Graduates of the Imperial School of Business and Science (ISBS) say practical learning, communication and problem-solving skills have helped them adjust to the workplace, as employers increasingly look for more than academic qualifications.
ISBS, a 100% citizen-owned private tertiary institution, offers BQA-accredited programmes in areas including business, accounting, education, health and information technology. The institution has more than 3,000 alumni working across Botswana’s public and private sectors.
Marketing and media professional and entrepreneur Lucia Ramere says presentations, group projects and practical assignments helped build her confidence and ability to work with different people.
“The most valuable thing ISBS gave me was the confidence to believe in myself and the courage to pursue opportunities beyond the classroom,” she says.
ISBS lecturer Maeta Kesebonye says the job market is increasingly demanding graduates who can apply what they have learned, use technology and solve workplace problems.
“Employers in Botswana have moved beyond qualifications. They now want graduates who can apply knowledge, use technology and solve real business problems with confidence,” she says.
Kesebonye says digital skills, data literacy, Enterprise Resource Planning, customer service and adaptability are among the capabilities employers increasingly value. She says ISBS incorporates practical tools and experiences such as SAP S/4HANA, computer applications, case studies, simulations, projects and industrial attachments into its programmes.
Ramere says she experienced the benefit of this approach while working on marketing campaigns, where she applied principles of marketing and public relations to identify audiences, develop messaging and select appropriate communication channels.
Another ISBS alumna, Chedza Veronica Ntlhoiwa, says her experience at Blueberry Travel also showed her that technical knowledge alone was not enough. Handling customer enquiries, bookings and travel information required accuracy, communication and teamwork.
“I learned that sometimes solving a problem is not only about knowing the answer, but also about knowing how to communicate and work with others to find a solution,” she says.
Ntlhoiwa says communication, teamwork, problem-solving, confidence and time management remain some of the skills she relies on, while working with different systems and airline booking platforms strengthened her ability to adapt to new technology.
Kesebonye says ISBS also focuses on workplace values such as accountability, punctuality, communication and ethics, alongside academic learning.
“At ISBS we develop the whole person, not just the certificate,” she says.
She adds that the growing use of artificial intelligence and digitalisation means graduates must be prepared to continuously learn and adapt. Students are encouraged to use AI as a tool for research, analysis and creativity while maintaining critical thinking and originality.
For Ramere, the journey from graduate to professional and entrepreneur has reinforced the importance of confidence, discipline and continuous learning.
“The knowledge I gained was important, but the confidence, discipline, and willingness to keep learning have been even more valuable,” she says.
Kesebonye says the ultimate goal is to produce graduates who understand workplace expectations, can apply their knowledge and adapt to changing technology with minimal supervision.
Ramere, meanwhile, urges students to make full use of the opportunities available while studying.
“ISBS gives you the tools, but it’s up to you to make the most of them,” she says. “If you are willing to put in the effort, ISBS can prepare you not just for your first job, but for a career of continuous growth and opportunity.”
