BY MBONO MDLULI
MBABANE – Students at the Limkokwing University of Technology (LUCT) have been urged to be mindful of their attitude if they aspire to thrive in the professional realm.
The attendees were informed that while they may possess brilliance and skills, their success in any industry could be hindered by a negative attitude. This message was conveyed by various industry leaders from esteemed companies across the nation, who were invited by LUCT students to share their experiences in the field.
This guidance was shared during the Future Leaders Forum Roundtable held on February 12, 2025, at the Mbabane Campus of LUCT. The roundtable aims to bridge the divide between academia and the professional world, facilitating a smoother transition for students into the workforce upon completing their studies.
The event, directed by Mazwe Dlamini, featured professionals from prominent organisations such as the Electricity Company, Hilton Garden Inn, and Lactalis Eswatini. Faculty and staff from the institution also participated in the event, which commenced around 10 AM and was well-attended by students eager to receive professional insights regarding their academic pursuits. Moreover, the students were informed about various opportunities offered by these companies.
Khulekile Dlamini, one of the event organisers, welcomed attendees and encouraged them to actively participate. Lucky Phiri, Marketing and Brand Activation Manager at Lactalis, emphasised the importance of maintaining a positive attitude for career success. He also indicated that Lactalis has opportunities available for students, acknowledging their potential as the future of the company and the nation.
UNESWA student Bandile Malaza, currently in his final year, urged his peers to go the extra mile in their learning journey. He highlighted that there would be aspects of their education that lecturers might not cover. For instance, he pointed out that aspiring journalists should attend journalism conferences to learn the trade, as no lecturer would explicitly instruct them to do so.
Hlobisile Dlamini, an engineer from EEC, encouraged students to seek opportunities within the company, noting that, in addition to electrical engineering, there were roles available in communication, ICT, human resources, and other fields. Dlamini also advised students to maintain their faith in God, as he is the author of life, and that success is often contingent upon divine guidance.
Khetsiwe Mhlongo from Hilton Garden Inn encouraged students to embrace the latest technological innovations, asserting that such advancements are essential for simplifying life. Mhlongo highlighted that her company has integrated artificial intelligence to the extent that guests no longer require keys to access their rooms. She strongly advised students to be mindful of their conduct, as companies observe their behaviour closely. Those with negative attitudes may find it difficult to engage with potential employers.
The representative of Limkokwing Director Tfobile Gumede, Sicebi Msibi, also reiterated the importance of maintaining a positive attitude and being discerning about personal associations. He reminded students that they represent brands and should avoid any affiliations that could tarnish their reputations, as companies consider this when making hiring decisions. Msibi, who frequently interacts with employers in his role of fostering connections between students and industry, emphasised the significance of maintaining these relationships, even refraining from posting about issues like electricity outages on social media to protect his professional image.
