Entering the World of Work

Graduate Interns at the Durban Chamber of Commerce and Industry. From left Yoshlin Govender, Dumile Khubone, Shivani Singh, Nothando Hadebe and Ndumiso Mdalose

As a student you work hard towards obtaining that qualification and when finally qualify, your next big step is entering the world of work. When we asked these five newly appointed graduate interns at the Chamber, they will tell you that entry into a new work environment is never easy, you expect the unexpected especially if employed as an intern. Dumile Khubone joined the Business Services Department as an SMME graduate intern. Dumile is a Masters student at the Durban University of Technology (DUT) and holds a degree and diploma in Office Management and Technology. Dumile enjoys his work as he sees it as improving the economic status of the country, by assisting small businesses succeed. The accounts department also gained a new member in their team. Ndumiso Mdlalose who is a graduate in Financial Accounting also from DUT. Ndumiso enjoys working at the Chamber where he not only gains experience in his field but also exposure in other fields, which teaches one versatility. The staff and management here are all friendly, and inspire you to work, making it a pleasure to come to work everyday, explains Ndumiso. I enjoy most, the interaction with the private sector in contrast with municipal workers explains Shivani Singh the Policy and Advocacy intern. Shivani has the longest experience working with the Chamber, having worked since May 2012. She finds her experience interesting and very informative as she gets to attend various meetings that contribute towards her completing her PHD studies. Public Relations graduate also from DUT, Nothando Hadebe started working at the Chamber the same day as Dumile. She joins a very small Marketing and Communications department. Excitement overwhelms her as this is the first time she has been exposed in the marketing and communications field. Nothando hopes to grow and excel by improving her writing skills, and understanding the different dimensions of marketing, that will one day set her apart. Yoshlin Govender, Conference Centre Coordinator is fresh from varsity and has been with the Chamber for just over a week. Yoshlin holds a diploma in Information Technology, and is thrilled to be in his first working environment. He plans to work diligently and absorb everything to enable him to jump start his career, build his resume professionally and expose himself to the opportunity of being part of such a special organization.

With the positivity of these five young minds. It is hoped that they will seize the opportunity, learn and let it cultivate them to later realize their dreams and reach their full potential.