“VUT hosted Saba Rahimi for a lecture on IT career readiness, inspiring students with teamwork, professionalism & 4IR skills for industry success.”
09 September 2025 | Story By: Ntebogeleng Digasu | Picture: Supplied
2 minutes read time.
On 4 September 2025, the Vaal University of Technology (VUT) welcomed keynote speaker Mr Saba Rahimi for an inspiring lecture on IT career readiness, focusing on the transition from academia to the professional Information Technology (IT) industry. The event took place at the university’s Computer Science Department and was organised in collaboration with the Institute of IT Professionals South Africa (IITPSA). It formed part of the department’s ongoing initiative to bridge the gap between education and industry.
Mr Rahimi, a former Junior Lecturer at the University of Cape Town who holds a Master of Commerce in Information Systems, shared his personal journey from academia into the corporate IT sector. He emphasised the value of initiative in the workplace, urging students to create opportunities rather than waiting for instructions. His central message was clear: professionals must cultivate a proactive mindset and the ability to guide themselves in the industry.
A key highlight of the lecture was the role of teamwork in IT career readiness. While individual identity is important, Mr Rahimi stressed that genuine growth happens through collaboration. “You must move around, observe, and understand what others are doing. This is how you grow,” he noted. He also highlighted the need for schools and universities to embed technology more deeply into education, ensuring that graduates are prepared for the demands of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR).
In the practical segment of his talk, Mr Rahimi focused on workplace professionalism. He reminded students that presentation matters, with attire and demeanour shaping first impressions. “Dress code at work is mandatory; you cannot come to work looking like you just woke up,” he cautioned, underlining the link between professionalism and credibility.
The Computer Science Department expressed its appreciation to Mr Rahimi and confirmed plans for further engagements with IITPSA experts. These sessions will continue to strengthen students’ IT career readiness by combining academic foundations with real-world insights, equipping graduates with the skills to thrive in a rapidly evolving digital economy.