GRADUATE ENGINEERS CAREER INDABA SECOND ADDITION

"Bridging the gap between our young Engineers and industry so that they get integrated into formal employment, gain confidence, and contribute to the country's infrastructure and development". This was the motivation for the day.

The Zimbabwe Institution of Engineers (ZIE) led by President Eng. Thami Mpala , held it's second edition of the Graduate Career Indaba for Engineering Graduates in Bulawayo. The goal was to motivate and give engineering students an insight on what is expected of them in the industry. The Indaba was held on the 23rd of November 2022 at the National University of Science and Technology (NUST) Ceremonial Hall, and was a resounding success. The event attracted over 300 participants who attended in-person and 100 virtual participants. The event was graced by Engineering, Professionals and officials from different engineering-related sectors.?

The day kicked off with a word of prayer by one of the participants. The NUST Pro-Vice Chancellor who is also the Senior Vice President for ZIE, Dr Eng. William Goriwondo gave his opening remarks and warmly welcomed everyone to the event.?

The activities of the day began with opening remarks from Dr. Annatoria Chinyama the Director and Co-founder of Carpe Diem School of Engineering, on behalf of Dr. Eng. Sanzan Diarra the Chief Executive Officer of ZIE. She explained to the graduates the purpose, mission and vision for ZIE. She also explained to the graduate engineers how to get involved and become active in ZIE and urged them to think about starting their own new Divisions within the Institution.?

The President Eng. Mpala touched on the objectives and purpose of the Graduate Career’s Indaba, which are basically to provide useful information to all engineering graduates, to help them prepare for prospective job interviews, and to provide networking opportunities with prospective employers. One of the aims of Indaba was to provide knowledge through presentations and shared experiences, in a bid to equip the graduates with appropriate information to assist them in seeking formal employment as well as creating employment for themselves. The Indaba is also meant to provide a continuing professional development guide for the graduate engineering student.?

The morning sessions focused on the topics of employer relations and alumni tracking. Dr. Eng. Busiso Mthunzi the Dean of Engineering at NUST presented on the role of academic institutions in advancing engineering education in Zimbabwe. Eng. Themba Kumbula from Design Team Consultants on the other hand spoke about experiences and opportunities in the engineering consultancy sector, especially for young engineers. The Ministry of National Housing and Social Amenities Permanent Secretary, Eng. Joy Makumbe led the session on Central Government's role in the engineering sector and possible opportunities for engineers in the infrastructure sector.

Eng. Lookout Ndlovu, the Chairman of ZIE Matabeleland Area Chapter presented on local government’s roles and opportunities in the engineering sector and how these could be tapped by young engineers coming through. Eng. Ronald Kwenda, past Chairman of Matabeleland Area Chapter of ZIE from RJK Consulting Engineers gave a very insightful and thought-provoking presentation on his personal experiences as an engineer, and the opportunities that lie ahead in the engineering and construction sectors.?

The afternoon sessions covered on how graduate engineers could navigate regionally and internationally and seek appropriate opportunities. Dr. Eng. Tendai Munyebvu, a member of the ZIE and who is also the current Managing Director of Jacobs Engineering International, based in France, spoke about the global engineering trends and practices and also gave examples of how experienced Zimbabwean engineers are contributing and working on large infrastructural projects. Eng. Velempini Coro, a registered Engineer from Pretoria Portland Cement Manufacturers (PPC) based in Bulawayo shared about the opportunities in the cement industry, perspectives and experiences from the cement making industry. This was co-presented with Dr. Eng. Mavellas Sibanda, who is also the current ZIE Treasurer. Dr. Wilson Banda presented about interview and communication skills necessary for engineers. He highlighted the tenets that every graduate needs to master in order to land the job.

The Indaba also provided opportunities for live discussions and knowledge sharing among career development professionals. In a Questions and Answer Session led by Eng. A. Masuku the Matabeleland Area Chapter Board Member, graduates were given the opportunity to speak for themselves and inform the panelists on their perspectives and expectations from ZIE as an Institution and to air out their final thoughts and give feedback on what they had learnt during the day.

The day ended on a very positive note, with two graduate members giving a vote of thanks. The online participants were also thanked for their contribution and participation throughout the day. Positive sentiments were shared from the majority of participants regarding the Indaba and how much they learnt and felt equipped to face the challenging working world. Students and graduate engineers who were not previously registered with ZIE, were given the opportunity to register with the Institution.

Participants reiterated the need to have more of such events in future in a bid to build and empower the future Engineers and the ZIE President Eng. Mpala promised them that this was now going to be an annual event for the graduate engineers across the country.