UKZN’s College of Law and Management Studies (CLMS) hosted a postgraduate open day that brought together industry professionals and leading academics to uncover the role of postgraduate studies in their career journeys. The event took place both at the Westville and Pietermaritzburg campuses.
Speakers included Ms Jacquiline Grant who holds a Master of Commerce in Leadership Studies and now a Part Time Lecturer at Varsity College. Grant who embodies the intersection of theory and practice through her dual role in academia and industry stated that postgraduate studies don’t only deepen your knowledge, they also refine your ability to lead and inspire others.
Mr Msizi Nzama, Mechanical Engineer and Energy Group Leader, Coca-Cola Beverages Africa, shared his career progression which he began as a Mechanical Engineer. He emphasised how his Master of Business Administration (MBA) enabled him to pivot into a managerial role that required a blend of technical expertise and leadership skills.
“Being the section head in the operations department at my organisation helped me understand the importance of leadership skills. I knew I could lead a team but the question at hand was do I possess the required skills of a leader? And that was what motivated me to do my MBA.”
At the Pietermaritzburg campus the panel featured leading academics such as Dr Suhayfa Bhamjee, Senior Lecturer in the School of Law, whose groundbreaking research on euthanasia has garnered significant attention. Bhamjee’s work which explores the legal and social implications of euthanansia does not only contribute to academia but also makes meaningful contributions to society.
“Postgraduate studies are not just about obtaining a degree, they are about pushing boundaries of knowledge and addressing pressing issues in our times” she said.
The event which was structured in an exhibition format provided networking opportunities and a Q&A segment for prospective students. It also provided students an opportunity to engage directly with staff and schools academics from School of Law; School of Accounting, Economics and Finance; School of Management, Information Technology and Governance, and the Graduate School of Business and leadership about their career prospects.
Words: Ayanda Radebe
Photograph: Hasper Cele