TUT Interior Design students gain industry insights through Work Readiness Workshop
- 3 minutes ago
- 4 min read
by Gerrit Bester
The Department of Interior Design in the Faculty of Arts and Design at the Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) continues to strengthen graduate employability through meaningful industry engagement initiatives aimed at preparing students for the demands of the professional world.
Approximately 21 second-year Interior Design students recently participated in the department's annual Work Readiness Workshop held at Hotel 224. The initiative forms part of the department's ongoing commitment to equipping students with the knowledge, skills and professional awareness required to transition successfully from academic study to professional practice.
The workshop was designed to bridge the gap between classroom learning and the realities of the workplace by exposing students to industry professionals, career development insights and workplace expectations. By introducing students to the professional environment ahead of their Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) placements in their third year, the department aims to cultivate career confidence, professional conduct and the soft skills increasingly valued by employers.
According to Clifford Moleko, workshop organiser and lecturer, the initiative reinforces the department's broader objective of producing graduates who are ready to thrive in a rapidly evolving industry.
"The Work Readiness Workshop was created to help students understand that professional success requires more than technical knowledge. By engaging directly with industry professionals, students gain valuable insights into workplace expectations, professional conduct and the skills needed to thrive in the Interior Design industry," said Moleko.
During his opening presentation, Moleko encouraged students to approach their studies and future careers with clarity, discipline and purpose. He challenged students to avoid overcomplicating the design process, emphasising the importance of understanding design briefs, trusting the design process, taking initiative and developing professional habits that support effective decision-making in both academic and workplace environments.
The workshop featured a diverse panel of professionals whose expertise spans interior design, architecture, consulting, finance and academia.
Reneilwe Kgobane, an Interior Design Specialist, highlighted the changing nature of the profession and the need for designers to remain adaptable throughout their careers.
"The interior design industry is constantly evolving and being a successful designer requires more than just creativity. It's about being able to think, adapt, communicate and problem-solve. Technology and AI are changing the way we work, but they don't replace the designer's eye, creativity, or ability to understand people. Ultimately, the designers who will stand out are those who continue to learn, stay adaptable and create spaces that are intentional, timeless and meaningful, not just beautiful."
Sing Tun Chen, a TUT Interior Design graduate with vast industry experience in several sectors, encouraged students to recognise that success in the profession extends beyond creative talent alone.
"The reality of the industry requires you to be adaptable, take initiative and take responsibility for your work. Projects don't always go according to plan and your first idea won't always be the final solution. Having the right mindset and the endurance to work through challenges, accept feedback and keep learning are just as important as your design ability."
Further insights were shared by Rorisang Mabogoane, Management Consultant at PwC, former Senior Product Manager at Nedbank, Finance Director at the Where You're Able Foundation and Digital Content Creator. Drawing on her diverse professional experience, she stressed the importance of professional behaviour, strong work ethic and adaptability in building a successful career.
Mabogoane highlighted that while technical and creative skills remain important, long-term success depends heavily on qualities such as reliability, coachability, initiative, proactive communication and personal accountability. She also emphasised the value of emotional maturity, time discipline and continuous self-reflection in navigating increasingly versatile and non-linear career paths.
Rita Belle, Interior Design Director and TUT alumna, reflected on her professional journey and the experience of balancing full-time employment with running her own practice. She shared practical guidance on building a sustainable career in the industry and reminded students that preparation remains essential to professional success.
Sharon Nzima, a mid-level Interior Designer and part-time staff member in the department, spoke about the importance of costing, adaptability and resilience in the design profession, highlighting how challenging experiences can often create unexpected opportunities for growth and development.
Students also benefited from the insights of Tebogo Ramatlo, an architect, artist and TUT academic, who encouraged them to embrace challenges as opportunities for personal and professional growth.
The workshop concluded with a strong message about resilience, lifelong learning and professional readiness, all of which are critical attributes for graduates entering the contemporary workplace.
For student attendee and class representative Gugulabo Mncube, the experience was both inspiring and empowering.
"Sometimes the biggest thing standing between me and my potential is the doubt I have in myself. The Work Readiness Workshop reminded me that I am more capable than I give myself credit for and that believing in myself is the first step towards becoming the person I aspire to be."
The annual workshop, which was introduced last year, has become an important platform for preparing students for future WIL placements and eventual entry into the workforce. Through initiatives such as these, the department continues to ensure that graduates are not only academically prepared, but also equipped with the professional skills, industry awareness and confidence required to succeed in an increasingly dynamic and competitive world of work.
PHOTO CAPTIONS:
TUT Interior Design students engaged with industry experts during the Department of Interior Design's Work Readiness Workshop, an initiative aimed at preparing future graduates for Work-Integrated Learning placements and successful careers in the design industry.
