OMT students exude professionalism with second-year seminars

PROFESSIONAL: Melinda May, an OMT student and group facilitator.

Friday, 02 December 2011

Two groups of second-year Office Management and Technology (OMT) broke the mould when they organised seminars as professionals, inviting speakers who are successful alumni in their respective industries.

The practical project formed part of their second-year Business Administration course and aimed to teach students the various project and events management principles involved in putting a seminar together during the fourth term.

The students were responsible for all aspects including, deciding on a seminar theme, sourcing and hiring a venue, arranging catering, inviting guest speakers, fundraising to finance the event and other co-ordination activities.

Though the planning started early in the year, it all culminated in the panning out of the themed seminars. One group’s theme was ‘A World of Opportunities’, which the other group titled theirs, ‘The Eco Friendly Office’.

Second-year OMT lecturer, Jasmiena Latief, enjoys seeing the fruits of her labour during the seminar presentations.

Speaking to second-year OMT lecturer, Jasmiena Latief, she expressed her pride and enthusiasm at seeing the students’ work.

“I’m amazed at the students because every year they surprise us, even though we can sometimes take them for granted. I’m excited for their future as they have all proved their professionalism with the events and this reminds me why I chose to enter the education sector”, she said.

Melinda May, a student and facilitator for group who presented ‘A World of Opportunities’, shared that everything that they learnt was not in vain, particularly working with groups and different personalities.

“We learnt organising skills, how to review and manage decisions taken, and always needing to have a Plan B and C and D”, May said.

Fatimah Shade, a member of the '‘A World of Opportunities' group.

Another student, Fatimah Shade, said she enjoyed hearing from the speakers, who were OMT alumni.

“I learnt about the variety of industries one can enter with this qualification as well as the different roles you can take on once you’re already in a company. It was really an eye-opener and will help us to push forward with our academics to achieve good results”, she said.

Programme Co-ordinator, Mandie Richards, shared her sentiments, saying she felt the purpose of the seminars was achieved, as the students not only put their theory into practice, but were also encouraged to diversify their career options.

By: Thando J. Moiloa

Written by CPUT News
Email: news@cput.ac.za

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OMT students exude professionalism with second-year seminars