Graduated!

Hi Readers

Me, along with the rest of my class offically graduated as Public Relations practitioners, recieving our National Diplomas in the field. It was an exciting day on 18 April 2013, something we have looked foreward to for the past 3 years. These past 3 years were not easy for our group by any stretch of the imagination. There were tears, screaming and catfights (Well,almost), but you all kow what I mean. In, the end we made it, we lost a few soldiers on the way through people who have dropped out or in one instance where one classmate was called home by God when he got ill. These are just some of the challenges that faced us as the 2010 Public Relations Management group. But, this is only the begining if you ask me. There are still tons we need to do and learn, but even scarier is the fact that we now have to find work.

In South Africa, as we know, the job market is very fickle and the high unemployment rate does not make things look even peachier for us. We might be qualified now but that does now gaurentee a job. The country as the rest of the world is under tremendous economic pressure, and there might be a placement available at a company, but that does not mean they can afford you. Companies are cutting costs where they can and hiring a fresh graduate is not on the list of priorities.

Looking at the job vacancies in Cape Town and Johanessburg for Public relations practitioners for new graduates, it is very difficult to find a non-intern position. I cannot speak for my classmates, but I am not looking for a top executive job with bonuses and car allowances etc, I just need a foot in the door in order for me to get there one day. Me and a good friend were discussing our opportunities in the job market and it looks really bleak. I am willing to relocate nationally and internationally for a job, thats how willing I am. Another option is to simply start you own business, but there are so many other added pressures that go with that.

There are agencies to assist the "Youth" as we are called with skills development but how much will that help us in an interview and standing out above our classmates. Since last year all I have been hearing from lecturers is that we might be friends now but we will be fighting for jobs in the next few months. With only 3 recent graduates for every 10 being employed in different sectors every month, it does not look good.These are industries such as Accounting and Law, mind you.

Signing out
Candice Cummings