Students should change their general attitude towards life if they want to be accepted for internship positions and subsequently full-time jobs.
This was said by Hamutenya Hainghumbi, a human resources representative of the Ministry of Environment of Tourism, when he adressed a stakeholder student discussion forum hosted by the Department of Tourism and Hospitality of the Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST).
The aim of the one-day forum, held under the theme ‘21st Century Tourism Graduate’, was to inform students on the current state of the Namibian tourism industry.
Hainghumbi said a person’s attitude determines if they get hired.
“You should know what type of questions is expected because in Government, especially, job knowledge is important,” he said.
Hainghumbi stressed the importance of interpersonal relationships, saying it is a vital aspect, especially since jobs in the travel, tourism and hospitality industry require one to work with people on a daily basis.
“It starts here on campus. Let’s not pass each other in the corridors. You should interact with each other because the way you interact with each other will determine how well you do in the interview for the selection process,” said Hainghumbi.
He noted that his ministry at times receive 1 500 applications for one position advertised, and starting off as in intern betters students’ chances to get full-time employment.
The basic requirement for employment at the tourism ministry is a National Diploma in Travel and Tourism for the position as tourism officer.
“However, that alone is not enough because of the number of applications received, hence the importance of a positive attitude towards life.”