Every year, in the second semester, the SAICE UCT Student Chapter hosts a cocktail evening, where various companies get to present to students, and where students get to interact and network with industry professionals. The primary aim of this event is to expose students to developments in industry, as well as building important relationships with professional engineers and learning as much as they can from them However, due to COVID-19, the annual cocktail evening was unable to happen this year. This inspired the creation of a new event – the SAICE UCT Virtual Cocktail Week.
This year, the virtual cocktail week hosted JG Afrika, Zutari, PRDW, BVi, and Martin and East. From the 7th to the 11th of September, one company a day was invited to present via Microsoft Teams. These presentations included career advice from professionals, information about the company and their projects, and bursary and vacation work opportunity information. The presentations were followed by question and answer sessions, where students could interact with the presenters through the chat box.
The presentations throughout the week were well attended, with students from UCT, Stellenbosch, CPUT, CUT and Tuks joining the meetings. The UCT Student Chapter would like to extend their gratitude to all the above companies and their presenters, for sharing their experience, wisdom, and knowledge with everyone who attended. Thank you for giving up your time to interact with and inspire students – this event would not be possible without you!
Alexandra Newlands
SAICE UCT Student Chapter Chairperson
