As Manicaland State University of Applied Sciences (MSUAS) celebrates 10 years of academic excellence and innovation, the University recently hosted the inaugural Future Leaders Mentorship Programme (FLMP) at its Fernhill Campus in a bid to prepare final-year students and those proceeding to Work Related Learning for the realities of a rapidly changing world of work.

Held under the theme “Leading with Purpose: Preparing Future Leaders for a Dynamic World of Work,” the programme brought together students and staff, affording them the opportunity to engage with industry, ask questions, and actively contribute to the discussions.

In his welcome remarks, MSUAS Acting Vice Chancellor Professor Upenyu Guyo reaffirmed the University’s commitment to creating platforms that bridge academic learning with industry experience.

“This programme is firmly aligned with our institutional mission of nurturing responsible, innovative, and future ready leaders who are grounded in applied knowledge and responsive to the evolving demands of the world of work.

“The Future Leaders Mentorship Programme is one such strategic initiative that strengthens this bridge by exposing students to mentorship, leadership development, and real-world professional insights that are critical for success in today’s competitive environment,” said Prof Guyo.

Old Mutual Life Assurance Company Managing Director Ms Rutendo Magorimbo drew on her career journey to speak to themes of purpose, resilience, integrity, and courage, challenging students to remain adaptable in a world that will not wait for those who are unprepared.

” Your plans will change, so stay anchored in purpose, and the world will change, so keep learning, remain resilient when storms come, and protect your integrity when your character is tested.

“You will need people, so build relationships, you will feel unready, so have courage, and even if your beginnings are small, start anyway,” said Ms Magorimbo.

Students and staff described the programme as an inspiring and invaluable experience that successfully connected them with real world professional insight and the kind of leadership perspective that prepares young people for the demands of an ever-changing world of work.

The Future Leaders Mentorship Programme stands as a clear reflection of MSUAS’s dedication to nurturing well-rounded graduates, not only through academic instruction, but through deliberate and meaningful engagement with industry leadership.