Embrace Resilience and Real-World Impact: Key Take-Away from NUST Alumni Public Lecture
National University of Science and Technology (NUST) students have been urged to embrace resilience, self-awareness, and real-world impact as they prepare to transition from university life into the professional world. This message was at the heart of a compelling alumni-led public lecture held last Friday under the theme "Strive for Excellence: Learning from the Journey and Beyond," organized by the NUST Alumni Relations office in conjunction with the Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences' Department of Business Management Sciences and the Institute of People Management Zimbabwe. The event brought together students, faculty members, and graduates.
The speakers, inclusive of active NUST alumni, emphasised the importance of resilience, self-awareness, and real-world impact as students prepare to transition into the professional world. Patience Chita, a 2023 NUST Bachelor of Commerce Honours Degree in Management graduate, highlighted the need for students to understand their capabilities and make a conscious choice to strive for excellence. "Resilience, strategic planning, and self-awareness are key to overcoming academic and personal obstacles," she said.
Morgan Gorerino stressed the value of alumni networks, describing them as essential bridges to life skills and professional development. "Alumni are the forerunners of your learning network," he said. "Be prepared for obstacles, your choice determines your direction."
Caleb Ncube, who graduated from NUST with a Bachelor of Science Honours Degree in Journalism and Media Studies in 2023, focused his lecture on adaptability, emphasizing the importance of flexibility in navigating change. "The quotient of adaptation and resilience is what allows us to thrive, not just succeed," he noted.
In concluding remarks, Abraham Mabhena challenged students to apply their academic knowledge to address societal needs. "Applying academic knowledge to create real-world impact is the truest measure of excellence," he said.
The session rounded off with a lively Q&A session, where participants engaged the speakers on strategies for overcoming academic challenges and preparing for life beyond university.
Makhosi Sibanda, NUST's Alumni Relations Acting Manager, reflected on the event, describing it as "an exciting and insightful engagement" that brought together students, staff, and graduates to learn from the lived experiences of distinguished alumni. He emphasized the broader vision of the lecture series, which aims to bridge the gap between academia and industry by drawing on the wisdom and expertise of NUST graduates.
“The aim is to bridge the gap between academia and industry by drawing on the wisdom and expertise of our graduates. While doing so, we do not only celebrate the achievements of our alumni but also create opportunities for the current students to be mentored, inspired, and better equipped for life after graduation.” Said Sibanda.
The Alumni Relations Office encouraged all alumni and students to participate in future lectures, building on the momentum of this successful inaugural session.
