The University of Johannesburg (UJ) hosted the EPIC Impact Government Career Expo 2026 on 16 September, connecting students with government departments, public entities, SETAs, professional bodies and industry partners to explore career opportunities across the public sector and related fields.
Hosted by PsyCaD Career Services in collaboration with the School of Public Management, Governance and Public Policy and the UJ Government and Stakeholder Relations Office, the expo brought together more than 30 organisations at UJ’s Auckland Park Kingsway Campus.
The event gave students from across the University an opportunity to engage directly with recruiters and employer representatives, learn about graduate programmes, internships and bursaries, and gain practical insight into career pathways available after graduation.
The programme opened with a session led by Prof Thea Tselepis, Vice Dean: Teaching and Learning in the College of Business and Economics, followed by a full day of engagement between students and exhibitors.
Students visited exhibitor stands, asked questions about recruitment and career opportunities, submitted their details and, where available, participated in on-site interviews. Participating organisations included the Department of Higher Education and Training, National Treasury, Department of Employment and Labour, Department of International Relations and Cooperation, MISA, SANBI, BANKSETA, NMG Benefits, Standard Bank and other SETAs, public entities and private sector organisations.
The diversity of participating organisations highlighted the range of career opportunities available to students across different disciplines, while demonstrating how university qualifications can translate into careers in government, public entities and related sectors.
For students, the expo offered more than an opportunity to collect information. It provided direct access to employers and recruiters and a chance to ask questions, build professional networks and better understand what organisations look for when recruiting graduates.
“ The expo gave me the opportunity to speak directly to organisations and learn about opportunities that I did not know were available. It was helpful to ask questions and get a better idea of what I need to prepare for after graduation,” said a final-year BA Public Management and Governance student.
For participating organisations, the expo also created an opportunity to engage directly with the University’s diverse student community.
“It was great to engage directly with UJ students and introduce them to the opportunities available within our organisation. Events like this create meaningful connections between students and potential employers,” said Mr Matshavha Makgatho, Marketing and Communications Specialist at BANKSETA.
Prof Danielle Nel-Sanders of the School of Public Management, Governance and Public Policy said the expo was focused on creating meaningful opportunities for students.
“The EPIC Impact Government Career Expo is about creating real opportunities for our students to engage with employers, ask questions and explore the many career paths available to them. Bringing government, industry and our students into the same space is an important part of supporting graduate employability,” she said.
The expo forms part of UJ’s broader commitment to student development and graduate employability, while strengthening relationships with government, public sector and industry partners. By bringing students and potential employers together, the initiative helps bridge the gap between university and the world of work.
