Dialogue prepares IT students at VUT for the industry

04 OCTOBER 2024 | STORY: TYRON MHLONGO. PHOTO PETER MASELA

The Department of Computer Science at the Vaal University of Technology (VUT) recently hosted the Industry Talk – Student Dialogue in collaboration with the Institute of Information Technology Professionals South Africa (IITPSA). The event aimed to bridge the gap between academia and industry, highlighting key trends and opportunities within the Information Technology (IT) sector.

The IITPSA has been a trusted professional body for South African IT practitioners for decades, making this dialogue a critical platform for students to gain insights that extend beyond traditional classroom learning.

The dialogue shed light on the existential challenges faced by IT students, particularly the pressure to define their professional identities early on. Influenced by peers and their educational environments, many students struggle with their roles in group assignments. To combat these challenges, the guest speakers encouraged a mindset of exploration and adaptability. “Imagine if you went somewhere where no one knows you, in a completely different territory, and you got exposed to something completely different,” said Mr. Saba Rahimi, the chairperson of IITPSA highlighting the value of adapting to unfamiliar environments in fostering personal and professional growth.

The dialogue naturally progressed to the relevance of remote learning in today’s rapidly changing job market. While remote education technologies existed before the pandemic, they were often underutilized. The pandemic forced a sudden shift to “emergency remote education,” challenging both students and institutions to adapt in unprecedented ways. However, this adaptation was accompanied by challenges such as an imbalance in access to technology and concerns about academic integrity.

Despite these challenges, Mr. Rahimi stressed the importance of peer interactions in education. “You need the mental friction of standing in front of a crowd,” he stated.

As the discussion shifted towards the future, the speaker urged students and institutions to resist reverting to pre-pandemic norms. The flexibility and adaptability demonstrated during the pandemic should serve as a model for navigating future challenges. The lessons learned during this period are invaluable as students prepare to enter an ever-evolving workforce.

The dialogue also touched on the role of large language models like ChatGPT in education. Attendees acknowledged that while these tools can enhance learning, they should complement individual effort and critical thinking rather than replace them. The importance of attending lectures was emphasized as crucial for overall educational development and professional preparation, even if some classes may feel repetitive.

The discussion opened to students, who voiced out frustrations about attending classes. They were encouraged to seek insights into their experiences, even in less-than-ideal situations, stressing the importance of active participation in their education.

Mr. Kelvin Nhlapo, the head of business development at IITPSA wrapped up the session by advising students to carefully evaluate which projects to include on their resumes, encouraging them to consider the relevance and significance of their experiences to potential employers.

Students are also eligible to join the IITPSA Student Membership level, for an annual fee of only R75.00. This membership offers varied benefits such as potential job leads, internships, and networking with experienced professionals and key decision-makers in the ICT Industry.

This dialogue has undoubtedly paved the way for a more informed and engaged student body, ready to navigate the complexities of the IT landscape.