Let’s do ‘marketing’ on Open Day

More than 25 000 high school learners and parents stepped away from their weekend routine to take part in the University of Pretoria’s Open Day on 23 May 2015. The atmosphere on UP’s Hatfield Campus was energetic and the grounds was filled with enthusiastic high school learners wanting to get the much needed information pertaining to their degrees of choice. The marketing team was well geared to take on the challenge, with 15 participants from the Department of Marketing Management alternating to assist potential students in making the right choice. The marketing team promoted the departmental theme, “Marketing in motion”, among the aspiring students.

The campus was a hive of activity from as early as 07:00 to 14:00. Two information sessions were presented by Prof Mostert and Prof Nel. At both sessions, the lecture hall was full to capacity, demonstrating how popular the marketing degree is among aspiring students.

The main purpose of the Open Day was to provide adequate information to prospective marketing students on a one-on-one basis so that they can make informed decisions. Our well-designed stand attracted many prospective students who came to inquire about the marketing degree with its unlimited job opportunities. The Department of Marketing Management is aware of its responsibility of meeting the needs of the business sector and in particular bridging the gap between employers and skilled graduates. The Department has developed long-term relationships with a number of corporate partners in the country to equip marketing students in becoming the business leaders of tomorrow. Prospective job opportunities, various entry-level positions and qualities that the industry looks for in graduates were all part of career guidance provided to prospective marketing students. This excited the prospective students, judging by their comments: “I wish classes were starting tomorrow”, “I can’t wait to start my degree”, “Thank you for enlightening me. Now I know what I want and I will achieve it”.

An APS score of 30, which includes Mathematics (level 4) and English or Afrikaans (level 5) are the pre-requisites to study a Bachelor of Commerce (BCom) in Marketing Management degree. Common questions from prospective students included: ”Does marketing apply to any industry?”, “What is the entry level salary for someone with a marketing degree?”, “Since I am studying Maths Literacy, which is not considered to get into a BCom degree, do you offer a Maths bridging course?”, “If I join another faculty, will I be able to switch to marketing afterwards?”, and “I am a professional tennis player. Would that give me an advantage even if I don’t meet the degree entry requirements?”.

We thank all parents who attended the Open Day to give emotional and moral support to their children.

Cucu Mabunda (Research Assistant), Mr Thinkwell Ndhlovu (Lecturer), Ms Danita Potgieter (Lecturer), Dr Gené Van Heerden (Senior Lecturer), Dr Tania Maree (Senior Lecturer), and Annika Lange (Tutor).