The University of Johannesburg’s PsyCaD Career Services recently hosted Future Finance 2026, an exclusive networking engagement designed to connect high-achieving students with leading organisations in the financial services sector. Held at the School of Tourism and Hospitality on the Auckland Park Bunting Road Campus, the event brought together approximately 120 students, more than 20 industry representatives, and 11 prominent companies for an evening focused on career development, meaningful engagement, and graduate readiness.
The initiative reflects PsyCaD Career Services’ ongoing commitment to rethinkinggraduate recruitment beyond the traditional career fair model. Instead of an exhibition-style format, Future Finance 2026 offered a structured and intentional networking experience, enabling students to engage directly with recruiters in smaller, more interactive settings. Through networking rotations, guided conversations, and interactive engagement tools, students were encouraged to build authentic professional connections while strengthening their confidence in navigating workplace environments.
The programme opened with welcome remarks by Prof Hinaunye Eita (CBE) and Mr Anrich van Jaarsveld, Deputy HOD: Operations and Stakeholder Engagements, who emphasised the importance of collaboration between academia and industry in preparing students for the evolving world of work.
A keynote address was delivered by Portia Mkhabela, Cluster Head of ACCA Southern Africa, who highlighted the future skills required in the finance sector. She underscored adaptability, digital competence, communication, and lifelong learning as critical capabilities for students entering a rapidly transforming professional landscape.
Participating organisations included Citibank, Allan Gray, Ninety One, ACCA, Investec, Rand Merchant Bank, BDO, Pele Green Energy, Santam Insurance, NMG Consultants and Actuaries, and Nedbank.
To deepen engagement, the event featured innovative networking tools such as the “Networking Passport” and “Question Roulette”, which guided structured interactions between students and recruiters. These activities encouraged purposeful dialogue around career pathways, industry expectations, and professional development.
Students were further recognised through a “Top Networker” initiative, which acknowledged participants who demonstrated strong communication skills, professionalism, and active engagement throughout the evening.
According to PsyCaD Career Services, the event created a more personalised and impactful recruitment experience, benefiting both students and employers. Students gained direct exposure to industry leaders and valuable insights into finance careers, while companies were able to identify talent in a more interactive and meaningful environment.
“Future Finance 2026 showed the importance of creating intentional spaces where students and recruiters can engage meaningfully beyond the traditional career fair setting,” said Dr Juliet Joseph, PsyCaD Career Services, University of Johannesburg.
Kelly Reid of Ninety One noted that the structured format strengthened engagement: “The structured networking format made conversations feel more personal and impactful. It allowed us to identify students who were genuinely prepared and engaged.”
A participating student added: “The Question Roulette encouraged me to step outside my comfort zone and interact with more companies.”
Through Future Finance 2026, PsyCaD Career Services continues to position itself at the forefront of innovative graduate employability initiatives, strengthening collaboration between the University of Johannesburg and industry while preparing students for the future of work.
