understand that you may need to get a foot in a door first, and that once you've done so and proved yourself, you may start encountering more desirable opportunities in the environment you find yourself," he says.

Ntshinga says it is very important for graduates to use their time as productively as possible, and go searching for opportunities rather than waiting for them to come knocking.

"By following the steps below, you will be in a much better position to realise success on your job search journey," he says.

1) LAY THE GROUNDWORK

It may sound obvious, but many don't realise the importance of getting the slog out of the way before they start submitting applications, Ntshinga says.

"You have to make sure that all your paperwork is in order, such as copies of your ID, academic transcripts, your degree, and so forth. Depending on your field, you may need additional documentation specific to your industry. Ensure that you have these in hard and digital format, ready to submit when required.

"Then, of course, you need to get your CV in tip-top shape. It can't be stressed enough that it needs to be neat, concise and without any errors such as incorrect dates or grammatical slip-ups. It's always a good idea to get a set of expert eyes on your CV before sending it off, so approach your graduate institution's career centre for assistance in this regard," he says.

2) SET GOALS

Ntshinga says one should spend a few hours every day on the search, and not leave it for when you feel like it.

"Inspiration may never hit, so don't wait for it. Set out each day with the aim of finding and applying for a certain number of opportunities. Scour online job listings, widen your net to related vacancies even if not a 100% match to your preferred position, and cold call companies' HR departments.

"When you send in an application for a vacancy, or your CV to the HR department to keep on file, remember to tailor your covering letter and experience to the specific company and position. And very importantly, keep a detailed and updated spreadsheet indicating where you applied, what you applied for, date of application and contact details of the person to whom you submitted the application. This may be useful later when you need to follow up on an application, or even when you want test the waters in future about potential vacancies."

3) ROPE IN THE EXPERTS

The job search will feel lonely at times, but you don't have to go it alone, says Ntshinga.

"Join forces with recruitment agencies and approach your graduate institution for help with your search," he advises.

"A good institution will have specialist resources to help you prepare your CV, practise your interview skills, and assist you in identifying where you might need to strengthen or alter your approach.

"There are also many public, private and online resources dedicated to assisting job-seekers, so identify and connect with those in your area."

4) GROW PROFESSIONALLY WHILE YOU WAIT

Ntshinga says it is vitally important not to stagnate professionally, particularly if the job-search takes a while.

"You absolutely must stay on top of developments in your profession, by networking and developing your relevant skills. Spend some time every week honing your professional skills by applying what you learnt during your studies. Volunteer your services in your community, go to industry networking events, and stay sharp.

"Also consider gaining a complementary skill to boost your CV and your range of competence. If you keep going and keep growing, the doors of opportunity will start opening for you."

ADvTECH Updates

By Tamara Thomas 27 Mar, 2024
ADvTECH, Africa’s leading private education provider, has pledged its support to Educor students left in the lurch after the college group was deregistered this week. “We stand by the Educor students and are committed to supporting them in successfully completing their qualification,” says Shevon Lurie, Director of The Independent Institute of Education, the higher education division of ADvTECH. Brands of The IIE include IIE Varsity College, IIE MSA, IIE Vega and IIE Rosebank College. “We understand the uncertainty and concern facing affected students. This is a regrettable and unfortunate development which will impact thousands, and as The IIE, we endeavour to help students registered for both the contact and distance modes of study to the best of our ability to ensure their academic journey is successful in future,” Lurie says. “As part of the ADvTECH group, our commitment is not only to our own students, but also to the sustainability, growth and development of higher education in South Africa as a whole.” Lurie says The IIE has set up a centralised process and will be channelling queries through the Registrar’s office to ensure students are quickly and correctly advised. Students will be accommodated as of Semester 2. Affected students who would like to enquire about their options of transferring to The IIE can mail registrar@iie.ac.za . The office will assist students with queries regarding similar qualifications, the nearest campus to consider, and the process for applying for academic credits. Each student’s financial circumstances and academic transcript will be holistically reviewed. Support for students will be assessed at an individual level given the variables at play. In general, the process ahead will be as follows: Transfer of courses The IIE will look for a similar qualification and NQF level in the chosen field of study, ensuring that the student also meets the admission criteria. Process The IIE will guide students through the necessary channels and steps to ensure they are fully informed. Given that we are already halfway through the first semester transfers will be facilitated for Semester 2. Transfer of credits The IIE will conduct an academic credit mapping exercise for each student. This will entail assessing the overlap between modules that the student has passed with similar modules on the transfer qualification. If there is sufficient alignment, an academic credit/s is granted and the student is exempt from the relevant module. Fee considerations Fee credits will be granted for module credits, i.e. the total programme fee will be reduced by the cost of the module/s that the students are granted academic credit for. “Our focus is to support former Educor students to successfully obtain their qualification, without extending their study period wherever possible,” says Lurie.
By Tamara Thomas 25 Mar, 2024
25 March 2024: Commenting on the results, retiring ADvTECH CEO, Roy Douglas, said: “ADvTECH’s robust financial performance for the year ended December 2023 is indicative of the group’s sound business model and quality assets. Our schools and tertiary divisions benefitted from good enrolment growth, moderate fee increases and enhanced operating leverage, while, in our resourcing division, we continued to benefit from our investment into the rest of Africa. This sustained performance is driven by the group’s established market position in South Africa and its growing presence across the continent.” “Furthermore, the significant investments made by the group over a number of years are contributing meaningfully to earnings and cash generation. ADvTECH is now in a position where we are generating cash in excess of our investment funding requirements and consequently, the board has increased the dividend payout to shareholders by 45%.” Group operational and financial performance Revenue up 13% Operating profit up 18% Normalised earnings up 20% ADvTECH’s strong financial performance, solid cash generation and healthy balance sheet reflect the group’s sound business model, clear market positioning and emphasis on effectiveness and efficiencies. Group revenue grew by 13% to R7 860 million for the year (2022: R6 961 million) as a result of good enrolment growth in both the schools and tertiary divisions, as well as from increased business activity in the resourcing division. Operating profit increased by 18% to R1 577 million (2022: R1 333 million) while the group operating margin improved to 20.1% (2022: 19.1%). Normalised earnings for the year increased by 20% to R950 million (2022: R790 million) while normalised earnings per share increased by 20% to 174.2 cents (2022 145.7 cents) per share. Cash generated from operating activities increased by 10% to R1 940 million (2022: R1 766 million) illustrating the strong cash generating capacity of the group. Capital expenditure was focused on meeting incremental demand via increasing capacity at existing sites as well as the development of a new school and a new tertiary site. Capital expenditure was also allocated to acquiring equipment and technology to enhance the group’s teaching and learning capability and was used to enhance business systems focused on the standardisation of group-wide processes to allow for further efficiency improvements. The significant investments made by the group over a number of years have begun contributing meaningfully to both earnings and cash generation and, as a result, this reduced borrowings. ADvTECH is now in the position where it is generating cash in excess of what is required to fund the group’s investment programme. Consequently, to better manage the group’s capital structure and optimise return on equity, the board elected to reduce the dividend cover and increase the dividend payout. A final gross dividend of 57.0 cents (2022: 37.0 cents) per ordinary share in respect of the year ended 31 December 2023 was declared, bringing the full year dividend to 87.0 cents (2022: 60.0 cents) per share for the 2023 financial year. Schools South Africa Revenue up 13% Operating profit up 18% Operating margin improved to 20.3% The schools division continued to enhance its value proposition and win market share, despite the tough operating environment. All the division’s brands recorded volume and operating profit growth. Revenue increased by 13% to R2 810 million (2022: R2 492 million) and operating profit increased by 18% to R570 million (2022: R484 million) with the operating margin improving to 20.3% (2022: 19.4%). Students at ADvTECH recorded exceptional results in the 2023 Independent Examinations Board examinations achieving an impressive 99.7% pass rate, while 87.7% obtained a bachelor degree pass. Schools in the rest of Africa Revenue up 14% Operating profit up 43% Operating margin improved to 30.0% ADvTECH’s school brands in the rest of Africa recorded strong enrolment growth. Revenue increased by 14% to R381 million (2022: R334 million) while operating profit improved by 43% to R114 million (2022: R80 million) despite the impact of the weakening Kenyan Shilling. The operating margin advanced from 23.9% to 30.0%. Capacity was increased at Crawford International School in Kenya as it continued to experience strong demand. All of the final year students that completed their A-Level qualification were accepted into international universities. Gaborone International School (GIS) in Botswana continued to perform exceptionally well with strong enrolment growth and market leading academic results. The students achieved a 99.7% pass rate in the International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) exams. Tertiary/University Revenue up 10% Operating profit up 16% Operating margin improved to 26.4% ADvTECH’s tertiary division continues to perform well, growing off the back of a well-established portfolio of quality brands that offer a comprehensive range of programmes and qualifications. The group’s ability to provide multi-channel modes of delivery (contact, blended, online, full-time, part-time and distance) is central to it proposition and allows the division to meet the requirements of every student at any time, at any location. Revenue increased by 10% to R2 988 million (2022: R2 728million) and operating profit grew by 16% to R787 million (2022: R680 million). Operating margin increased to 26.4% (2022: 24.9%) benefitting from effective cost containment measures. The Varsity College campuses in Pretoria and Midrand were expanded in response to growing demand. Equally so, Rosebank College acquired additional capacity at its mega-campuses in Braamfontein and Pretoria, and opened a new digitally enabled campus in Mbombela in January 2024. Resourcing Revenue up 26% in rest of Africa Operating profit up 28% in rest of Africa The strategy to expand into the rest of Africa continues to bear fruit. Volumes grew substantially over the year resulting in revenue increasing by 26% to R1 452 million (2022: R1 155 million) and operating profit by 28% to R105 million (2022: R82 million). The South Africa resourcing business’ revenue contracted by 9% to R229 million (2022: R252 million) due to the disposal of the group’s 51% share of the Contract Accountants group in the second half of the prior financial year, along with the tough trading environment. Retirement of Roy Douglas and appointment of Geoff Whyte As indicated in previous announcements, on 29 February 2024, Roy Douglas officially retired and stepped down as the CEO of ADvTECH. One of his last formal responsibilities, however, will be to present the financial results to the market. Roy will be joined at the results presentation by the new group CEO, Geoff Whyte. Commenting on the developments, board chairperson, Chris Boulle commented: “Roy has successfully led the group in its expansion strategy during his tenure, resulting in ADvTECH becoming the leading private education and recruitment group across the continent. He leaves ADvTECH in a strong position to continue its growth trajectory. The board wishes to thank Roy for his invaluable contribution during his tenure as CEO and wishes him well in his retirement.” “The board is similarly pleased with the appointment of Geoff Whyte as CEO and are confident that Geoff’s track record and experience will enable him to build on the group’s successes.” Prospects The continued growth in demand for quality education in South Africa, particularly in the rest of Africa, persists. Consequently, the group remains confident that it will be able to sustain its growth trajectory due to its ability to convert demand into continued enrolment growth, at both the schools and tertiary divisions. Commenting on the group’s outlook, Douglas said: “ADvTECH remains very well positioned to benefit from the increase in demand for education in South Africa and particularly in the rest of Africa. Our focus on productivity, efficiency and leveraging scale to deliver value in quality education remains key to our continued growth.”
By Tamara Thomas 25 Mar, 2024
By Tamara Thomas 20 Mar, 2024
ADvTECH Limited (Incorporated in the Republic of South Africa) (Registration number 1990/001119/06) Share code: ADH ISIN: ZAE000031035 (“ADvTECH” or “the Company”) CHANGES TO THE IMPORTANT FUNCTIONS OF DIRECTORS In accordance with paragraph 3.59 (c) of the JSE Limited Listings Requirements, and with reference to the announcement published on 4 September 2023 wherein shareholders were informed that Mr Chris Boulle (“Chris”), Chairman of the ADvTECH Board, will retire and step down from the Board following the conclusion of the Annual General Meeting (“AGM”) to be held on 5 June 2024. Chris will also step down as Chairman of the Nominations Committee and member of the Transformation, Social and Ethics Committee from such date. Professor Alexandra Watson (“Alex”) will take over from Chris as Chair of the Board and Nominations Committee and be appointed as member of the Transformation, Social and Ethics Committee.  Johannesburg 20 March 2024 Sponsor: Bridge Capital Advisors Proprietary Limited
By Tamara Thomas 07 Mar, 2024
ADvTECH Limited (Incorporated in the Republic of South Africa) (Registration number 1990/001119/06) Share code: ADH ISIN: ZAE000031035 (“ADvTECH” or “the Company”) CHANGES TO THE IMPORTANT FUNCTIONS OF A DIRECTOR Shareholders are advised, in accordance with paragraph 3.59(c) of the JSE Limited Listings Requirements, that Mr GD Whyte has been appointed to the Transformation, Social & Ethics Committee and the Investment Committee, effective 1 March 2024.  Mr GD Whyte was appointed as Group Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director of the Company with the effect from 1 March 2024 as per the SENS announcement published on 4 December 2023. Johannesburg 7 March 2024 Sponsor: Bridge Capital Advisors Proprietary Limited
By Tamara Thomas 06 Mar, 2024
ADvTECH Limited (Incorporated in the Republic of South Africa) (Registration number 1990/001119/06) JSE code: ADH ISIN: ZAE000031035 (“ADvTECH” or “the group”) TRADING STATEMENT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023 In terms of paragraph 3.4(b) of the Listings Requirements of the JSE Limited, an issuer is required to publish a trading statement as soon as it becomes reasonably certain that the financial results for the next reporting period will show a 20% or more difference from that of the previous corresponding period. The group reports normalised earnings per share ("NEPS") as a way of excluding the effect of one-off transactions and corporate action costs from its results. Basic NEPS for the year ended 31 December 2023 is expected to be between 17% and 22% higher than the comparative reporting period for the year ended 31 December 2022 ("the comparative period") or between 170.5 and 177.8 cents per share as compared to 145.7 cents per share in the comparative period. Basic headline earnings per share (“HEPS”) for the year ended 31 December 2023 is expected to be between 16% and 21% higher than the comparative period or between 169.9 and 177.3 cents per share as compared to 146.5 cents per share in the comparative period. Basic earnings per share ("EPS") for the year ended 31 December 2023 is expected to be between 14% and 19% higher than the comparative period or between 169.4 and 176.8 cents per share as compared to 148.6 cents per share for the comparative period. All divisions contributed to this strong performance by the group. We are pleased with enrolments for 2024 for both the schools and tertiary divisions that are tracking in line with targets and continuing their trend of good growth. The financial information on which this trading update is based has not been reviewed or audited by the group’s external auditors. ADvTECH expects to release results for the year ended 31 December 2023 on the JSE’s Stock Exchange News Service on or about Monday, 25 March 2024. 6 March 2024 Johannesburg Sponsor: Bridge Capital Advisors Proprietary Limited
By Tamara Thomas 04 Dec, 2023
The ADvTECH Group today announced the retirement of CEO Roy Douglas at the end of February 2024. Douglas will remain with the group for a suitable period after he steps off the Board to ensure a seamless handover. ADvTECH Board chairman Chris Boulle said: “Roy has successfully led the group in its expansion strategy during his tenure, resulting in ADvTECH becoming the leading private education and recruitment group across the continent. He has refocused the educational division brand portfolios into well-positioned brands with distinct value offerings. This, together with a focus on effectiveness and efficiencies, resulted in a solid competitive advantage, and an agile and adaptive business model.” “Also noteworthy, is his leadership through a pandemic by remaining responsive to a dynamic environment, where more than 70 000 students were seamlessly transitioned to an online environment. He leaves ADvTECH in a strong position to continue its growth trajectory. The Board wishes to thank Roy for his invaluable contribution during his tenure as CEO of the ADvTECH group and wishes him well in his retirement.” The Board is excited to announce the appointment of Geoff Whyte as Group CEO and Executive Director with effect from 1 March 2024. Whyte holds a Master’s degree in economics from the University of Aberdeen, Scotland, and has more than 30 years’ experience across various industries. He is a commercially focused business leader with executive experience in global organisations including Unilever, PepsiCo, Cadbury-Schweppes, SAB-Miller and Nando’s. Whyte has a record of success in a wide variety of geographies including South Africa, the UK, the USA, Holland, the rest of Africa, the Middle-East and sub-continental India. He is also an active member of the South African business community and was a founding participant in the CEO Initiative set up by Pravin Gordhan to avert a national credit rating downgrade. Commenting on the appointment, ADvTECH Chairman Chris Boulle said: “We are confident that Geoff’s track record and experience will enable him to build on the group’s successes.” Roy Douglas said: “Ultimately, it is people who are at the heart of what we do and it is people who have made ADvTECH so successful. I am proud of what we have achieved and am confident that I leave ADvTECH in safe hands.” Accepting the appointment, Whyte said: “I am grateful for the opportunity and the faith the Board has placed in me. I look forward to continuing to build and grow this exceptional business, to ensure ongoing value creation, and the development of quality education in South Africa and the rest of Africa.”
By Tamara Thomas 01 Dec, 2023
JSE-listed ADvTECH , Africa’s largest private education provider, has announced the rollout of its custom tech learning platform to its schools in the rest of Africa next year, following its success in South Africa. ADvLEARN, a customised platform developed for ADvTECH, was rolled out across South African schools in January 2023 and provides personalised learning paths using adaptive technology to deliver data-driven insights and learning analytics. ADvLEARN, developed for the group by MathU, utilises artificial intelligence to create customised learning pathways for each student, ensuring a deeper understanding of concepts. This groundbreaking approach, unique in Africa, empowers teachers to monitor student progress in real-time, granting insights to cater to individual learning needs. Additionally, the platform enables teachers to assign personalised learning in the form of homework and assessments to students, offering instant feedback with automated grading. Following the local rollout, ADvTECH schools in South Africa now have access to valuable learner progress data, enabling teachers to provide targeted support to students. The 2023 data analysis has revealed that students who regularly engage with the platform experience marked improvements in their subject grades, with progress rates between 15% and 29%. “We have been delighted with the results of ADvLEARN in South Africa and we are confident that we will be able to replicate the excellent results achieved by our students, in our schools in the rest of Africa,” says Desiree Hugo, Academic Head of ADvTECH Schools Division. ADvLEARN’s ambitious expansion strategy for the year 2024 marks a significant milestone in ADvTECH’s mission to provide world-class educational solutions across the continent. In 2024, ADvLEARN’s expansion will include the rollout to ADvTECH Schools across the Rest of Africa, with Crawford International Kenya scheduled for launch at the end of January 2024, followed by its introduction to Gaborone International School in Botswana in February 2024. Furthermore, ADvLEARN will extend its reach to Makini Schools in Kenya, further enhancing the availability of its innovative platform. The ADvLEARN platform will assist students with the Cambridge Curriculum in Mathematics Year 7 to 12, Physics Year 10 to 11 (IGCSE), Physics Year 12 (AS Levels), Chemistry Year 10 to 11 (IGCSE) and Chemistry Year 12 (AS Levels). “After the successful pilot phase for ADvTECH schools in South Africa, ADvTECH is thrilled to announce the formalisation of a contract with the developers, ensuring the continued integration of ADvLEARN across all ADvTECH Schools, including those in the rest of Africa,” says Darren Purdon Academic Project Manager of ADvTECH’s Central Academic Team. “We eagerly anticipate the forthcoming innovative developments on the ADvLEARN platform, as we are committed to providing all our students with a 21st-century education that fosters academic excellence and personalised learning experiences.” Says Hugo: “ADvTECH’s commitment to digital innovation in education marks a transformative step forward in equipping students with the tools they need to thrive in the ever-evolving landscape of modern learning. With ADvLEARN’s widespread implementation, ADvTECH further solidifies our position as a leader in pioneering educational solutions.”
By Tamara Thomas 21 Nov, 2023
ADvTECH Limited (Incorporated in the Republic of South Africa) (Registration number 1990/001119/06) Share code: ADH ISIN: ZAE000031035 (“ADvTECH” or “the Company”) ACQUISITION OF SECURITIES BY CLIENTS OF CORONATION ASSET MANAGEMENT (PTY) LTD (“CORONATION”) AND DIRECTORS RESPONSIBILITY STATEMENT In accordance with section 122(3)(b) of the Companies Act, No. 71 of 2008 as amended and section 3.83(b) of the JSE Limited Listings Requirements, shareholders are hereby advised that ADvTECH has received formal notification in the prescribed form that Coronation’s clients have, in aggregate, acquired an interest in the ordinary shares of the Company, such that the total interest in the ordinary shares of the Company held by Coronation’s clients has increased from 24.98% to 25.05% of the total issued ordinary shares of the Company. As required in terms of section 122(3)(a) of the Act, the Company has filed the required notice with the Takeover Regulation Panel. The board of directors of ADvTECH accepts responsibility for the information contained in this announcement as it relates to the Company and confirms that, to the best of its knowledge and belief, such information relating to ADvTECH is true and that this announcement does not omit anything likely to affect the importance of such information. Johannesburg 21 November 2023 Sponsor: Bridge Capital Advisors Proprietary Limited
By Tamara Thomas 17 Nov, 2023
ADvTECH Limited (Incorporated in the Republic of South Africa) (Registration number 1990/001119/06) Share code: ADH ISIN: ZAE000031035 (“ADvTECH” or “the Company”) DEALINGS IN SECURITIES BY A PRESCRIBED OFFICER OF THE COMPANY In compliance with the JSE Limited Listings Requirements the following information is disclosed in respect of dealings in ADvTECH securities by an ADvTECH prescribed officer.
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