Botho holds debut career guidance fair

SEBONGILE MATHE

MASERU – Botho University Lesotho held a careers’ guidance fair, dubbed the first employability fair, this week on Tuesday where they discussed how graduates can get opportunities and gain insight into the skills, attitudes, and knowledge desired in the workforce.

’Makhosi Hlalele, representing Botho University, said the fair is an initiative that brings together different industries and experts from various companies to connect with their students, who are in their final year of university. She further explained that the aim is to continuously equip their graduates with the skills that the market demands.

“The reason we are here today is because we care about our students. We are not only here to celebrate but to honour one of our own 2024 Botho University Employability Fairs,” said Hlalele.

She added that as the nation is currently celebrating 200 years since the foundation of Basotho, referred to as the bicentennial, it is a powerful reminder of the rich heritage, enduring spirit, unwavering support, and the pursuit of progress that define Lesotho and the Basotho.

Hlalele said the Botho University focuses not only on academic excellence but also on shaping graduates who will be ready to contribute to the economy of Lesotho.

Cecelia Seema from the Ministry of Labour and Employment, National Employment Services, discussed the ministry’s role in employability and employment.

She said they are currently using the 2018 national labour force survey results. She noted the high unemployment rate, which was 25.3 percent in 2008 and 22.5 percent in 2018.

The unemployment rate in 2018 included 22.6 percent of males, 22.4 percent of females, 27.9 percent of people living in rural areas, 25 percent in suburban areas, and 16.5 percent in urban areas.

“You should choose a course that will provide job opportunities both inside the country and abroad,” advised Seema.

Addressing youth unemployment, Seema said in 2018, it was 29.1 percent, with 27.1 percent males and 31.1 percent females.

The current labour force survey is underway, and the report is expected by August. Seema noted that the ministry introduced youth projects lasting two years to address the experience requirement for job applications, aiming to reduce the unemployment rate and provide graduates with opportunities to gain experience.

Leboea Rankaki discussed employability skills, emphasising the need to skill up, as 44 percent of workers’ core skills are expected to change in the next five years.

He also provided tips on writing a professional curriculum vitae (CV), highlighting the importance of understanding the role of the CV in the hiring process, writing for both ATS (Applicant Tracking System) and human readers, narrowing the job target, including a LinkedIn profile link, key skills, interests, hobbies, and keeping it updated.

Rankaki said a LinkedIn profile link is crucial for professional networking, building credibility, providing entrepreneurial opportunities, and allowing for career growth. Recruiters can refer to it for additional experiences, projects, achievements, and other crucial information.

Lastly, Rankaki discussed common interview questions employers ask to determine if a candidate is productive, innovative, teachable, a lifelong learner, adaptable, and flexible.