Entering the Weeks

Over two consecutive weeks, we worked with two Bachelor of Science cohorts at Namibia University of Science and Technology: Environmental Health Sciences and Human Nutrition. From the first session onward, one thing was evident across both groups: strong motivation.

These students are eager to design their entry points into professional life. At the same time, they are aware that the environment they are entering is challenging. Graduate unemployment rates in Namibia are high, competition is strong, and career pathways are not always linear.

This reality shaped the atmosphere in the room. Alongside ambition, there was uncertainty. Not about capability, but about positioning. The central question that emerged early was not only “How do I apply?” but rather “How do I get picked?” and “How do I differentiate and present myself with clarity and confidence?”

This shaped our focus for both weeks.

What We Worked On

The two weeks combined structured input with intensive practical application. Our sessions included:

• Self-marketing, personal branding and professional identity

• Identifying strengths, core values, development areas and key anchors for motivation

• CV and cover letter reviewed and ready for the application process

• Interview training with constructive and direct feedback

• Presentation skills and structured storytelling

• Governance, compliance and ethical awareness - dealing with dilemma situations

• Entrepreneurship: how to establish own businesses including financial foundations

• Individual coaching conversations

The emphasis was consistently on application and self-awareness. Students practiced repeatedly, refined their positioning and learned how to articulate their contribution and their “why”.

Knowing your strengths, your development areas, how you add value and what drives you is essential in highly competitive interview processes. Paired with foundational knowledge about organisational structures and corporate realities, these elements create differentiation and help building self-confidence.

What We Observed

Across both cohorts, the shifts were clearly visible and exceeded all of our expectations.

At the beginning, many students spoke cautiously, sometimes reading from notes, often hesitant in posture and eye contact. By the end of the week, presentations were more structured, voices more stable and arguments more precise.

We observed students standing up for themselves, articulating their motivation more clearly, and owning their aspirations.

Several students expressed that the intensity of one focused week helped unlock topics they had struggled with for years. “Within a week they taught me things I struggled with for four years.” one student wrote as feedback. Another recurring theme was transformation of mindset rather than acquisition of isolated skills.“I am transformed in terms of thinking and presentation.” And perhaps most powerfully: “This shapes us and gets us ready for the professional field.”

These reflections confirm an important insight: confidence does not grow from theory alone. It grows from working in teams in a psychologically safe space, learning from each other, from structured practice, repetition and being taken seriously in realistic professional simulations.

The Individuality of the Cohorts

Although the curriculum remained consistent, each group brought its own dynamic. Once trust was established, students were willing to discuss insecurities openly, challenge assumptions and engage in honest self-reflection. Differences in background and confidence levels required differentiated support.

Some students needed refinement of already strong profiles. Others required foundational confidence-building. In both cases, the Career Starter Week format allowed space for individual coaching within a structured framework. This flexibility is one of the strengths of the programme.

Overall Reflection

In a context where labour market competition is high and opportunities require clear differentiation, initiatives such as the Career Starter Weeks are particularly valuable.

The combination of self-awareness, practical skill-building and exposure to real-world professional expectations creates tangible, focussed results within a short timeframe.

For us as experts, these weeks were not only about delivering content. They were about creating a space where motivated students could better understand their own strengths, define their contribution and step into their early careers with greater confidence.

Personal Message Claudia

I feel privileged to have taught and engaged through B360 at NUST, and to have collaborated with such remarkable and talented students.

Thank you to my co-lecturers Vroni Jehle, Andrea Pedrett and Annette Humes for the great spirit and exceptional teamwork. A special thank you to Sabina Balmer, founder of B360, for giving me this opportunity and for your great support. It was a truly inspiring and rewarding experience.

Personal Message Vroni

Throughout my own career, I was fortunate to learn from generous mentors and inspiring colleagues who shared their experience openly. Being able to now pass on practical insights to the next generation feels like a natural continuation of that path. 

I am grateful to my co-lecturers Claudia, Andrea and Annette for the trustful collaboration, to Roche for supporting my secondment, and to B360 for creating this opportunity for experts and students.