Aspiring HR practitioner ready to start from the bottom

Written by Aletta Shikololo

Andrew Kavindja Kavura, a final year Bachelor of Human Resource Management student at the Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST), is driven by his passion for people and desire to make a meaningful impact in the workplace.

The 22-year-old aspiring HR practitioner is eager to begin his career from the bottom and work his way up the corporate ladder.

While some of his peers have high expectations of landing lucrative jobs with prestigious titles immediately after graduation, Kavura is realistic about the challenging job market. He understands that practical work experience is often a prerequisite for most employers, and students lack that experience.

“That’s why I don’t mind starting in entry-level positions where I can relieve the HR department of repetitive administrative tasks like processing leave, administering overtime or updating employee files, while learning from more experienced HR practitioners,” he said.

The enthusiastic and soft-spoken student says he chose to study HR to follow in his father’s footsteps. “My father is my mentor, and I often turn to him for guidance and support. This is a good career for me because studying HR management can help one achieve business success by managing people effectively.”

Regarding what the future holds for his career in the ever-changing world of human resources, Andrew noted that technology would play a significant role. “With the right tools, HR professionals can analyse employee performance, store files, and communicate with employees more easily than ever before. However, technology can also be a hindrance if not used properly. It can eliminate human interaction and create a sense of distance between employees and HR professionals.” He said.

“The role of HR is continuously evolving and becoming more automated. As an HR professional, it will be important for me to stay ahead of the curve and work with different types of technologies. I will need to troubleshoot basic issues, find innovative solutions to common problems, and understand which software programs work best for different tasks.” He added.

To stay updated with the rapid developments in the field, Andrew says he is always learning and networking. He is also on various HR WhatsApp groups and regularly attends industry events.

“I am currently looking for an internship with a reputable organisation where I can soak up as much knowledge as possible. The internship is also a requirement for me to graduate next year.”

With an insatiable appetite to learn and grow, and an evident passion for HR, the future looks very bright for Andrew.