Students spend thousands of hours attending classes, writing assessments and acquiring the relevant skills for their chosen profession before graduation – yet when it comes to their first crucial job interview, it’s often the case that graduates do themselves a disservice by not spending enough time, energy and focus on preparing.

In South Africa, most students’ higher education study is conducted in English. This has the benefit of opening doors – even globally. However, when a student pursues their studies in a language that is not their first language, whether by choice or due to lack of alternatives, it is not without its challenges, an education expert says.

The landscape of higher education is undergoing a profound transformation, driven by the relentless advances in technology. Educational technology, often referred to as EdTech, has become a powerful force reshaping traditional approaches to teaching and learning in Higher Education institutions.

Dr Alex Asakitikpi, Senior Researcher at The Independent Institute of Education’s Varsity College, says it is essential and urgent for SA’s policymakers, educators and industry leaders to collaborate on integrating AI into all levels of the education system, as nobody should be left behind when preparing the youth for the AI-driven future of work.

Young people are faced with a myriad of options and decisions when they leave school, and in addition to the many exciting opportunities for them, there are also some daunting challenges and risks – each of which will shape and impact their future journeys.

Environmental and water sustainability are among the most pressing challenges of our time. Access to quality water in South Africa in particular has reached critical levels, with the recently published Blue Drop Report finding that almost half of the water in our drinking water systems is not safe for human consumption.

The decision about whether to pursue Mathematics is a tough one for thousands of high school students, with many who perform poorly being encouraged to drop the subject in favour of Maths Literacy. However, an education expert has urged students to think through the consequences carefully, cautioning that opting for Maths Literacy will close the doors to many post-school study and career paths that require the critical thinking skills developed through studying Maths.

As Matric learners head into the business part of their final year of school, preparing for their IEB or NSC exams, it is imperative that they don’t leave the question of next year’s studies until it’s too late, an education expert says.

One of the most important puzzles that first year students must solve, is to get a good understanding of the tech resources they will be using during their studies, because tech platforms are essential in navigating university life - from accessing content to communicating with fellow students and lecturers.

With graduating students pursuing their first jobs, a degree is no longer a golden ticket to employment, particularly within the country’s constrained economic environment.