At university, students are often encouraged to pursue internships or work experiences closely aligned with their field of study.



Gaining real-world experience in a relevant business setting seems like an ideal way to prepare for a career.



From a business perspective, internships offer a chance to identify and develop potential talent early, equipping future workers with industry-specific skills and practical insights.



For students, these internships often feel like a direct path to securing a job after graduation.



However, focusing exclusively on profession-specific internships or work experience can significantly undervalue the broader–and often more impactful–benefits of general work experience.



While businesses seek interns who can contribute immediately, they also value employees who demonstrate resilience and adaptability and have strong interpersonal skills–traits that can be developed just as effectively, if not more so, in jobs outside a student’s chosen field.



Any job, regardless of how closely it aligns with a student’s academic focus, is crucial in preparing them for the workforce.



Consider a typical internship that aligns with a student’s area of study.



A business student might intern at a consulting firm, a law student could clerk at a legal office and a communications major wants to spend time at a PR agency.



These internships aim to give students a taste of the professional world they aspire to join, offering insight into workflows, expectations and the challenges of their chosen career.



While these experiences can be valuable, they often come with a narrow scope.



Students might find themselves performing repetitive tasks or simply shadowing professionals without gaining hands-on experience.



These internships are often highly structured and, despite their relevance, might not help students develop the broader skill sets that employers increasingly demand.



In contrast, basic work experience–whether in a restaurant, shop or performing manual labour–provides students with the chance to develop practical, transferable skills in a real-world setting.



These jobs require students to engage with people from all walks of life, think on their feet, manage difficult situations and handle real-time stress.



Although these roles might not appear glamorous or directly tied to a student’s career goals, they often impart invaluable lessons highly prized in the workplace.



For example, working in a customer-facing role like retail or hospitality builds strong communication and interpersonal skills.



These are precisely the kinds of soft skills that employers across industries demand.



Someone who has learned to manage an upset customer in a restaurant is likely to be better equipped to handle a demanding client in a corporate setting.



And jobs in retail or service industries teach time management, multi-tasking and problem-solving skills under pressure, which are applicable to virtually any career.



A student working an evening shift in a supermarket might not immediately see the connection to their future in marketing or finance. However, the ability to manage tasks efficiently, work independently and remain calm under pressure will serve them well in any post-graduate role.



While technical expertise is undeniably important, employers want employees who are adaptable, resilient and able to work well with others.



These qualities can be cultivated just as effectively in a job unrelated to a student’s future career as in a targeted internship.



In fact, many employers actively seek candidates with varied work experiences, recognizing that those who have worked in different environments are often better prepared to handle the complexities and challenges of the modern workplace.



While internships aligned with a student’s field of study are valuable, they should not be seen as the only way to gain relevant work experience.



We might have become too dismissive of everyday jobs as critical opportunities to develop essential skills, placing excessive emphasis on prestigious internships tied to a specific field of study.



Although these high-profile internships might seem more impressive, we often overlook the valuable lessons that so-called “ordinary” work experiences provide.



Jobs in retail, hospitality or manual labour build resilience, adaptability and communication and problem-solving skills–qualities just as vital as those gained in field-specific internships.



It is time to recognize that real-world work, regardless of its prestige, plays a crucial role in shaping the next generation of well-rounded professionals.

Isometric business people came from different way but have same target

Expert Speak: How Basic Jobs Shape Future Leaders

As winter approaches and the mercury dips, business leaders are bracing for the usual seasonal discomfort–cold mornings, foggy windscreens, and the annual return of thermal underwear.



But while many seek warmth and shelter, a growing number are doing quite the opposite.



They’re flinging themselves into tubs of freezing water–on purpose.



Cold plunging–otherwise known as ice bathing–is winning over wellness circles with founders, entrepreneurs, and business leaders willingly swapping the warmth for water that could make even a penguin wince.



Once a recovery tool reserved for athletes nursing sore muscles, the humble ice bath has rebranded itself as a staple of the self-care scene.



Fill a tub–or wheelie-bin, bath, barrel, or purpose-built plunge pod–with ice and water, then jump in, breathe through the shock, and sit still while your limbs freeze over.



All it takes, they say, is a few minutes of spine-tingling submersion, a deep breath or two, and the mental fortitude not to leap out screaming.



Some plunge first thing in the morning to start the day with a jolt, while others incorporate it into workout recovery routines.



But behind the brave faces and blue lips lies a frosty question: why are so many in the business community throwing themselves into the deep freeze in the name of health?



Part of the answer lies in the changing nature of wellness itself.



Health and wellness were once about a balanced diet and gentle exercise.



Fast forward to today, and it seems caring for your body is not enough–you have to show you’re punishing it and testing your own personal physical and mental limits.



And you get bonus points if it’s filmed and uploaded to social media, preferably with inspirational music and a caption about mental strength.



Supporters of this frosty phenomenon also point to a range of alleged benefits, including sharper focus, improved mood, better sleep, reduced inflammation, and boosted resilience–all qualities prized in today’s high-performance business environment.



But not everyone’s convinced.



While some research does support the release of feel-good chemicals after cold exposure, much of the broader hype is, well, on thin ice.



Besides, to those who have never taken the plunge, the trend can appear less like a path to enlightenment and more like an elaborate form of torture.



The fact is, plunging into an icy bath is a wintertime ritual that seems, quite literally, out of touch with reality.



After all, most of us spend winter avoiding cold at all costs–layering up, lingering in hot showers, and cranking the heater at the first hint of a chill.



Strangely enough, while most of us are dodging draughts and chasing heat, others are splashing out on backyard plunge pools just to freeze themselves on purpose.



None of this is to say that cold plunges are inherently bad.



For some, they offer a genuine boost.



But surely, it’s possible to care for one’s health without turning it into a test of endurance?



In the rush to fine-tune every habit, we can forget that self-care is meant to comfort, not toughen us.



That aside, for those still keen to take the plunge, some basic advice is available.



Start small, don’t stay in too long, and don’t let the trend mask your own instincts.



If it feels more punishing than serving any particular purpose, it’s worth paying attention.



And here’s a thought.



In a world that increasingly treats discomfort as a badge of honor, real resilience might just be about picking what’s right for you–even if that means giving an ice bath the flick.



So, this winter, while others are busy tipping ice into tubs and timing their plunges, it might be wiser to think about what wellbeing really looks like for you.



After all, wellness doesn’t have to come with a frost warning.

Businesswoman through the office corridor

Expert-Speak: The Hot Trend Leaving Business Leaders Out In The Cold–Are You Willing To Take The Plunge?

The modern workplace is built on principles of communication, fairness and trust–or so the promise goes.



The reality is work has become a carousel of contradictions, spinning employees between the promise of work-life balance and an expectation of round-the-clock availability, the push for collaboration and pull of cut-throat competition, and the drive for efficiency amid endless layers of bureaucracy.



Mixed messages have never been more present in our workplaces.



At the heart of these contradictions is the tension between modern workplace ideals and entrenched corporate habits. Organizations want to appear progressive while maintaining control, leading to policies that sound good in theory but fail in practice. Employees are left navigating ever-shifting expectations, unsure whether to follow what is being preached or what is being practiced.



Companies boast about valuing employees though job security is treated as an outdated luxury. They roll out mental health initiatives while simultaneously increasing workloads. They encourage innovation yet the moment someone suggests a bold new idea, they are met with a polite but firm “that’s not how we do things here”.



Flexibility has lost all of its original meaning. For years, employees were told their jobs could not be done remotely. Today, the pressure to return to your desk station is stronger than ever, with hybrid work dangled like a carrot–with an unspoken condition of “work from anywhere but be available everywhere, all the time”.



Job ads promote diversity but hiring still prioritizes those who mirror the status quo, or who “fit the culture”. Promotions are supposedly based on merit but networking and office politics still carry more weight than actual performance.



And then there is the expectation of bringing your “whole self” to work–with fine print attached. Employees are encouraged to be authentic yet only within the limits of what is deemed acceptable in the workplace. Sharing personal struggles is applauded but only when they align with carefully curated company values.



Contradictions extend into workplace culture, where employees are told honesty is a core value. Yet those who expose wrongdoing or challenge poor leadership decisions often find themselves sidelined.



Transparency is encouraged in theory though speaking up about ethical breaches or workplace dysfunction is a fast-track to being labelled “difficult” or “not a team player”.



Meanwhile, the same organizations that promote work-life balance and wellbeing initiatives subtly reward overwork. Employees are encouraged to take breaks for their health yet those who power through lunch or answer emails late into the night are the ones seen as the most dedicated.



Mental health days are encouraged yet those who take them are quietly judged as “not committed”.



Workplaces love to remind employees they are a “family” yet those same employees are often the first to be cut when profits take a hit.



Let us make our workplaces great again.



The only way forward is to cut the contradictions and replace spin with substance. Trust needs to be more than a corporate buzzword. Productivity should be measured by outcomes and not time spent at a desk or the speed of an email reply. Recognition should be meaningful, not just a scripted gesture.



If employees are truly the greatest asset of a company, then their value should be reflected in fair pay, real career progression and leadership that listens rather than lectures.



Inclusivity should be more than a metric. Hiring for diversity is only one step–ensuring those employees are heard, supported and given opportunities to advance is what makes a workplace genuinely inclusive.



Making workplaces great again is not about nostalgia. It is about creating workplaces that function in practice, not just in mission statements.



Work should not be a puzzle of mixed messages. The place of work should be a place where employees want to stay, not one that they endure while scrolling job ads during their lunch break.

gettyimages-641970904-170667a

Expert-Speak: Let’s Make Workplaces Great Again

Once a rare sight, gyms have muscled their way into every neighborhood, piling up like sweaty towels after a high-intensity workout.



First thing in the morning, or at the end of a busy workday, they flex their presence with round-the-clock access, shiny equipment and talk of a total body makeover, selling the dream of a fitter and stronger self.



But no number of reps can prepare one for the unspoken challenges of gym etiquette.



The unofficial gym etiquette rulebook is ignored at will and enforced at random serving up a never-ending source of gym drama.



The gym is a shared space – where sweat and sacrifice pave the path to fitness. It is where grunters and grafters rub shoulders and the cardio kings and iron queens unite in pursuit of personal bests. But for all the camaraderie, the unspoken code of conduct is often overlooked to trigger clashes as awkward as doing a squat in skinny jeans.



Take the equipment hoarder who believes possession is nine-tenths of the law, draping a towel over multiple machines in an act of territorial tyranny. Then there is the dumbbell deserter, who scatters weights around the floor like breadcrumbs and expects others to clean up their mess. And what about the selfie specialist–who is more focused on finding the perfect lighting than perfecting their form. They treat the entire gym floor like a photo studio rather than a place to break a decent sweat.



At every gym, respecting personal space is key though often the last thing on many gym-goers’ minds.



There is nothing quite like claiming a bench for a set of chest presses, only to find someone standing mere centimeters away, curling dumbbells with the intensity of an overcaffeinated barista. No one wants to feel like they are engaged in a reluctant waltz with a stranger while attempting a deadlift.



Gym-goers need breathing room, not a close encounter of the sweaty kind.



While we’re on the topic of sweat, we should mention gym-goers who leave a trail behind them almost like they’re marking territory. The fact is no one signed up to their gym to dodge puddles like it’s an obstacle course.



Then there’s the noise.



A little grunt here and there is totally fine. But when every rep comes with its own horrid soundtrack, it ends up being less about fitness and more about theatrics. While enthusiasm is admirable, dropping weights with the force of a meteor strike is not a necessity.



As for the cardio crowd, the treadmills are meant for running–not running commentary. But some treat it like a live podcast, chatting on the phone so loudly you’d think they were trying to reach someone on another planet.



And then there’s the advice brigade. Nothing throws off a workout like the self-declared gym expert. They pop up mid-set with a well-meaning but uninvited “just trying to help” style of correction. Yes, the intentions might be good, but unless someone’s about to seriously hurt themselves, advice is



best left to qualified trainers.



Chatting at the gym requires special consideration. Some people are all for a quick chat between sets. Others prefer to stay in their own bubble, focused and tuned out. Misread the vibe, and it can lead to a pretty awkward moment.



Sure, there’s always time for a chat but mid-squat, red-faced and wobbling under a barbell, is definitely not the time to approach your gym buddy to exchange weekend plans or thoughts on protein powders.



At the end of the day, the gym’s a shared space &#8211; a place where people of all shapes, sizes and goals show up to stretch, get stronger and feel a bit better. Having a membership gets you through the door, but it’s basic courtesy that earns respect.



After all, the real gains are not just in muscle and endurance but in being a considerate part of the fitness community.

Beautiful athletic woman workout at indoor gym and weight training fitness. Fitness concept.

Expert-Speak: Why We Shouldn’t Have To Gym And Bear It

For too long, introverts have been boxed in, brushed aside and branded as the quiet ones in the corner. Their calm is mistaken for coldness, their pause for passivity and their preference for solitude as something that needs fixing.



In a world that equates volume with value, the bold and the brash have been favored and charisma treated as currency while those who operate at a lower decibel are quietly taxed.



But the tide is turning – the quiet are making themselves heard.



Introverts recharge in solitude, preferring depth over small talk and valuing meaningful connections. Unlike extroverts who thrive in crowds, introverts find excessive socializing draining and need time alone to refuel.



They are reflective, observant and deliberate – qualities often overshadowed by louder personalities. While extroverts are energized by interaction, introverts focus on substance over volume and choose their words and relationships with care.



Yet in environments that reward visibility over thoughtfulness, their strengths are often overlooked.



Nowhere is this bias more apparent than in the workplace.



Leadership is too often awarded to those who are the most outspoken rather than the most competent. The myth that good leaders must be extroverted has left introverts underappreciated and underutilized. Their ability to listen, think critically and lead with quiet confidence is sidelined in favor of those who speak first and loudest.



The meeting room remains a battlefield where introverts must fight for airtime. While extroverts volley ideas back and forth, introverts search for a space to interject only to often watch their carefully considered thoughts become afterthoughts. The pressure to “speak up” ignores the reality that speaking less does not mean thinking less.



When introverts do enter the conversation, their words are measured and meaningful. Yet too often, by the time they get a word in, the moment has passed or their insight has been steamrolled by louder voices.



Social settings bring similar struggles. Declining an invitation is treated as defiance rather than self-preservation. The assumption that happiness is found in the hum of a crowd rather than the hush of solitude forces introverts into the defensive to explain why quiet is a choice and not an affliction. The idea that introverts are antisocial, unfriendly or even rude persists despite evidence to the contrary.



They are not avoiding people – they are avoiding overstimulation. They do not dislike company but rather prefer it in smaller, more meaningful doses. They do not lack confidence but do not feel the need to broadcast it.



And they are no longer allowing themselves to be sidelined–by redefining engagement rather than competing in volume.



Introverts are pushing back against the belief that leadership must be loud, success requires endless interaction and a lack of outward enthusiasm signals a lack of passion. They are advocating for workplaces that value thoughtful input over knee-jerk reactions, classrooms which recognize quiet participation as engagement and social spaces where silence is not dismissed as awkwardness.



The assumption that success belongs to the biggest personalities is fading, and the quiet revolution is gaining momentum. The myth that confidence must be loud is being dismantled and replaced by an understanding that leadership comes in many forms.



Introverts are stepping forward–not by becoming something they are not but by demanding that their strengths are no longer seen as shortcomings.



They are done with being echoes in a world that amplifies the loudest voices. They are proving that a well-timed, thoughtful statement often carries more weight than a flood of unfiltered opinions. They are demonstrating that patience and perception are just as valuable as energy and enthusiasm.



They are reclaiming their space by showing that silence can be just as powerful.



The world has long mistaken silence for absence. Yet the quietest voices often have the most to say. And this time, they are making sure they are being heard.

Nervous businessman waiting to enter at business meeting rear view

Expert-Speak: Silence Speaks Volumes As Introverts Lead With Quiet Confidence In The Workplace

A politician muddles policy details, a CEO fumbles the figures, and an athlete sparks outrage with a poorly-chosen remark.



Unfortunate gaffes, you say? Not so fast.



While many blunders appear accidental, there is a growing trend of so-called “gaffes” being deliberate stunts dressed up as mistakes.



The art of the gaffe has never been more deliberate.



What was once an accidental blunder followed by sheepish apologies and frantic damage control has evolved into a finely-tuned strategy.



The intentional gaffe–a calculated misstep–has emerged as a powerful tool for attention-seekers, agenda-pushers, and image-shapers alike.



Gaffes have transformed from missteps to maneuvers and from blunders to branding opportunities.



A slip of the tongue, once a career-crushing catastrophe, now serves as bait to hook headlines.



A botched phrase or a bungled promise can generate the kind of attention that no carefully-crafted statement ever could.



On the political stage, where the stakes are high, every word is scrutinized and a single gaffe–whether genuine or calculated–can steal the show.



Some politicians wield intentional gaffes to distract critics, redirect public attention, and ignite debate.



An awkward joke about policy might seem like a moment of carelessness, though in reality, it is often a masterclass in misdirection.



Consider the so-called “slip of the tongue” during a live debate, where a politician casually floats a controversial idea.



While the public and media argue over the statement’s implications, the real intent–to test the waters or deflect focus from another issue–often goes unnoticed.



Yet politicians are far from the only ones who capitalize on this tactic.



CEOs and senior leaders strategically stumble to steer discussions or divert scrutiny.



A clumsy comment or poorly-phrased projection can shift focus, diverting attention from weak results or uncomfortable questions.



Celebrities and athletes, too, embrace the art of the intentional blunder to stay in the spotlight and bolster their personal brands.



A tone-deaf remark or ill-timed tweet might spark outrage, though it also ensures their name trends, keeping them relevant in an overcrowded media landscape.



Social media influencers have perfected this approach, crafting clumsy posts or controversial opinions designed to drive engagement and boost visibility.



Public relations teams, in turn, use these “mistakes” to manage discussions during crises.



Whether it is a poorly planned marketing campaign or an “accidental” leak, the resulting uproar can shift focus away from deeper issues or generate free publicity.



The genius of the intentional gaffe lies in its capacity for a graceful recovery.



A quick apology or a well-placed clarification can turn the tide to paint the gaffe-maker as humble, relatable or even courageous for owning up to their “error”.



Distinguishing an intentional gaffe from a genuine mistake requires more than a casual glance.



While both might look similar on the surface, subtle signs separate a calculated misstep from an unplanned blunder.



Timing, for instance, is a crucial clue.



An unintentional mistake often happens in an unguarded moment–a slip during an intense debate or an offhand comment in a casual interview.



Intentional gaffes, however, tend to occur when the stakes are high and the spotlight is firmly fixed.



Another telltale sign lies in the response.



A genuine mistake usually triggers an immediate and often awkward attempt at damage control.



Apologies can be hurried, explanations panicked, and the individual might struggle to regain composure.



In contrast, an intentional gaffe is met with a measured and almost rehearsed reaction.



Context also matters.



Genuine mistakes often occur in moments of pressure or fatigue, when the speaker is off-script or underprepared.



Intentional gaffes, on the other hand, are often embedded within broader storylines.



They are positioned to steer conversations, spark debate or test public sentiment.



When a misstep conveniently aligns with an underlying agenda or shifts focus from a larger issue, it is worth questioning whether the error was intentional.



Finally, the outcomes can reveal intent.



Unintentional mistakes often create chaos, confusion, backlash or a dip in credibility.



Intentional gaffes, however, frequently deliver benefits.



They might dominate headlines, spark widespread discussion or bolster the individual’s visibility.



Recognizing these patterns requires a discerning eye and a healthy dose of scepticism.



As the art of the gaffe becomes more sophisticated, so too must our ability to separate the accidental from the intentional.



Just remember: while not every slip is strategic, many are far too polished to be pure mistakes.

Professor Gary Martin

FORBES AFRICA SOCIAL MEDIA

Expert Speak: How Basic Jobs Shape Future Leaders

Expert-Speak: The Hot Trend Leaving Business Leaders Out In The Cold–Are You Willing To Take The Plunge?

Expert-Speak: Let’s Make Workplaces Great Again

Expert-Speak: Why We Shouldn’t Have To Gym And Bear It

Expert-Speak: Silence Speaks Volumes As Introverts Lead With Quiet Confidence In The Workplace

Expert-Speak: How Gaffes Have Graduated From Accidents To Agendas, Almost Making It An Art Form