Business Profile: Abigail Metzer
- What is the name of your business and what is your role? The Career Centre @ The IIE’s Varsity College – Career Centre Coordinator.
- Describe your business in two sentences. Student and Graduate empowerment on how to navigate the job hunt, by connecting them with industry and networking opportunities through large-scale events. Career Coaching and Guidance to produce well-rounded Graduates going into the working world.
- How long have you been in business? The Career Centre has been serving Varsity College students for many years, but this is my second year in the role.
- How did you get into this business? I studied psychology and was offered HR vac-work between my undergraduate and postgraduate years. I then started my first official job working for a recruitment agency, and left as the Internal Recruiter for the group, and Graduate Team Lead. The Career Centre role was a chance for me to share my knowledge about the job market with the youth and explore my event-coordinator skills.
- What’s the biggest challenge you’ve faced, and how did you overcome it? Adapting to the generational needs of the Gen Z students – I have learnt how to communicate and work with them to be able to empower them with information, in a way that is appealing to them.
- What single trait/skill could you not have succeeded without? The ability to not take things personally – when working with people you cannot predict their reactions, responses or behaviours. It is best to separate the professional from the personal.
- What is the best business advice you’ve received? Be creative, share your ideas, even if they are not used. Creativity keeps your inner fire burning and it makes room for improvement and development. Be the one who sticks their hand-up. Brainstorming sessions. Try something new. If nothing changes, nothing changes.
- Your secret to business success is? I put my head down and work, and I don’t talk too much. I keep it short and sweet!
- What is your business goal for 2024? To continue to grow the client relationships for Varsity College, and develop the events space for the students – bigger and better!
- Tell us one thing that not many people know about you? I have a condition of chronic pain that is the result of an accident that occurred when I was a teenager. Every day I use great mental and emotional resilience to focus on my career, my relationships, and continue to better myself. It is the largest obstacle I never expected to face, it makes me unique but it also makes me very strong.