ABSTRACT
In today’s competitive professional landscape, mentorship plays a pivotal role in shaping an individual’s career trajectory. This colloquium will delve into the practical aspects of mentorship, focusing on its importance in networking, skill development, and creating avenues for career advancement. I will explore effective strategies for seeking out mentors, building meaningful relationships, and leveraging these connections to enhance both technical and soft skills. Additionally, I will address how mentorship can open doors to new opportunities, provide guidance during critical career transitions, and foster a supportive environment for personal growth. Finally, I will share insights into harnessing the power of mentorship for a successful and fulfilling career journey.
 
BIOGRAPHY
Dr Bvuma is Director of the University of Johannesburg’s School of Consumer Intelligence and Information Systems. She has been hailed as a courageous and skilled expert in IT, as well as a leader with a servant heart. She has the capacity to build relationships and forge strategic partnerships, focusing on impact and digital transformation.

Dr Bvuma is driven by a passion for ICT4development and technology adoption on developing ICT strategic plans in the digital era, focusing on digital economy, SMMEs development, smart cities, cybersecurity other ICTs. She also has a personal interest in advocating for women’s inclusion in the IT sector, as well as digital equality. She has served on several boards, including the South African Tourism Board, State Information Technology Agency as Deputy Chairperson, the Small Enterprise Development Agency, and the City of Joburg Mayoral Office as an Advisor on Digital Strategy, ICT, and the 4iR Committee. She is a member of several professional IT organisations, including the South African Institute of Computer Science and Information Technologies, where she serves as honorary secretary, and Women in Cloud Computing.

She has received numerous honours, including the Finalist of the 2023 IITPSA Personality of, 2023 Women in Technology Winner, the Lifesaver Award/Extra Mile Award, Resourcefulness, Best motivator or inspire, Best Coach and Mentor. She was also named a 2020 finalist for the SAWIL Trailblazers Awards, the Global Awards Women in Tech Network, and the Fostering Innovation with Purpose and Impact. She was nominated for Mentor of the Year and Top Fifty Inspiring Women in South Africa. She was named the Best Academic Leader in Applied Information Systems Studies in 2019. In the same year, she was also named best Academic Advisor at the International Business and Excellence Awards in Dubai.