What kind of things should young people consider before choosing a career path?

South Africa's economy is evolving rapidly and many of the jobs young people will hold in the future may not exist today. Building adaptability, curiosity and problem-solving skills is therefore as important as choosing a specific career path. You need to balance what you know and what you love, with what you don't know and what you could learn. I think it's a very delicate balancing act but fundamentally I believe people who are curious will get further in life because they'll continue to ask the question that know one else thinks of. They'll look at something from a different perspective, and guess what, they may just uncover something else, something the world needs and didn't even know it yet.

Where is the best place for someone to start looking for jobs that they can apply to?

First, make the most of social media and pay attention to where companies are actively creating opportunities for young people. Those opportunities are out there. Second, be resourceful and tap into your network. This is the moment to trust your own voice and confidently raise your hand to say, "I'm looking for an opportunity."

Tell the world what you want to do. Speak to friends, family, mentors, and people in your community. Update your WhatsApp status. Share your aspirations openly and intentionally. When you speak life into your dreams, you create opportunities for others to connect you with them. Present yourself in a way that demonstrates your value and makes people want to hire you. Most importantly don't only ask what career will make you successful. Ask what problem you want to help solve.

What kind of things make a stand out application?

While academic results are important, they are only one part of the picture.  The candidates who stand out are those who demonstrate curiosity, initiative, and a commitment to growth beyond their studies. Whether through sport, the arts, community involvement, or self-directed learning, they show a willingness to challenge themselves and develop new skills. I am also drawn to stories of perseverance. When someone has overcome real obstacles or difficult circumstances, it often tells me more about their potential than any transcript ever could. The key is authenticity. The most compelling stories are not polished for effect; they are honest reflections of resilience and personal growth.

What can a new joiner do to make a great impression?

Firstly, I'm looking for the brilliant basics, the non-negotiables. Things like arriving on time, presenting yourself professionally, being prepared, and having the right attitude. They're the simple lessons your parents, grandparents, or mentors probably taught you growing up. They may sound basic, but for someone starting their career, these habits can take you remarkably far. A strong work ethic remains one of the greatest differentiators.

Secondly, I always tell young graduates be obsessed with adding value. That's what will set you apart. You may be given a task that seems small or routine, but approach it in a way that creates meaningful value for others. Make someone's day easier. Solve a problem before you're asked. Leave things better than you found them. Ask yourself: Did I leave that meeting better than I found it? Did I make that leader's job easier? Did I contribute something useful to the conversation?

If you're asked to create a PowerPoint presentation, don't just meet expectations, exceed them. Make it ten times better than anyone anticipated. When you consistently go above and beyond, you're not only creating value for others, you're investing in your own development. Every opportunity becomes a chance to build your skills, reputation, and experience. The people who progress fastest are often not those who focus solely on what they can get from a role, but those who continually ask, "How can I add more value?"

How can a new joiner build trust with colleagues?

Work ethic creates confidence because people know they can depend on you. You show up, follow through, and deliver on your commitments. But what separates good from exceptional is the ability to add value beyond the task itself.

I've always enjoyed working with people who are more talented than I am in certain areas. They challenge me to improve, think differently, and raise my own standards. When reliable people are surrounded by talented people who continuously push each other higher, that's when great careers and great teams are built.

All in all talent equals trust, value equals trust, reliability equals trust, and respect equals trust.

How important is it for young people to spend time investing in themselves and building their skills?

This is quite personal for me as a mother of two 17-year-olds. The young people I've met and worked with are incredibly capable. They bring fresh perspectives, creativity, and an enthusiasm that can add real value. However, the reality is that the world of work is not always easy, and the transition into it can be challenging. More than anything, I believe young people need to build resilience. There will be setbacks, disappointments, and moments of uncertainty, but those experiences shouldn't define your journey. They should strengthen it.

I also encourage young people to invest in curiosity. Be hungry to learn, ask questions, seek out new experiences, and never stop developing yourself. In a world where standing out is increasingly important, continuous learning becomes a real differentiator. But if there is one quality I would encourage every young person to focus on, it is resilience. Your ability to keep going, adapt, and learn from challenges will often matter just as much as your talent or qualifications.