Khutso Uoane, Account Executive at Tribeca PR
Graduating from university and securing your first job or internship is an exciting milestone. After years of assignments, exams and long nights of studying, stepping into the working world brings a new opportunity to learn, grow and put your qualification into practice. While varsity provides an important academic foundation, the workplace offers lessons that can only truly be learnt through experience.
For many young South Africans, getting this opportunity is significant. The latest Quarterly Labour Force Survey (QLFS) from Stats SA revealed that youth remain the hardest hit by unemployment, with those aged 15–24 facing an unemployment rate of 60,9%, followed by those aged 25–34 at 40,6%. For graduates who secure internships or entry-level opportunities, the first few months in the workplace can become an important period of growth and development.
As someone who completed a six-month internship at Tribeca Public Relations and was fortunate enough to be hired afterwards, I quickly realised that some of the most valuable workplace lessons are not always taught in lecture halls.
One of the first things I learnt was the importance of staying informed. At varsity, much of your attention is focused on coursework, assignments and exams. In the workplace, especially in industries such as public relations, staying updated on current affairs and industry developments becomes an important part of the job. Before starting my internship, social media was often my main source of news because information spreads quickly and stories break in real time. However, I soon realised the importance of reading credible news platforms and understanding how events can influence industries, organisations and clients.
I also learnt that communication in the workplace can be different from what many of us are taught at varsity. As a student, I believed emails always had to sound extremely formal and serious. Once I started working, I realised that communication styles vary from one organisation to another. Emails can still be professional while sounding warm, clear and conversational. Learning how an organisation communicates, whether with colleagues or clients, is an important part of settling into a new environment and building professional confidence.
Another valuable lesson was understanding that learning does not stop after graduation. At varsity, much of the focus is placed on studying, completing assignments and passing exams. While academic success is important, the workplace offers an opportunity to build on that foundation in practical and meaningful ways. Every experience becomes a chance to learn something new and develop skills that contribute to your professional growth. One of the most valuable lessons I learnt during my internship was the importance of asking questions and seeking guidance. The workplace is not only about completing tasks, but also about learning from those around you, building confidence and discovering new ways to contribute.
My first six months of working also taught me the value of collaboration and support. At the beginning of my internship, I often wanted to figure everything out independently because I wanted to prove myself. Over time, I realised that asking for help is an important part of learning and growing in a professional environment. Colleagues and managers are often willing to share their knowledge and experiences, so seeking guidance can make the learning process more rewarding. There may be moments when you feel uncertain, but it is important to remember that every professional starts somewhere. Growth comes with experience, curiosity and a willingness to learn from the people around you.
Starting your career can feel like a major adjustment, particularly when you start applying what you learnt at varsity in a professional setting. However, the first six months of working can also be one of the most rewarding periods of personal and professional development. By staying curious, being open to learning and embracing every opportunity to grow, graduates can build confidence and lay a strong foundation for their future careers.
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