Employers and Wits discuss graduate employment
- Wits University
Gen Z, talent managers and Wits executives unpack what makes a valuable employee in today's world.
This question took centre stage at the annual Graduate Recruiters Breakfast hosted by the Wits Graduate Recruitment Programme, where stakeholders in talent production and acquisition explored the skills and traits required in today's world.
“In a world where machines are becoming smarter and faster, what kind of humans do we want in our organisation?” asked Professor Zeblon Vilakazi, Wits Vice-Chancellor and Principal, in his opening remarks.
Offering his view, Vilakazi argued that the world needs the quintessential human. “Our humanity will be central in shaping our careers and the careers of the future. Therefore, the most valuable employee in today's world is one who has a human-centred approach.”
Traditional approaches that focus only on technical skills are now outdated, and organisations need to change the signals they send to graduates about what matters in today's world, he said.
“If we reward only technical skills, students will optimise for that. If we reward accountability, curiosity and judgement, we will have graduates who can lead organisations in a period of unconventional change,” said Vilakazi.
The programme also featured input from third-year students Ntsako Mageza (BA in Media Studies) and Keenary Nana (Bachelor of Laws – LLB), who reframed the conversation around the employability of Gen Z and challenged the dominant stereotypes about this generation.
Keenary emphasised that this generation is purpose-driven, digitally fluent, and motivated by growth opportunities such as mentorship and career development rather than traditional incentives.
Similarly, Ntsako, an entrepreneur and owner of Suited, highlighted that Gen Z is not disengaged, but highly career-conscious and eager to contribute meaningfully. They seek not just jobs, but opportunities to add value, innovate and grow within organisations.
As the side-hustle generation, Gen Z is holding its own and proving that it has a great deal to offer. “This generation also brings entrepreneurial thinking and resilience, often balancing academics with ventures and self-taught skills.”
The duo also highlighted the importance of early collaboration between employers and students in order to build stronger bridges between education and industry. This was an open invitation to talent specialists to collaborate with the Graduate Recruitment Programme which has introduced the WorkReady GenZ podcast, a discussion between students and industry that is aimed at facilitating success.