UWC Career Update 2019

A MAGAZINE FOR CAREER DEVELOPMENT AUGUST 2019

THE PATH LESS TRAVELLED ADVANCING ENTREPRENEURSHIP

ON TOP OF HIS GAME A SKILL FOR STORY-TELLING

4IR AND MY FUTURE CAREER ADAPTING TO NEW TECHNOLOGY

10 000* NOT OUT STUDENTS ACCESS CAREER XPLORA PORTAL

FROM HOPE TO ACTION THROUGH KNOWLEDGE.

BC006_BD_6

WHEN WE STEER SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT, WE STEER WITH PURPOSE. SUBTITLE

#aprofessionofnationalvalue

The world is ready for leaders who will create a positive impact across the globe. Our members are taking up the call to make a visible difference. We have embraced the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals initiative, supporting people and organisations across South Africa and the world to address the issues that affect us all – poverty, hunger, health, education, climate change, gender equality, water, sanitation, energy, environmental and social issues. When we have a united vision and the skills to make it a reality, we have the ability to steer the world and make a sustainable difference.

To learn more about how SAICA partners for purpose-driven growth, visit www.saica.co.za today.

A MAGAZINE FOR CAREER DEVELOPMENT

AUGUST 2019

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by Winston Middleton, Nazrana Parker and Sibusiso Khoza

FROM THE ED TEAM

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10 000* not out

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n June 2019, SAGEA voted our Careers Service and Careers Fair in the Top 10 of all universities. In July 2019, the 10 000th student logged onto our Career Xplora portal since April 2017. We salute you for seeing its value.

On top of his game

by Lester Malgas

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How will the 4IR affect me and my future career?

by Prof Mike Davies-Coleman, Dean of the Faculty of Natural Sciences, UWC

The President, at SONA, mentioned two significant figures: 2-million and 22 000. We welcome these numbers although it also reflects a stark reality of (graduate) youth unemployment. Our deepening economic crisis should spur us towards a student entrepreneurship culture. If each tertiary institution could institutionalise 100 student internships annually, 2600 graduates would be better prepared for the world of work. The World Bank ranked 157 countries according to a human capital index (HCI) – South Africa fared poorly, ranked 126th, in the bottom 20%, yet we spend 6,1% of GDP on education.

On the contrary, UWC manages to do “so much with so little”, confirming our commitment as we continue to play in the ‘Premier League’.

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Getting a handle on AI in e-Recruitment

by Sibusiso Khoza

We catch up with the Vodacom Journalist of the Year who finds unexpected angles to his stories. Our Dean of the Natural Sciences tells how the 4IR will affect students and future careers. We share an incredible story of graduates who left lucrative jobs and co-founded Regenize, an innovative recycling company.

Graduates at S-RM explain how academic writing can serve you beyond university. Alumni relate their internship journey in the tech industry. Facebook gives intel on how to prepare for a coding interview. We unpack how not to be a ‘victim’ of intelligence machines.

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Entering the global playing field: Preparing for your software engineering interview at Facebook Wall of Fame The Final Chapter The Mncwango Chronicle

by Lester Malgas

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The journey of finding an internship

by Sibusiso Khoza

Trusting that these stories will motivate you never to give up on your dreams.

Until each graduate can find a first job or become an entrepreneur, the education project will remain ‘work in progress’.

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by Lester Malgas

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THE ED TEAM WINSTON MIDDLETON, NAZRANA PARKER, SIBUSISO KHOZA AND NATALIE THOMAS

The path less travelled: The story of Regenize

Flying the UWC flag high at FNB From Cape Town to Chengdu

by Ronwyn Bentham

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Career Update is produced by the Office for Student Development, University of the Western Cape.

EDITORS: Winston Middleton, Nazrana Parker and Sibusiso Khoza.

SUBBING, DESIGN AND LAYOUT: Kult Creative PRINTING: FingerPrint Worker Co-operative Ltd

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Academic writing beyond university

By Craig Browers, Caitlin Troup and Hector Nkandu

Thank you to all the writers and participants.

Career Update, August 2019.

TELEPHONE: 021 959 2436 EMAIL: cdp@uwc.ac.za.

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Discovering your Career Xplora Employer Directory and Job Board

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this magazine are those of the authors and writers and do not necessarily represent nor reflect the views of the University of the Western Cape. © All rights reserved. Articles may only be reproduced, stored or transmitted with written permission of the copyright holder.

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CAREER XPLORA PORTAL

Offering career services online is paying dividends.

Students are finding Career Xplora cool.

JEREMY DE BRUIN

10 000* NOT OUT O

By Winston Middleton, Nazrana Parker and Sibusiso Khoza

n 1 July 2019, the 10 000th student accessed the Career Xplora portal since its launch in February 2017. This honour goes to Jeremy De Bruin, law student.

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Juan-Pierre Williams, LLM student, has logged on 475* times since being introduced to the portal. He has used every tool of the system to his benefit and developed the daily habit of following the job board

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postings and checking out prospective employers. He used the Resume Builder to compile his CV and Letter of Motivation, and had it reviewed online.

Juan-Pierre added, “On the first review, I was advised to make several changes, for example, shorten my CV from 6 to 3 pages. I realised the impact of those suggestions as it later solicited positive feedback from recruiters”. He sharpened his interview skills using the Mock Interview tool before every interview.

He calls it a helpful tool that built his confidence at interviews. “The tool can be accessed in the comfort of my home”, he continues.

He synced his Google Calendar with the Career Xplora-Events Calendar and downloaded the ‘Careers by

CAREER XPLORA PORTAL

prospective employers’ criteria • This has brought the job hunt to my ‘doorstep’ • The employer directory is useful for research on companies • It keeps reminding me to apply just in case I forget • The advice received from Dominique Goch and Sibusiso Khoza was great. I secured my first job. Thank you team!

Which components of the system do you value most and motivate?

helped me fix the things I was doing wrong

Job Board > The job board is amazing - it gives suggestions that I did not think of, which is cool > Narrows down the job search > I always get weekly Job Blast notifications via email > I landed my internship through this platform > It makes the job search process easier as it gives suggestions about other relevant jobs

JUAN-PIERRE WILLIAMS

Career Service Events Calendar

THE MOCK INTERVIEW TOOL CAN BE ACCESSED AND USED IN THE COMFORT OF YOUR HOME.

> Expo's were valuable as I could ask questions and receive immediate feedback > It keeps me updated about recruitment events on campus

15.8% 9.2% 8.7%

18.5% 36.4%

Symplicity’ App to be notified of recruiter events and job alerts.

He encourages his peers to utilise this great resource as it places Careers Service offerings in the palm of your hand. Let’s look at what other students said about the portal.

How has Career Xplora enhanced your Job Search?

• It enabled me to view employment opportunities using a 'safe and secure' platform • I now know of many more law firms • It filters my job search and sends me relevant adverts • Makes things easier as all tools are in one portal • Almost everywhere I apply I get an interview which means my CV is good, thanks to Career Xplora • I have the App on my phone and receive instant job notifications • Improves my understanding of

       

CV review and received feedback Job Board Employer Directory Resume Builder 'Careers by Symplicity' App Career Service events - Career Xpo Career Service events - Career Graduate Recruitment Mock Interview

Cut out the “Career Xplora Made Easy” guidelines on the inside back cover page of this Magazine to help you navigate the portal.

CV review and received feedback > The feedback opened my eyes to new thinking and showed me several things I overlooked > The CV review unpleasantly pushed me in the right direction > It helped me understand how to market myself > I have been invited to attend several interviews since my CV was reviewed > Feedback was great in terms of reconstructing my old CV > The Resume Builder helped me to structure my CV and the feedback

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A SKILL FOR STORY-TELLING

How did you obtain the SS4LS scholarship?

During Matric, I was very anxious about my future. I wanted to further my cricket career but knew that a quality education would put me in good stead. Being a child of a single mother, I knew of the enormous difficulty she would have to pay for my studies. She had two jobs to ensure that my older brother and I would survive. Having done research, I approached SS4LS to be part of their programme. The rest is history.

ON TOP OF HIS GAME UWC alumni continue to shine in a variety of spheres. A recent standout is broadcast journalist, Ronald Masinda, the 2018 national winner of the Vodacom Journalist of the Year Awards.

By Lester Malgas

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ccording to Vodacom, Ronald Masinda was “the unanimous winner” in the category of sport and “showed an exceptional skill for story-telling and finding unexpected angles and unknown facts”.

To top it off, journalism was not his first love. This gifted cricketer attended UWC, courtesy of a

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scholarship from the Sports Skills for Life Skills Programme (SS4LS).

In one of his articles titled, "To get to the top, you need support", he writes that he was fortunate to feature alongside the likes of JP Duminy and Vernon Philander, and also relates his experience as a sports administrator on the Board of Western Province Cricket. Career Update (CU) caught up with Ronald Masinda.

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Did you plan to be a sports writer?

In 2003, I enrolled for a sports science degree at UWC. I passed my first year but realised this wasn't for me.

I then took a gap year to play cricket in England for six months. I returned to South Africa at the end of 2004 and requested a return to SS4LS programme for 2005 and enrolled at UWC for a BA degree. During this time, I plotted and planned on a career beyond cricket in case my cricket career fell through. I loved sport but was also a newshound; loved being a story-teller and was never camera-shy. These characteristics fit well with what I wanted to do. And so, my studies in Media Communication was an ideal stepping stone to becoming a broadcast sports journalist.

How did you balance your performance on the pitch with your academic responsibilities?

It's all about making sacrifices.

Sports scholarships create pressure to perform on the pitch and in the classroom. I always told myself that partying and hobbies could wait. I took the 5:30am train from Mandalay, Mitchell’s Plain and left campus at 6pm. Much of my time was spent

A SKILL FOR STORY-TELLING

in lectures and in the library as I knew that I had to work extra hard.

Whenever I lagged behind with my cricket, I would request one-on-one sessions with my coach or fitness trainer to catch up or, better yet, be a step ahead of where I needed to be as a spin bowler and student.

My studies were my first priority.

SS4LS promoted education first and had an open door policy to reach out to my mentor, Nick Kock, a Director at SS4LS. After all, there was no point in pursuing a career at university if I didn't spend enough time studying.

I enjoyed the modules making my studies much easier.

20%

20%

40%

20%

COACHING

NUTRITION

FACILITIES

How important do you rate the following factors in developing world-class players?

Talent - 20%: As a youngster, your talent makes you stand out above the rest. How that talent is nurtured, however, matters the most.

Coaching - 40%: Hard work in training could beat talent. It’s important to have a good coach.

Appropriate guidance is needed

FACTORS IN DEVELOPING WORLD-CLASS PLAYERS

TALENT

Can you unpack the importance of coaching, facilities and nutrition in enhancing your game and personal development?

Cricket is a sport which, with the right coaching, infrastructure and diet, could enhance your chances of reaching peak performance. While growing up, I never had the privilege of playing on world-class facilities, eat properly to better my chances of performing on a cricket field and having access to a physiotherapist.

These are fundamental tools needed for aspiring cricketers. At UWC, these challenges became the thing of the past and my cricket career flourished.

especially when you underperform or are going through tough times.

Facilities - 20%: Coaching and facilities go hand in hand. If you’re taught how to play only on poor facilities, your development will be hindered. Also, when you reach youth, senior, provincial or national levels, the game is played on quality facilities, making it difficult for youngsters who are not use to this environment to compete with those who are constantly exposed to the best.

Nutrition - 20%: Cricket is a very demanding game – players play up to six to eight hours at a time.

Concentration, stamina and a strong mental fortitude are important factors. Although expensive, a special diet and supplements are essential for cricketers. Many sportspersons take nutrition for granted.

What advice would you give to students involved in competitive sports?

• Be willing to make sacrifices.

• Surround yourself with those who will help you improve in your studies and sport, and be around people who share a common purpose.

• Remember, this is a once in a lifetime opportunity.

Championing the cause of the disadvantaged appears to be an enduring theme in your story.

What inspired this drive?

My mother is my biggest inspiration.

Today, she is proud of raising a multiaward winning sports journalist who works for eNCA, the most watched 24-hour news channel in South Africa.

She's also a Mom who raised a qualified chartered accountant, my older brother.

How did your studies at UWC inform your sense of social justice?

Being a historically disadvantaged institution, finance is a common problem faced by many of our students. Here, one understands the struggles of your peers, some of who would go into a day without food. I came to appreciate the opportunities afforded to me as I knew that my future was secured through my scholarship. I always had a soft spot for those who would drop out of university due to financial constraints.

UWC does their best to afford tertiary studies to academically deserving and financially needy students something that I still appreciate.

Tell us about your role on the Western Province Cricket Board?

After my studies, I remained involved with cricket in my community as an administrator and player. In 2011, I was elected to serve on the Board of the Western Province Cricket Association. I tried to represent the needs of the thousands of cricketers.

I served on the Board for two years as the Convenor of Selectors of the Senior Team and a member of the Transformation Committee. I gave up my role on the Board due to the gruelling demands of being a journalist. >>

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A SKILL FOR STORY-TELLING

What are the key life-lessons that you were able to take away from competing at top level cricket?

Cricket taught me many life-lessons, the most important being discipline.

Growing up in poor communities of the Western Cape, this sport has helped me avoid many social ills plaguing our society. Cricket is also known as a “gentlemen’s game” and thus helped me to respect people from all walks of life.

Tell us about your job search and journey into the world of news and broadcast journalism.

SS4LS assists with sourcing internships for graduates. In 2008, I landed an internship at eTV. I did a thorough research about the

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company and its future plans. As luck would have it, the company was looking to expand its news offering with the launch of eNCA in 2008 on the DSTV channel 403. I joined eTV three months before the launch of eNCA. This gave me a chance of being part of the biggest news network in the country from day one.

My advice to students is: do your company research properly. If you are really interested in working for a particular company, request jobshadowing especially during vacation, as this will go a long way in helping you acquire your dream job.

rather than doing it for fame just to appear on TV. Millions of households count on us as a source of viable information on stories, locally and abroad. With this in mind, journalism requires hard work and dedication.

The industry is not all that glamorous - you will work long and irregular hours, even at Christmas and New Year. If you love the thrill of tackling a story or presenting, broadcast journalism is definitely for you.

In closing, Ronald Masinda tells young journalists and students to be passionate about this profession

• National winners announced for 2018

References • To get to the top, you need support; https:// www.iol.co.za/capeargus/to-get-to-the-topyou-need-support-1945021

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Vodacom Journalist of the Year Awards; http://journalist.vodacom.co.za/news.aspx

4IR AND MY FUTURE

4IR

HOW WILL IT AFFECT ME AND MY future CAREER?

What is the 4IR?

by Prof Mike Davies-Coleman, Dean of the Faculty of Natural Sciences, UWC We are well into the Fourth Industrial Revolution or, as it is commonly referred to, the 4IR.

W

hat is the 4IR? What were the first three industrial revolutions? How will the 4IR affect my career choices?

How can the academic programmes at UWC prepare me for the 4IR? These are four important questions for you to consider as you prepare yourself to enter the world of work.

We all, mostly unknowingly, are changing our lifestyles to capitalize on rapid advances in a mindblowing array of relatively new 4IR technologies. These 4IR technologies include 5G internet connectivity, artificial intelligence, block chain technologies, digital-logistics, machine learning, quantum computing, cloud computing, 3D-printing, augmented and virtual reality, big data, cybersecurity and “smart” factories, cities, homes and cars (made possible through the Internet of Things or IoT). As a young graduate entering the world of work, it would be wise to take some time to Google each of the above to get a better understanding of what the technological terms mean, and, most importantly, find out how they might impact on your life and career in the future. Thanks to the 4IR, gathering this information is extremely easy and it is accessible on your phone in a few seconds!

What were the first three industrial revolutions?

Industrial revolutions first began almost 250 years ago i.e.: 1IR in the 1780s (the beginning of steam driven mechanical production),

2IR in the 1870s (the advent of assembly lines and mass production accelerated by widespread harnessing of electrical power two decades later) and 3IR in the 1960s (the emergence of the first programmable logic controllers, IT systems and robotics which made automated production possible).

The technologies that have driven all the industrial revolutions are called disruptive technologies. Disruptive technologies disrupt or change dramatically the way we live, for example, going back in history, steam engines replaced horses, telephones replaced telegraphs, light bulbs replaced candles, and combustion engines replaced steam engines.

Most recently, in your life time, regular quantum leaps in silicon chip technology that came through the 3IR have miniaturized computers, so that you can read this article on your phone.

All the technologies associated with the 4IR are disruptive and are changing the world of work and the career opportunities open to you. The reality is that our capacity to adapt to change is being stretched as never before in the history of humankind. >>

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SUBTITLE

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4IR AND MY FUTURE

How will the 4IR affect my career choices?

As a child I am sure you were often asked “What do you want to be when you grow up?” This question is increasingly becoming redundant as “a job for life” seems to no longer be the future norm. All of us can expect to have multiple, probably even unrelated careers ahead of us. A more relevant question might be “what work do you really enjoy doing”. Making that choice and being prepared to accept the future changes associated with that type of work will be key to future success. Why we work, how we work and where we work are all destined to change in the next decade thanks to the 4IR. The world of work is changing so fast that most traditional careers seem destined for massive changes.

Throughout history where there is change there has been opportunity.

The future is bright with rapid evolution of traditional careers in many new directions, and new career opportunities emerging over time that we can neither imagine nor accurately predict today.

A commitment to life-long learning, a willingness to seize new career opportunities as they arise and a determination to adapt quickly to take advantage of advances in technology, will be essential personal attributes. You will need to continually upgrade your skills to remain at the cutting edge of technological advances. In fact your ability to adapt and rapidly upgrade your skills may soon be regarded as more important than your experience.

It is probable that traditional technical careers will in future require initiative and significant interpersonal skills,

while careers that are currently less technical will require very different technological skill sets in the future.

How you work, and where you work, will be less important than what you contribute in terms of work deliverables. Disruptive technologies like machine learning, artificial intelligence and robotics may not create widespread joblessness as is increasingly feared across nearly all communities, but will rather free many to concentrate on new tasks.

The creation of new business models and niche opportunities from the analysis of huge digital data sets (now called data lakes) will be part of our future. Global digital connectivity will enable all of us to access opportunities, regardless of where we are situated. The continually evolving

FACING A FUTURE OF CAREER UNCERTAINTY AND CONSTANT CHANGE IS NOT EASY.

levels of computational complexity, information overload and digital connectedness that we now face on a daily basis, could scarcely have been imagined even at the turn of this century. It is not going to slow down.

How can the academic programmes at UWC prepare me for the 4IR? All the 4IR technologies mentioned in this article are currently part of the undergraduate and Honours curricula in the Department of Computer Science in the Faculty of Natural Sciences at UWC. The first graduates with an MSc Statistical Science (with a specialization in Big Data) graduated this year from the Department of Statistics and Population Studies. This structured Masters degree is presented in collaboration with the University of North West and the large international data analytics company, Statistical Analytical Systems (SAS).

Enormous data sets emerging from the Square Kilometre Array (SKA) >>

DR NALEDI PANDOR, FORMER MINISTER OF HIGHER EDUCATION AND TRAINING, IMMERSES HERSELF IN A VIRTUAL REALITY WORLD AT THE OFFICIAL OPENING OF UWC’S REFURBISHED COMPUTATIONAL AND MATHEMATICAL SCIENCES BUILDING IN 2018.

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4IR AND MY FUTURE

Radio Telescope are being managed by the Inter-university Institute for Data Intensive Astronomy (IDIA) of which UWC is a member. Data streams of 1-2 terabytes per second are predicted for the SKA in the next ten years. Already multiple terabyte data sets generated by the MeerKAT telescope (the fore-runner of the SKA) are currently being analyzed by cosmologists in the Department of Physics and Astronomy at UWC. In support of UWC’s determination to embrace the challenges of big data, an e-research director has been appointed to coordinate the handling of, and access to, the large research data sets emerging from a number of sources across the university.

Life-long learning openings in the form of post-graduate diplomas, to

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upskill graduates so that they can exploit the new 4IR business niche opportunities in e-logistics, data analytics and immersive technologies (Augmented and Virtual Reality), were recently launched by the Faculty

THE FOURTH INDUSTRIAL REVOLUTION CAN COMPROMISE HUMANITY'S TRADITIONAL SOURCES OF MEANING: WORK, COMMUNITY, FAMILY, AND IDENTITY, OR IT CAN LIFT HUMANITY INTO A NEW COLLECTIVE AND MORAL CONSCIOUSNESS BASED ON A SENSE OF SHARED DESTINY. THE CHOICE IS OURS.

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of Economic and Management Sciences (in collaboration with the Faculty of Natural Sciences). Check out the EMS website for details.

Conclusion What the world will be like in the next two decades is very uncertain.

Klaus Schwab (Founder of the World Economic Forum) suggests that how we embrace the impact of the 4IR in the future is in our hands; "The fourth industrial revolution can compromise humanity's traditional sources of meaning: work, community, family, and identity, or it can lift humanity into a new collective and moral consciousness based on a sense of shared destiny. The choice is ours."

THE SKA RADIO TELESCOPE NEAR CARNARVON IN THE NORTHERN CAPE WILL PRODUCE SOME OF THE LARGEST DIGITAL DATA SETS IN THE WORLD OVER THE NEXT DECADE.

APPLICANT TRACKING SYSTEMS

AI

GETTING A HANDLE ON IN E-RECRUITMENT

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by Sibusiso Khoza

ne of the disheartening facets of the job search is the string of “Regretyour-application-wasnot successful” responses received by students and graduates. You might think that your application was not reviewed or surmise that you were treated unfairly. Career Update explores two scenarios. On the one hand, you might be a ‘victim’ of those intelligence machines that react like

humans, called Artificial Intelligence or AI. On the other, your CV does not provoke a wow reaction for the recruiter to shortlist your application.

In our ever improving technological world, HR professionals are perpetually saddled with the arduous task of meeting strategic goals by recruiting the best candidates.

To achieve this, organisations are increasingly using AI to improve their e-Recruitment process. >>

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APPLICANT TRACKING SYSTEMS

Research has found that 90% of the Fortune500 organisations use AI in their recruitment. Students should understand how the Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) are used in the shortlisting process.

How does ATS work?

Tailoring your CV for every position may sound like much hard work – this is true. The ATS filters CVs for specific keywords taken from the job advert. These keywords cover the requirements for the post, and the skills and competencies needed. If there is a weak match, and your CV does not contain these keywords, your CV won’t be passed to a human and you could receive an automatic letter of regret.

How to survive ATS • Read and analyse the job advert carefully.

• Use the post title and the actual words of the introductory paragraph in your Personal Statement or Career Objective.

In this way, the ATS identifies you as meeting the first requirement, allowing you to get to the next step.

• Use the job advert's keywords, jargon and buzz phrases (e.g., company culture, tech-savvy).

• Incorporate the skills and

competencies mentioned in the job advert into your CV. • Do not include tables, graphs or images. As brilliant as AI is, it is unable to comprehend such illustrations.

• Do not use fancy fonts that can confuse the ATS. • Do not use abbreviations or too many industry-specific acronyms.

• Not including the following under Personal Details: dependents, marital status, health condition, religion or ID number.

• Ensuring that every word in your CV is there for a reason.

• Not disclosing the reason you left your previous employment.

• Being honest.

• Listing on your achievements, extra-curricular activities and skills.

AI and the ‘human’ factor With over 400 CVs submitted between January and June by students via the UWC Career Xplora at the Office for Student Development and reviewed by the writer, many of these first drafts would not have been considered by a recruiter. 75% of CVs that pass through ATS are rejected due to a weak match.

If ATS finds a good match, your application will be forwarded to the recruiter for further consideration.

Your CV can impress a recruiter by doing the following: • Sound spelling and grammar.

• Use a consistent format.

• Use phrases instead of complete sentences and bullets to separate your points. Recruiters take about 20 seconds to scan your CV. • Not attaching a picture of yourself unless requested.

A DEGREE IS NO LONGER A MEAL TICKET TO YOUR FUTURE BUT MERELY A LICENSE TO HUNT. CATHY SIMS (2008)

Your qualification alone will not get you a job. To be shortlisted, your CV should represent a combination of your personal brand and value-add to the organisation.

Remember, you have one chance to impress a recruiter.

References • Gillett, R. (2019). 30 things you should remove from your CV immediately. Retrieved from https://www.businessinsider.co.za/ things-to-keep-off-your-resume-2015-3-31.

• Grant, T. (2008). Building a personal brand: A serious proposition or passing fad?

An interview with Cathy Sims. Business Communication Quarterly, 71(3), 380-383.

• McLean, V. (2019). Six ways to ensure your CV beats the ATS robots | CV-Library. Retrieved from https://www.cv-library.co.uk/career-advice/ cv/six-ways-ensure-cv-beats-ats-robots/.

• Vishwakarma, H. (2019). 90% of Fortune 500 Companies Use an Applicant Tracking System, what’s it? Retrieved from https:// medium.com/swlh/90-of-fortune-500companies-use-an-applicant-trackingsystem-whats-it-5a6b6d25e5e7.

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FACEBOOK INTERVIEW

ENTERING THE GLOBAL PLAYING FIELD PREPARING FOR YOUR SOFTWARE ENGINEERING INTERVIEW AT FACEBOOK

I

f you're interested in interviewing at Facebook or just curious about the process, we want to be transparent about what to expect so you are well informed and will have a positive interview experience.

What to Expect • Introductions: The interviewer will introduce herself/himself and explain what they do at Facebook.

• Career Aspirations: For the next 5-10 minutes, the interviewer will ask questions about your experience and your career aspirations.

• Coding: The next 30-35 minutes will be spent on coding.

- This takes place in an online collaborative editor shared between you and the interviewer (or on the whiteboard if you do the initial interview in person).

- We typically don't ask trick or estimation questions (we don't care how many ping pong balls can fit into a Sea World).

• Ask Us Anything: The last 5 minutes is for questions. This is a great opportunity to get an inside perspective directly from a Facebook engineer.

How to Prepare • Invest time in preparing: It's important for any engineer, even

senior ones, to brush up on their interview skills, coding skills and algorithms. An interview is typically different from your day-to-day job.

• Practice answering many different coding questions: Practice answering a coding question with the most efficient bug-free solution without using a compiler.

A few resources that offer coding questions for practice: Careercup, Topcoder, Project Euler or Facebook Code Lab. • Write code in a simple text editor: In the interview you will write your code in a similar environment (like CoderPad) without syntax highlighting or auto-completion. >>

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FACEBOOK INTERVIEW

• Practice under time pressure: You will have a limited time for the coding question, so it will be important to finish it in time. If possible, have a mock interview with a friend to simulate the interview experience.

Tip

Try out the UWC Career Xplora Mock Interview tool

• Go over data structures, algorithms and complexity: Be able to discuss the big-O complexity of your approaches.

Don't forget to brush up on your data structures like lists, arrays, hash tables, hash maps, stacks, queues, graphs, trees and heaps.

Also sorts, searches, and traversals (BFS, DFS); review recursion and iterative approaches.

• Prepare 1-2 questions to ask your interviewer: There is 5 minutes at the end of the interview for this.

• Suggested reading resources: Cracking the Coding Interview, Introduction to Algorithms, Algorithms in C.

Tips for the Coding Interview • Think out loud and share your reasoning: We pay a lot of attention to the way you solve problems, which can be as important as having the right answer. Thinking out loud gives the interviewer insight into your thinking process and can also help them follow along with your solution. Moreover, it allows them to give hints when needed.

• Locate a good interview spot: Choose a quiet place and ensure that you have good Internet connection and strong phone reception. Headphones will help with having both hands free for coding.

Tips for the Interview

Tip

Need an interview venue? Speak to us at the Office for Student Development for a virtual interview space

• Use the programming language you're best at: It's important to write your solution correctly and in time, so use the language you are most familiar with.

"Applying to Facebook always seemed out of reach for me until I took the leap and applied to be a Quality Operations Project Manager. Over the last 15 years, Facebook has helped me to stay connected to those that matter most, my friends and family. At Facebook, I'm surrounded by people who believe in me and are all wanting to see me be my authentic self. My wish is that you be kind, be bold and fearless in your pursuit of happiness. Who would you be, if you weren't afraid to fail?"

NINA BLAAUW - QUALITY OPERATIONS PROJECT MANAGER & UWC GRADUATE

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• Manage your time effectively: Spend some time figuring out the ideal solution to the question. Don't jump too quickly into brute forcing of the first solution that comes in mind. If you can't find a better solution in a reasonable time, start writing a working solution, then iterate and improve it as you go.

• Find and fix the bugs by yourself: Don't wait for the interviewer to find them for you.

• Use the hints you are given: Usually, the interviewer knows the question well enough to know which hints will help you next if you get stuck.

| UNIVERSITY OF THE WESTERN CAPE | CAREER UPDATE 2019 |

• Familiarize yourself with our 5 core values (move fast, be bold, focus on impact, be open, and build social value). This is how we work together to make the world more open and connected. We look for people who believe in these values and practice them daily.

• Be yourself! Be open and honest about your successes and failures.

• Be humble and focus on team work, leadership and mentorship qualities.

WALL OF FAME

SUBTITLE

What sets them apart?

MANY OF OUR GRADUATES are making their mark in the world of work.

Career Update tracked them to find out what they did during their job search that set them apart from other students.

AWONGIWE HLUMELO MANGO BSc, Biodiversity and Conservation Biology, 2017 2IC Financial Consultant, Old Mutual SA Limited

DOMINIQUE GOCH BA Honours in Industrial Psychology, 2017 Learning and Development Assistant, UWC CoLab for E-Inclusion and Social Innovation

UBAIDULLAH EFFENDI-EMJEDI BSc Honours in Computer Science, 2018 Graduate Software Developer, Aurecon

I tried making sense of my academic and varied co-curricular learnings and experiences at UWC, and how those skills and competencies could add value in the workplace. My potential employer could thus determine that I am focused, solution driven, diligent, passionate and a team player. This made me stand out above my peers. I prepared questions for the interviewer about the role and how the staff become successful.

I made notes about companies that interested me, networked and set up job alerts relevant to my field. I tried to identify my value add to an organisation, did thorough company research and reached out to seniors in my field for career advice.

I did not allow rejections to demotivate me. I landed my current job through the underestimated method of networking - my input at a meeting resulted in a colleague recommending me months later for my current post.

I spent my free time coding and creating games.

As a member of the Game Development Club at UWC, I developed more tech skills. To showcase my work, I created a Itch.io webpage, updated and shared the Unity Editor Tools and hosted my source code on GitHub. This helped me gain recognition as a developer. I engaged online with great people who motivated and gave me brilliant advice. | UNIVERSITY OF THE WESTERN CAPE | CAREER UPDATE 2019 |

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WALL O What sets MANY OF OUR GRADUATES are making their mark in the world of work. that set them apart from other students. We share their “beyond the

ROBIN BERLING B Com Honours in Industrial Psychology, 2015 Industrial Psychologist Intern, Media24

I displayed passion for my career field. My “can-do” attitude carried me through the selection process. I explained how I changed challenges into developmental opportunities to show my problem-solving ability. Learn skills that are not common to your specific field.

AKHONA MAFENUKA B Com, Information Systems and Economics, 2016 CIB Technology Graduate, Standard Bank

From first year I was involved in extra-curricular activities including hockey, student governance and leadership training. These experiences raised my self-awareness and allowed me to develop a sense of purpose. I conducted thorough research on prospective companies to understand their strategy.

JOEFERRY T. TUGWETE B Com Honours in Economics, 2016 Junior Economic Researcher, WESGRO

I related my experiences as a tutor to answer questions. Knowledge of current affairs and the economic implications were vital. I showed an interest in what the job entailed by asking specific questions and alluded to future study plans to display my drive.

WÉLAN SPOGTER B Com, Information Systems and Management, 2018 Territory Channel Management Intern, Microsoft

I was active in extra-mural activities from first year.

This taught me to multi-task and prepare for the world of work. I did not leave my job search till the final year. I created a LinkedIn profile from first year and kept it updated to attract recruiters. Work hard and take initiative while still having fun.

F FAME them apart?

Career Update tracked them to find out what they did during their job search box” and extra-ordinary efforts that gave them an edge over their peers.

AAMIR EBRAHIM BSc, Applied Geology, 2015 Pollution Control Officer, Water Services / Engineering, Stellenbosch Municipality

During my internship I always went the extra mile.

Volunteering helped to build my networks and experience.

I identified short courses and Honours studies to complement my first degree and build my professional career. Don’t get despondent at the first regret.

NAZEEMA ISAACS M.A in Psychology, 2018 Masters Intern, Human Sciences Research Council

At the interview, I presented myself well, explained how I met the criteria, answered the questions confidently and engaged well with the panel. I explained how I could add value to the organisation; and how the internship could assist with my personal growth and development.

HUMPHREY LEKHOBA

TUMELO MOHALE

BSc Honours in Computer Science, 2018 Junior RPA Developer, Accenture SA

BA Honours in Industrial Psychology, 2016 Human Resources Graduate Trainee, SGS South Africa

Your qualification should not limit your job search.

Identify companies you are interested in and the people behind their success. Connect and engage with them via LinkedIn. For interviews, remind yourself why you are the best candidate; speak confidently and don't be ashamed to say you don't know.

After 18 months of shuffling between three jobs, I landed my post. My job search documents were aligned to the post requirements. My personal brand was reflected on LinkedIn. Network; do free courses; attend conferences and seminars. Demonstrate your hunger to grow. Ask - people are willing to help.

WALL OF FAME

SUBTITLE

What sets them apart?

We share their “beyond the box” and extra-ordinary efforts that gave them an edge over their peers.

ANDILE MASIKO BSc Honours in Biotechnology, 2007 Research and Early Development Scientist, Roche Sequencing Solutions Cape Town

SIYAMTHANDA NTLAHLA B Com Honours in Industrial Psychology, 2018 Talent & OE Intern, Distell

LEBOGANG KGOPE LLB, 2018 Candidate Attorney, Gerhold and Van Wyk Attorneys

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| UNIVERSITY OF THE WESTERN CAPE | CAREER UPDATE 2019 |

At the interview for an internship organised by the National Research Council and Department of Science and Technology, three different companies were represented. This ‘blind’ interview was tricky. I focused on my field of study, skills needed and my Honours project experience. I impressed the panel and joined Kapa Biosystems. This paved the way to becoming a scientist.

I learnt from the mistakes made in previous applications and interviews. I was selected from 2500 applicants. As friends, we shared our interview experiences. UWC CareerXplora was a great resource. I conducted a thorough company research; practised answers to possible questions and did mock interviews. I did introspection and reviewed my strengths and weaknesses. I prepared possible questions for the interviewer.

I customised my CV and Letter of Motivation for each firm. I requested feedback when I was not selected and used this to inform my preparation for subsequent interviews. I did not regurgitate the textbook but showed my ability to apply knowledge contextually, being conscious about their field of operation and society. I familiarised myself with new legislation and its effects on our legal system.

THE MNCWANGO BROTHERS

THE final

CHAPTER

THE MNCWANGO CHRONICLE

by Lester Malgas

It’s April 2019, and the Mncwango brothers, hailing from KwaZuluNatal, are seated in the boardroom of the Office for Student Development.

T

he younger of the two, Sithabiso, is immaculately decked out in his graduation garb. Siboniso, the elder, is turned out in attire befitting his standing as a successful investment attorney. Both brothers have been featured in articles by Career Update. Their experiences as UWC students serve as instructive examples, experiential lenses, if you will, practical advice and beneficial lessons for our readership.

Back in the 2007 edition, we ran an article titled “When the going gets tough, turn challenges into opportunities”, in which we gave voice to Siboniso’s against-allodds tale. He went from being a Grade 10 learner whose financial circumstances nearly precluded him from finishing school to being on the cusp of finishing his law degree.

His scholarship from an international law firm offered him Articles and paid for his driving lessons. In the 2008 article, Siboniso shared his experiences and challenges of settling into the corporate environment and his long term aspirations, and gave advice to those who will follow him. Fast forward to 2016. We ran #MNCWANGO 2.0 article under the

headline, “The next chapter in a tale of determination”, this time featuring Sithabiso’s story, which, believe it or not, details the triumph over a set of even greater obstacles. For Sithabiso, being away from home took him out of his comfort zone, not least because he continues to overcome a severe visual impairment. His story, then, recounted his struggles to obtain accommodation on campus, and how he values the efforts of UWC staff members who assisted him.

According to Siboniso, UWC remains a place where “personalities and aspirations are formed”, where “the substantively important parts of individuals are built”. It is clear that his experience in the professional world has provided a distinctive lens on benefits obtained at UWC. “My arrival here”, says Siboniso, “a Zulu kid from Eshowe, allowed me to meet diverse people with differing views”.

He upholds this diversity at UWC as a significant influence, and key to his ability to fit in and flourish in the world of work. “The University’s diversity was the best embodiment of the workplace. I experienced varied facets of diversity in the workplace - diversity of opinion, religion, race and even style”.

Siboniso’s insights tally well with studies done across South African universities by Universum, a company focused on career talent and employer branding. According to their recent study, our students and alumni’s top descriptors of UWC are 'diversity' and 'inclusion'. “I was raised by strict parents who adhered to specific religious and tribal principles, and anything varying from that, as I increasingly found in Cape Town, bordered on the offensive and >>

| UNIVERSITY OF THE WESTERN CAPE | CAREER UPDATE 2019 |

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THE MNCWANGO BROTHERS

was difficult to accept”, he recalls.

His time at UWC represented a transformation. “Here,” he says, “I learned that it’s okay to be different, and for others to be different; that diversity included not just race, ethnicity and tribe, but also opinion.

This made it easier for me to recover from my closed-minded attitude and construct a better me”.

So what can we learn from these insights? Beyond the selfimprovement benefits, what is the applicability of diversity to the workplace? As it turns out, our ability to embrace diversity and get along with others is considered a highly desirable attribute among employers. According to SkillsPortal, diversity in workforces has numerous benefits, including enhanced ability to understand and relate to customers, clients and colleagues as well as greater creativity in problem-solving and in marketing of products and services. Employees in diverse teams also experience added learning and growth.

Sithabiso is focused on the support units and resources on campus, to which he says he owes so much. This is to be expected, as the Office for Students with Disabilities, played a large role in his journey. As we reported on his against-all-odds story in our 2016 edition, Sithabiso’s story is also incredible. In his perspective, he is loath to take credit for his achievement, choosing instead to pile accolades on student support services. “The disability unit on campus”, he declares, “gave me so much in a way that I did not even feel my visual disability. All the necessary tools that I could use made me feel normal”. He also relates how being

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around other differently abled students “made me feel okay about my visual disability”, which allowed him to place more energy and focus on his studies, rather than his perceived shortcomings.

Further laurels are showered on other support services. He continues, “UWC has many support units that get you positive outcomes”. He lists the Writing Centre, “which assisted me with sharpening my writing skills”.

Also singled out is the Centre for Student Support Services, “where I registered with the Peer Mentoring Programme and was allocated a mentor”, he reports. It is presumably his humility that prevents him from bragging that he became a Mentor to others and Head Mentor in 2017-2018.

He admits, though, that he “had to find a balance between my academics and mentoring”. He gives special acclaim to the Office for Student Development, which he credits as having “empowered me by writing an article about myself and giving me the opportunity to address thousands of first years at Orientation. In this way I discovered my potential”.

Sithabiso also waxes lyrical about Financial Aid and the Library. “I can say I became family with many of them”, he says, “as they went all out to assist me”. Sithabiso’s insights also hold much value for students, and that is to take full advantage of the array of student support resources.

Sithabiso is completing his pharmacy internship in Eshowe, and is clearly enjoying the adjustment from being a student to a professional in his community. “It is an exciting experience”, he says, “I have a role to play as a health care

| UNIVERSITY OF THE WESTERN CAPE | CAREER UPDATE 2019 |

professional, discovering how to convey information to patients, how to communicate to my supervisors and reporting to work on time. It is a learning curve”.

At this stage, Siboniso flexes his years of experience and worldly wisdom.

His advice for those still studying and planning their career path, he urges them to persevere. “Once you have your degree”, he says, “no one can take it away from you”. Pointing at Sithabiso, he emphasises the point, “He cannot un-graduate”. He strongly advocates (no pun intended) seeking vacation work in your field of study. He also insists that lecturers should also be consulted on extracurricular matters. “Speak to them about the different types of work in your discipline”, he says, undoubtedly referencing the sheer variety of careers available to law graduates.

CONTINUOUS LEARNING IS KEY TO FUTURE SUCCESS To those getting ready to venture into the world of work, he highlights the value of “articulating information and communicating in a way that is understood”, noting that “presenting information and fielding questions from colleagues and clients is an inextricable part of working in the services sector”. On interpersonal interactions and business small-talk, he underscores the value of this to “forging connections with a personal touch often makes the difference when wooing potential clients”. In his final words of advice, Siboniso stresses that “once you’ve gotten a position, the learning has only begun. Continuous learning is key to future success”.

GAINING WORK EXPERIENCE

THE JOURNEY OF FINDING AN

When it comes to reaching your career goal, completing your chosen degree is only half the battle won.

internship

by Sibusiso Khoza

M

any students are often faced with the dilemma of not having enough work experience for a graduate position.

An internship is a sound option especially with graduates wanting to gain work experience.

It is widely accepted that internships assist graduates to enter the world of work. They get a chance to gain practical skills and competencies, and discover their job interests with the guidance of a mentor.

Internships can be viewed as a learning curve and are beneficial, both for graduates and prospective employers. In this article, Career Update caught up with two UWC alumni who share their journey of finding an internship in the tech industry. Manasse Taruvinga is an Information Systems Honours

graduate and works as a Delivery Innovator at Pinewood Technologies SA. Garcia Josephus completed a Financial Accounting undergraduate degree before proceeding with a Postgraduate Diploma in Information, Communication and Technology. He is an intern at Pepkor.

What sparked your interest in IT?

MANASSE TARUVINGA

Both acknowledge that they have always been interested in IT. “I developed my hardware skills at the age of five when my Uncle bought a computer for my Mother to assist with her Masters studies.

My software skills were developed in Grades 10 to 12 when I learned about programming in Java. Midway through my undergraduate studies, I realised that balancing debits and credits, and staring at numbers no longer stimulated me” says Garcia.

“When I completed my degree, I could finally move on with my life.

The question arose, ‘what next?’” This is when Garcia’s IT journey began.

Towards the end of 2017, our Careers Co-ordinator informed him about the post-graduate diploma opportunity at CapaCiTi. He applied and completed the year-long qualification in 2018.

Garcia’s story teaches us never to be discouraged by our failures, and remain steadfast to your dreams. >>

GARCIA JOSEPHUS

| UNIVERSITY OF THE WESTERN CAPE | CAREER UPDATE 2019 |

21

GAINING WORK EXPERIENCE

SUCCESS IS NOT DEFINED AT THE ‘FINISH LINE’ BUT THROUGH THE ABILITY TO OVERCOME ADVERSITY AND FAILURE. Manasse has a contrasting story: “I always had a keen interest in Information Systems. Doing Computer Science at High School fuelled my interest to study it further at university”. He studied Information Systems as a major during his undergraduate studies and pursued it to Postgraduate level. This confirmed his career interest. He adds, “My interest in this field made it easy to sacrifice other things so that I could do well in my studies”.

How did your job search documents speak for you when you were not there?

Prior to applying, both graduates admit that their CV and Letter of Motivation, were not up to scratch. “I would often shy away from marketing my IT skills and competencies due to these being self-taught; I tried not to appear like a know-it-all”, says Garcia.

This is a common mistake amongst students and graduates, who often under-market themselves. Garcia concealed his high level of tech skills from recruiters. In contrast, Manasse concedes that his CV was too long.

“My CV was about four pages at the beginning of the year”, he says. “The Careers staff coached me in reducing it to two pages. I used their guidelines to compile a smart Letter of Motivation”.

YOUR JOB SEARCH DOCUMENTS LAND YOU AN INTERVIEW, NOT A JOB. 22

How did you prepare for the job interview?

Manasse and Garcia take us through their preparation for their interviews.

Manasse says, “I did research on the company, the systems they use, their field of operation and their competitors.

I also researched their largest market based in the UK”. He went on to say that “research about the company culture and their values was very important as this helped me during the interview. Thus I was prepared for questions about the company”.

Garcia relates his story. “My Grandfather used to say that if you are not 15 minutes early, then you are late. I took the same approach to my interviews, and always arrived about 30 minutes before my scheduled time”. Respecting your prospective employers’ time is crucial. He goes on to say that “doing research on a specific company is compulsory. I prepared answers to the following questions: What they do? Who are their customers? Who are their directors? What sector they operate in. Information about their Corporate Social Responsibility programmes enabled me to identify with their ethos”.

Describe the challenges of your job search.

Manasse explained, “My job search was challenging as I am from Zimbabwe. The long wait for my work visa was stressful. Being a foreigner and without sufficient work experience is a gamble – someone or a company has to take a chance on you. UWC should explore creating student internships on campus. This will facilitate our job search”.

Garcia concedes, “There were days that I couldn’t face the world, as

| UNIVERSITY OF THE WESTERN CAPE | CAREER UPDATE 2019 |

the job search brings its own roller coaster of emotions. Not many companies provide reasons for rejecting your application”. He continues, “I took longer than the minimum time to complete my undergraduate degree. This raised ‘red flags’ with recruiters and possibly lead to my applications being tossed aside. Dealing with rejection has been a huge learning for me”.

What advice do you have for students entering the world of work?

“Have a clear goal and clear road map. This may not always go as planned. Students should apply to as many companies as possible”, says Manasse. “I found my internship through the UWC Career Xplora”.

Tip

Additional websites to check out:

LinkedIn

GradX

Leaply

Graduates24

quantify your future Careers24 GradConnection

PuffandPass

CareersSA

Career Junction

PNet

Facebook

“Prepare your job search documents early”, suggests Garcia. “For students targeting the tech space”, he adds, “make sure your CV displays all your skills and competencies including those that are self-taught”.

In 2018, UWC Career Xplora shared 752 job postings consisting of vacancies in the following fields: Law and Accounting articles (21) Graduate Trainee role (439), vacation work (42), full-time opportunities (261) and internships (1340).

ADVANCING ENTREPRENEURSHIP

THE PATH LESS TRAVELLED STORY OF REGENIZE

by Lester Malgas

Getting recruited to work for an employer is not for everyone. The idea of working solely for one employer is outdated. In the 2018 Universum Survey, 27% of UWC student respondents reported that, to be entrepreneurial or innovative, is an important career goal.

E

ntrepreneurs are increasingly being valued, both locally and abroad. IDEATE, a home-grown website dedicated to advancing entrepreneurship through information, rates entrepreneurship as “the single most important activity in our economy.” It goes on to explain how entrepreneurship creates new wealth and value, as well as new money and new jobs.

An article in ENTREPRENEUR.COM, similarly lists the importance of entrepreneurship: “Entrepreneurs can change the way we live and

work. If successful, their revolutions may improve our standard of living.

In addition to creating wealth from their entrepreneurial ventures, they also create jobs and the conditions for a flourishing society.”

Career Update shares the incredible story of two UWC graduates. Chad Robertson turned down a job offer at a company he had been keen on and Nkazimlo Miti left the comfort of a promising career. They co-founded Regenize, an innovative recycling company, to make recycling more inclusive, create an incentive for people to recycle and provide an avenue for recyclers in the informal market to contribute toward positive social change. This set them on the path less travelled.

Where did you grow up?

CR: I grew up in the working class communities of Valhalla Park and Goodwood, Cape Town.

NM: I grew up in Bisho, Eastern Cape,

NKAZIMLO MITI AND CHAD ROBERTSON

but lived in Cape Town for most of my life.

What did you study?

CR: I pursued a B Com degree and completed Honours in Information Systems in 2014. In 2017, I completed a Higher Certificate in Entrepreneurial Studies at CPUT and I’m currently completing the MPhil in Inclusive Innovation at UCT GSB. NM: I enrolled for the B Com degree and completed Honours in Information Systems in 2014. I was fascinated by the new and changing knowledge, and using innovation and >>

| UNIVERSITY OF THE WESTERN CAPE | CAREER UPDATE 2019 |

23

ADVANCING ENTREPRENEURSHIP

problem solving solutions systems and various technologies. In 2017, I completed a Master’s degree in Information Management at UWC. Tell us about your path to becoming an entrepreneur?

CR: I declined a job offer after completing my undergrad studies.

This decision took me on a unique journey. I learned so much about leadership, others and myself during my Honours studies. This also sparked my belief that I could become an entrepreneur. After Honours, Nkazimlo and I had a business idea.

At that time, UWC had no support for student entrepreneurship. I started work at EquiSoft, Cape Town. Although I enjoyed my time at EquiSoft, I realised that it wasn’t for me. In August 2016, I left EquiSoft to focus fulltime on Regenize. I left because I knew that entrepreneurship was the vehicle to create the change I wanted to make in the world.

NM: I wanted to do something that has a lasting impact and solves problems in my beloved country.

I met Chad during my studies and realised we had similar interests.

At that time, I did not know much about entrepreneurship. I landed administrative and tutoring roles, and then became a part-time lecturer at UWC. In 2016, I became a Business Analyst at the City of Cape Town where I joined the HR Business Systems Team. I was thrown into the deep end, got to work on big and complex projects, and saw the potential for social impact. This cemented my drive to push the idea Chad and I had at the time. I left the comfort of a promising career to pursue Regenize fulltime. I knew I was naïve, ‘going in blind’, but sometimes

24

you have to jump and hope that the fall isn’t too bad!

What made you decide on this particular industry?

This industry chose us through a series of failures and lessons.

We created a business that uses technology and innovation to focus on problems that we care about. It’s not about the waste per se but the impact it has on our planet, oceans and creatures. We also believe in building empowering businesses.

How did you identify a gap in this market?

We initially wanted to start a 3D-printing business, but it didn’t work out. However, we learned a lot about plastic and plastic waste in 3D printing. At that time, only 3.5% of South Africans recycled; today it is 7.5%. Coupling that with the horrible customer experience typically offered by recycling companies, we knew that was the problem we wanted to solve.

What was your next step?

We joined an incubation programme which taught us many valuable lessons, opened new networks and helped us sharpen our focus.

After the programme we continued developing our idea. Our initial idea was to create a platform between recycling companies and residents.

Our market research confirmed that recycling companies are not consumer centric. In this way, we learned that partnering with recycling companies wouldn’t work for several reasons. It’s been a continuous process of validating all our assumptions until we reached what is called “market-fit”. We launched our business in 2017 before reaching that stage.

| UNIVERSITY OF THE WESTERN CAPE | CAREER UPDATE 2019 |

AN ENTREPRENEUR IS SOMEONE WHO WILL JUMP OFF A CLIFF AND ASSEMBLES AN AIRPLANE ON THE WAY DOWN. REID HOFFMAN

What is the difference between a start-up and a business?

A start-up is a new or innovative way of doing something in a market that’s not mature or existing. For example, if you want to start a fried chicken takeaway, that would be considered as a business as there’s nothing new or innovative and there is an existing market. Whereas, if you wanted to start a food delivery company that uses robots to deliver the food, that’s a start-up. In a start-up, things are new, risky and uncertain; you’re always validating and learning. Writing a business plan is more helpful if you’re developing a business. For a start-up, focus on validating your assumptions, use agile tools such as Customer Development & the Business Model Canvas to assist you with this stage. The following books are useful references: • The Four Steps to the Epiphany Steve Blank • Business Model Generation Alex Osterwalder • 90 Rules For Entrepreneurs – Marnus Broodryk

ADVANCING ENTREPRENEURSHIP

Did you raise capital?

We applied for funding and discovered that investors are hesitant to fund start-ups in the recycling industry. Capital isn’t as accessible as we thought. Before any investor bites, you need to have a bit of ‘traction’.

This did not stop us. Chad shared, “I sold my car to get us started”. We won entrepreneurship competitions and received funding. We are currently raising funds to upscale our solution. However, we found that there were funding limitations to being social entrepreneurs, i.e., being ‘impact’ rather than ‘profit’ driven.

I SOLD MY CAR TO GET US STARTED. How did your family support you?

CR: My family members helped in many ways. I don’t come from a family of entrepreneurs, so for them it was a first that someone who had the privilege to study at university and had a great job, chose to leave it all for an idea. When I first told my parents of my plans, their vote of confidence and support made the transition easier. My girlfriend, now wife, is a great supporter and sound board on this journey. Being an entrepreneur is difficult and having a supportive team is essential.

How did you overcome your challenges?

Mind-set shift – Society often teaches us that failure is bad.

However, as an entrepreneur you need to change your mind-set to realise that failure is how you learn to become successful. If you fail, learn from it and move on.

Pride – Entrepreneurship will

humble you especially when you’re accustomed to earning a monthly salary. In the beginning, you won’t earn much, if any. The best thing to do is to swallow your pride and don’t take rejection personally.

Discipline – Reporting to nobody may sound appealing but it requires extra discipline to be your own boss. To make this challenge easier we had an accountability partner – an advisor or mentor to report to periodically.

Wearing many hats – Your many roles could become overwhelming.

One moment, you need to be an operational person, the next, tactical and then later a strategic person. While it’s fine to do all the work at the beginning, you eventually need to find people who can perform some of the tasks for you otherwise you lose sight of the strategy as you’re too involved with the operations.

Lack of experience – We had limited knowledge and no experience of the recycling industry. Thus we used all mediums to gain that knowledge and experience including the internet, recycling events and visits to recycling companies.

What were your biggest shortterm successes?

• Surviving – After 2 ½ years we’ve been through many challenges and changes but we persevered.

• Winning the 2018 PETCO Awards Best Digital Technology supporting Recycling.

• Being awarded the SAB Student Fund in 2018.

What advice do you have for budding entrepreneurs?

• Be aware of your competitors especially in the niche space.

• Don’t focus on building the

•

•

• •

•

tech or the business plan at the beginning. If you’re building a solution for people, spend time validating your assumptions. Does the problem exist? Is the problem agonising others? Will you be paid for your solution (your solution doesn’t have to exist at this point; build a prototype)? Are there other ways to make money from your solution if it’s a free service? Focus on these questions to validate that your idea could become a sustainable business.

Intern or volunteer at a start-up.

You will learn from being in a start-up environment even if the industry is different. Alternatively, intern in an industry you’d like to learn more about.

Being at university is a great time to start a business. Use your university networks to find people who have the skills you lack and build a team.

Constantly learn – there is much free quality content on the internet.

Network with thought leaders, take them for coffee, and attend events and seminars.

Don’t be afraid to think BIG.

For more information, visit www.regenize.co.za

ACT LOCAL, THINK GLOBAL.

| UNIVERSITY OF THE WESTERN CAPE | CAREER UPDATE 2019 |

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UWC FLAG FLIES HIGH

Flying the UWC flag high at FNB Showcasing our highflying Computer Science graduates who are trainees in 2018 at FNB.

Irvin Wesso BSC HONOURS IN COMPUTER SCIENCE JAVA DEVELOPER GRADUATE TRAINEE,

Describe memorable moments.

Meeting the CEO, Jacques Celliers, (who does not have an office or a desk) and making new friends across South Africa.

What surprised you about entering the working world?

There are things you won’t know when you start and that’s ok because you’ll learn them as you go along.

What would you have done differently at University?

Apply for holiday jobs/internships that would have better prepared me for the working world; particpate in more hackathon challenges.

What is it about FNB that made you want to work here?

Former students told me about the culture and working environment. It appealed to me.

FNB IDIGITECH

What is the company culture like?

Extremely welcoming. Everyone is willing to help one another. We work hard and share social activities such as indoor soccer.

What advice can you give students entering the job market?

Apply as early as possible, do thorough company research to understand the kind of work you’ll be doing. Choose an employer who enables your growth.

What surprised you most about entering the working world?

Dressing casually. Working remotely with team members in JHB.

What cool project are you working on?

Adding new loan features to the FNB website so that customers are able to bank more efficiently.

What has been your most memorable moment at FNB? The first day. I realised I was where I wanted to be; in a good place to grow my skills and learn more about the corporate world.

What is it about FNB that made you want to work there?

Reports by friends of the great experience – teaching you how to code plus valuable life and social skills.

Describe an interesting moment at the Bank?

Making a music video for the FNB Lip Sync Challenge. We brought in props such as guitars, wigs and bowties, and then lip-synced words from well-known songs to create our own music video.

Sharief Said

What cool project are you working on?

A project involving geolocation similar to Facebook’s check-in feature.

What is the company culture like?

The culture is friendly. You connect on a personal level with your colleagues, while maintaining professionalism.

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Describe an interesting moment at the Bank.

Meeting the CEO, Jacques Celliers, and casually chatting about exchanging jobs.

What would you have done differently at University?

Get involved with projects and enter more coding challenges.

BSC COMPUTER SCIENCE JAVA DEVELOPER GRADUATE TRAINEE, FNB IDIGITECH

| UNIVERSITY OF THE WESTERN CAPE | CAREER UPDATE 2019 |

What advice can you give students entering the job market?

The field of Computer Science is vast, therefore know what you want to do before applying for jobs. Choose something that is challenging and that allows you to grow.

TEACHING ABROAD

FROM CAPE TOWN

TO CHENGDU

by Ronwyn Bentham Teaching English abroad as a foreign language has become an exciting career prospect for many graduates. Career Update reached out to Ronwyn Bentham, a UWC Arts graduate, to share her job search experience and settling in at ELFA Kaili Bin Jiang Preschool in Chengdu, China as a teacher.

I

am frequently asked why I chose to teach in China. My standard response is, “It was an opportunity to go abroad and I took it”. After graduating with an

Honours degree in English, I interned at Tencent Africa Services. This opportunity was presented to me whilst doing part-time promotional work as a student. The internship was not related to my qualification, however, I was open to learning and gaining work experience. At the same time, I was determined to find a job in the field of reading and writing. I spent at least two hours per day applying for jobs and writing letters of motivation.

Over three months, I attended a few interviews, and received dozens of emails of regret and no responses to other applications. This was demotivating and I once again

resorted to applying for jobs outside of my field of study and thus I questioned what I really wanted to do. I came across a teaching post in China. I matched most of the job requirements and so I applied. I was invited to complete an online entry questionnaire and an interview. This opportunity excited me.

Obtaining a work visa for China is a lengthy process. At the time of my application, our local news covered many frightening stories of South Africans detained for working without the appropriate visas or through scam agencies. I decided not to take any shortcuts. After my interview, I was advised by the recruitment company in China to collate the following documents: • degree certificate; • full academic transcript; • TEFL certificate; • passport; • Police clearance, and • reference letter. >>

| UNIVERSITY OF THE WESTERN CAPE | CAREER UPDATE 2019 |

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TEACHING ABROAD

You must send your degree certificate to the Department of Higher Education in Pretoria for notarization (to verify that your degree is authentic). Then, your degree along with your Police Clearance Certificate should be sent to the Department of International Relations and Cooperation in Pretoria for notarization. All these documents are then sent to the Chinese Embassy for notarization. Finally, send scanned copies of all documents to your agency to apply for your work visa.

The whole process can take up to 3 months, but following the correct legal process is best. Ensure that you do a thorough background check on

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recruitment agencies and scrutinize their websites. Obtain updated information regarding visas and regulations in the respective country.

Contact graduates who are possibly teaching or have taught in China through LinkedIn for information about the agency and/or school.

I HAVE A HUNGER FOR TRAVELLING AND LEARNING ABOUT DIFFERENT CULTURES On receipt of your Chinese visa, classified as “Z” visa, you are good to go. On arrival in China, you will complete the final process for your

| UNIVERSITY OF THE WESTERN CAPE | CAREER UPDATE 2019 |

work visa and residence permit. Note that the school you will be working for should hold a license to employ foreigners and your working visa should be registered under this name.

CU asked what set her apart from other applicants. “My current director appreciated my voluntary and parttime work experiences, my values were compatible with theirs and I demonstrated the willingness to learn” she concluded.

The experience of living and working abroad has been interesting, exciting as well as challenging. I have a hunger for travelling and learning about different cultures.

EFFECTIVE WRITING SKILLS

ACADEMIC writing BEYOND UNIVERSITY

By Craig Browers, Caitlin Troup and Hector Nkandu

Research Technique

Recruiters bemoan the quality of writing when reviewing student applications. This first glimpse tells the reader much about you.

T

he world of work relies on effective communication.

Regardless of where you are in the world, you are required to communicate well. Being a graduate with effective writing skills sets you apart.

Whether you are communicating with a recruiter via email or in your job search documents, the way you write can either give you a boost in your job search journey or hamper it. Graduates at S-RM, a leading risk and intelligence consultancy, share thoughts on how your academic work impacts the success of your job search. They focus on research technique, academic writing and editorial care.

Learning where and how to access information improves the speed and quality of your research skills, and accustoms you to using reputable journals, publications and online news sources. In this way, you build an inventory of resources to draw information from in future. Use multiple sources to substantiate your arguments especially in assignments.

Similarly, in your job search, by using multiple platforms helps you to identify additional opportunities, verify information received through word of mouth and ensure the authenticity of job postings.

Academic writing In order to grab someone’s attention, be concise. Make use of short sentences and paragraphs to keep text digestible. Place the main points first as this will grab the attention of the reader. An assignment that expresses the main ideas coherently is often rewarded with a good grade because sentences are punctuated properly, thus making the body of work flow logically. Recruiters are short on time. Thus, primary points such as education, achievements and work experience should be foremost

on your CV. Also, use phrases and action verbs to explain your duties and skills. In your Letter of Motivation, refrain from using colloquial language.

Your paragraphs should be well structured, highlighting what you are applying for, your achievements, skills and why you are the ideal candidate for the post.

Let’s unpack how your writing skill is infused in an analyst role at S-RM. The analytical work at S-RM is varied and challenging. Projects range from a few days to several months across different industries and countries.

This includes investigating a range of matters such as financial crime, corruption, fraud, political exposure and reputational issues.

You will be required to conduct detailed historical research, rapidly collate information from restricted access public sources, analyse the veracity of various media and profile companies and individuals. Teams work together to address multifaceted intelligence challenges in >>

| UNIVERSITY OF THE WESTERN CAPE | CAREER UPDATE 2019 |

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EFFECTIVE WRITING SKILLS

order to provide clients with wellsourced, objective reporting on sometimes contentious and complex issues. The responsibilities of the analyst role include research and writing reports on companies and individuals for due diligence and investigatory purposes; providing subject matter expertise on the political, regulatory and corporate risk environment in your area of specialism; conducting English and regional language research on corporate and political issues, and presenting to managers and clients.

By looking at the italicised words in the aforementioned paragraphs, you should notice how often the issue of research and writing are mentioned.

How are writing skills assessed in the S-RM recruitment process?

STEP 1: Submission of your CV and a Letter of Motivation (not longer than one page).

STEP 2: If successful, an invitation to an assessment day which consists of an interview, a foreign language assessment (if required for the role) and a group exercise.

STEP 3: A writing test involving a timed research and writing exercise which is designed to give you a greater understanding of the work of an analyst.

STEP 4: A final interview.

Let’s hone in on the third step. This exercise involves a simulated or realistic business case-study that could focus on financial crime, corruption, fraud, political exposure and/or reputational issues. You will be assessed on your ability to read

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EVERYBODY WRITES, SOME READ, FEW PROOFREAD for comprehension as well as your knowledge of risk management. Do not panic! Simply apply the theory gleaned from relevant modules.

Editorial care during your studies Always edit your work. Make adjustments to your assignment to improve the quality to reflect the time and effort you have put into your work. Editing requires patience and attention to detail. Do not think that you can submit draft one as your final assignment. It is advisable to start early, and review the draft after a few days – thus giving you time to reflect and gain fresh ideas. Access resources such as the MSWord spelling and grammar check, Grammarly©,

| UNIVERSITY OF THE WESTERN CAPE | CAREER UPDATE 2019 |

and the campus Writing Centre.

Proofread your work to ensure correct grammatical, spelling, punctuation and style. Although tedious and time consuming, it might be the difference between a mere pass and a distinction.

PROOFREADING: • helps you identify inconsistencies in the delivery of the main ideas; • improves coherency of the assignment or project and • allows you to remove irrelevant information.

A well-written and succinct body of work is easy to read and allows for better understanding. The more you proofread assignments and documents before submitting, the

EFFECTIVE WRITING SKILLS

more poised and conďŹ dent you will be when speaking about the subject matter or answering questions during a presentation or an interview. It is vital to hone your editing skills as a student.

The same applies when constructing your job search documents. A welledited CV and Letter of Motivation is appealing and stands out amongst the rest, thus increasing your chances of being called for an interview.

These documents also require several drafts. Be wary of using the same CV and Letter of Motivation for all applications. Recruiters often mention that students sometimes change the date and company details (e.g., TFG) before the salutation in the letter

A WELL-EDITED LETTER OF MOTIVATION STANDS OUT AMONGST THE REST

without changing the name (e.g., Truworths) in the body of the letter.

Or, they write ‘wanting to commence a career in corporate law’ in their Career Objective of a CV submitted to, for example, Legal Aid SA. Job search documents containing avoidable mistakes reect poorly on your professionalism and personal brand.

We see that writing is a critical skill sought by recruiters. Students should view their writing tasks beyond simply fulďŹ lling the requirements for assessment. The skill of effective writing is not developed overnight but progressively sharpened throughout your undergraduate years.

The opportunity of a lifetime Your career is just that, yours. You choose it. You live it. You make it happen. To get the best from it, you need the best opportunities. That’s why opportunities are at the heart of PwC careers.

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| UNIVERSITY OF THE WESTERN CAPE | CAREER UPDATE 2019 |

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JOB SEARCH TOOLS

DISCOVERING YOUR CAREER XPLORA EMPLOYER DIRECTORY AND JOB BOARD Employer Directory The Employer Directory allows you to explore industries and potential employers. These include accounting and auditing, law, banking and insurance, fast moving consumer goods, government and civil society, fashion, retail and technology. This list provides the name of the company, location, the industry the company belongs to and a link to the company’s website.

If you click on the company name you can access the company profile and the persons responsible for graduate recruitment.

The company profile will show Available Positions and On-Campus Events. You can RSVP to the event.

‘Follow’ the company and/or the representative to receive notifications on new opportunities or campus events. For easy access, click on your Favourite Employers and Favourite

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Contacts tabs. Use the contact information when formulating your letter of motivation and avoid using the term ‘to whom it may concern’.

Add UWC Careers Service as a Favourite Employer to receive other company posts.

there will be adverts based on your majors, jobs from employers you're following, similar other jobs you have viewed and what’s trending. Click on the See All Jobs tab to view the entire Job Board. You will receive a weekly Job Blast. However, you can also create your own job alerts.

Job Board The Job Board assists you to identify various opportunities including articles, vacation work, graduate trainee programmes, internships, networking invites, full-and part-time work, student competitions, student conference/ seminar invites, temporary/casual work and volunteer work.

The Job Board’s innovative features make it intuitive and personalised.

What does this mean? After completing your account settings (See step 2 of ‘Career Xplora made easy’ on the next page), the system will recommend jobs for you and

| UNIVERSITY OF THE WESTERN CAPE | CAREER UPDATE 2019 |

Each listing will tell you about the position type, a description of the opportunity and which degree and majors are targeted, desired skills, how to apply and the closing date for applications.

If you are interested in working overseas, the Extended Job Search tab will prove extremely useful. Listed in this portal are all the job postings from Careers by Symplicity worldwide.

Now you know how to navigate the Employer Directory and Job Boardenjoy exploring!

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CLICK TO VIEW THE EMPLOYER DIRECTORY of recruiters who utilise UWC Careers Service.

CLICK TO VIEW YOUR UWC CAREERS SERVICE EVENTS CALENDAR.

CLICK TO VIEW YOUR ENTIRE JOB BOARD and explore job opportunities listed locally and internationally.

CLICK ON THE HOME TAB to access your Homepage.

CLICK ON THE PERSONAL INFORMATION TAB and complete these 3 important sections.

GETTING STARTED: Click here to access your account.

Career Xplora Made Easy

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CHECK THIS SPACE for upcoming recruitment events.

CHECK THIS SPACE for new postings and announcements.

WATCH THIS SPACE for recommended opportunities based on your activity.

YOUR CAREERS SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENTS, SLIDESHOW AND REMINDERS.

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OUR “LIVE CHAT WITH CAREERS SERVICE” feature is available during office hours.

CLICK TO ACCESS ALL THE ONLINE JOB SEARCH PREPARATION TOOLS. Use the RESUME BUILDER to assist you in developing your CV and Letter of Motivation.

The MOCK INTERVIEW TOOL offers you a recording system to practise your interview.

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GET STARTED BY VISITING: https://uwc-csm.symplicity.com/students

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Do you have an idea with the power to shape human destiny?

Join The FNB Future League.

If you’re endlessly curious and want to contribute to a better world, then you’re just the kind of talent we’re looking for. Enter the World Future At FNB you’ll be

Challenge and win a trip to the global

introduced to opportunities to push

Innov8ers Summit, or apply for the FNB

yourself beyond your degree. You’ll get

Future League week, 8 -12 July 2019

to work in a unique culture that is open to cutting

and immerse yourself in the

edge thinking and collaboration, using the latest

world of FNB.

technology and analytics. As Africa’s Most Valuable Banking Brand*, we believe in creating a work experience that is anything but ordinary. If you are inspired to build a future of innovative solutions, apply to the FNB Graduate programme, applications close 8 August 2019. *Brand Finance® Africa 2019

Submit your application before 17th June 2019.

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