Reach for the top
GUEST SPEAKER: Gavin Mageni is a top CPUT alumnus
Tuesday, 17 April 2012
One of CPUT’s finest returned to the institution this week to encourage young graduates to reach for the top.
In his back-to-basics speech Gavin Mageni reminded the hall of the importance of small courtesies like greeting and looking neat at work.
Mageni, who is part of Executive Management at the Absa Group, graduated with his Human Resources BTech and Masters Cum Laude from CPUT and is currently completing his Doctorate through the institution as well.
The former teacher told graduates they needed to fall in love with their jobs regardless of how much it paid.
“As you venture into the job market find the sweet spot and make sure you never work a day in your life,” he says.
“Passion must overtake you. Be proud of your job. Earn it.”
Mageni also concentrated on the realities of entering an overpopulated job market.
“That piece of paper (diploma) will contribute 10% to your career,” he says.
Mageni told graduates that they needed to concentrate the other 90% of their efforts on things like appearance, interviewing skills and broadening their horizons by keeping up to date with current affairs.
“People make up their minds in the first 40 seconds about you so look decent and have an idea of what’s going on around you,” he says.
CPUT Vice Chancellor Prof L V Mazwi-Tanga encouraged the graduates to uphold the proud name of CPUT.
“Be our ambassadors and put in a good word for this university,” she says.
The third Business Faculty graduation ceremony continues in Cape Town on Tuesday morning and moves to Bellville that evening.
By LAUREN KANSLEY
Picture by CLIVE GALANT
Written by CPUT News
Email: news@cput.ac.za
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