Africa-Press – Zimbabwe. UNIVERSITY students have been challenged to embrace innovation and creativity if they are to remain competitive in today’s dynamic and demanding job market.
The call was made during the Engineers Graduate Career Indaba jointly hosted by the Zimbabwe Institution of Engineers (ZIE) and Manicaland State University of Applied Sciences (MSUAS) in Mutare recently.
The event, running under the theme Engage, Learn, Network, Excel and Energise, brought together engineers, academics, industry leaders and policymakers.
Acting deputy director for water and wastewater at Mutare City Council, engineer Kurainashe Mugwagwa, urged students to think beyond conventional boundaries if they are to thrive in the world of work.
“Manicaland province is a treasure trove and it requires a generation of graduate engineers who are not just competent technicians but also innovators, entrepreneurs and solution-driven professionals,” Mugwagwa said.
“I commend ZIE and MSUAS for creating this platform as it bridges the knowledge gap, fosters mentorship and connects talent to opportunity.”
ZIE underscored the importance of strengthening the link between academia and industry — a relationship critical to producing graduates equipped with practical skills and innovative thinking to tackle real-world challenges.
The indaba also facilitated mentorship and networking opportunities between students and seasoned professionals.
MSUAS pro-vice chancellor Upenyu Guyo described the workshop as crucial for bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application.
“Career workshops are vital because they bridge the gap between education and employment — between learning and practical experience,” Guyo said.
“Additionally, these platforms are essential in strengthening the relationships between academia and professional engineering bodies, ensuring that our curricula remain aligned with industry expectations and regulatory standards.”
Students from universities and polytechnics across the country attended the indaba.
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