Elevating Personal Branding: AARU’s Inaugural Skills Workshop at Riverside Campus
In an exciting move towards empowering students, the Advancement and Alumni Relations Unit (AARU) recently launched its first-ever Skills Workshop at the Riverside Campus of the Durban University of Technology (DUT) in Pietermaritzburg. The event, themed “Personal Branding: Part 2,” attracted an impressive 98 attendees, signalling a promising start for AARU’s outreach efforts in this vibrant region.
Expert Guidance in the Realm of Personal Branding
Held in early May, the workshop featured the dynamic Gita Winter from Recruiters Care, a seasoned expert in graduate employability and recruitment strategies. Her engaging presentation was tailored specifically to equip DUT students with vital tools for self-promotion and career readiness in today’s competitive landscape. Emphasizing the significance of personal branding, Winter provided an array of practical strategies to help students navigate the modern job market.
Hands-On Strategies for Success
From crafting impactful LinkedIn profiles to articulating unique strengths, the workshop covered essential techniques for enhancing professional visibility. Participants were not just passive listeners; Winter fostered an engaging environment that inspired students to ask questions, exchange ideas, and network with each other.
“This session was more than just a workshop; it was a turning point for many students. We now understand how to position ourselves professionally, especially online, where most recruiters are looking,”
A Comprehensive Approach to Student Development
The Personal Branding workshop is part of AARU’s broader initiative aimed at bridging the gap between student life and the professional world. Recognizing the challenges that students face in a competitive job market, this Skills Workshop series aims to empower students with training focused on self-confidence, career clarity, and digital fluency.
Building a Collaborative Community
Winter expressed her enthusiasm for the engagement at Riverside Campus: “It was inspiring to see such high levels of interest and participation. These students are eager to learn and grasp the power of strategic branding to unlock career opportunities.” This event showcased the value of collaboration at DUT, as Student Health and Counselling contributed significantly to the holistic development of students by addressing academic wellness alongside employability.
Looking to the Future
For AARU, the success of this inaugural workshop represents a commitment to inclusive engagement and developmental impact across all DUT campuses. As part of DUT’s ongoing efforts to prepare students for the workforce, initiatives like this are shaping a future generation of graduates who are confident in their personal and professional identities.
Gratitude and Achievements
AARU extends its gratitude to Nobuhle Sithole from Student Health and Counselling for her invaluable contributions to the planning and coordination of the workshop, which played a pivotal role in its success. As more sessions are in the pipeline, the response from Riverside students sets a high standard for continued growth within the program.
Envisioning 2030: Empowering the Next Generation
As DUT moves towards achieving its ENVISION2030 goals, workshops like the Skills Workshop highlight the university’s dedication to producing well-rounded, employable, and empowered graduates. Ronelle Lyson, Coordinator: Alumni Relations, voiced her excitement: “We are thrilled about what lies ahead. On June 5, 2025, we will launch a Pre-Alumni Programme designed to bridge the gap between academia and the workplace by equipping final-year students with essential tools and mentorship before they even graduate.”
Image: Attendees at the first-ever Skills Workshop at DUT Riverside Campus in Pietermaritzburg.
By Swelihle Shoba
