Bridging Academia and Industry: New Initiatives for Postgraduate Economics Students
Posted by Mosima Ngwenya on 2025-02-06
Professional Engagement Series Launches Successfully
The Department of Economics at Stellenbosch University is proud to announce an initiative connecting postgraduate students with leading economists from the industry. This program aims to enrich the academic experience through meaningful in-person interactions and professional networking opportunities.

Inaugural Session Features Industry Leader
Our seminar series commenced this week with an exceptional presentation by Mr. Sam Rolland, Director for Sub-Saharan Africa at Economist Intelligence Corporate Networks. His insightful talk on "The World Ahead for 2025 and Potential Career Pathways in Economics" drew an audience of 50 postgraduate students, sparking engaging discussions that continued well after the formal presentation.
Upcoming Events and Opportunities
Weekly Expert Sessions
Industry professionals from across the region will share their expertise and perspectives on:
1. Current economic trends
2. Career development strategies
3. Real-world applications of economic theory
2025 Postgraduate Intervarsity Mini-conference
- Date: April 24, 2025
- Expected attendance: 150+ students and staff from UCT, UWC, and Stellenbosch
- Opportunity for students to present their thesis work
- Platform for receiving valuable feedback from peers and faculty
Building a Stronger Academic Community
Under the coordination of Michael John Meyer, the Department of Economics is committed to:
- Facilitating regular interactions between students and industry professionals
- Creating platforms for academic presentation and discourse
- Supporting students in their professional development
- Strengthening ties between academic theory and practical application
We look forward to hosting more engaging sessions throughout the year as we continue to bridge the gap between academic research and real-world economics.
For more information about upcoming events and opportunities, please contact the Department of Economics.
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Upcoming Seminars
Monday 21 July 202512:00-13:00
Izak Odendaal: Old Mutual Wealth Chief Investment Strategist
Topic: "Diverging fiscal policies and what it means for markets"
12:00-13:00
Dr Neil Rankin: Ceo Of Predictive Insights & Stellenbosch University
Topic: "TBC"
12:00-13:00
Prof Willem Boshoff: Stellenbosch University
Topic: "Two competing approaches in South African competition policy: merger control and anti-cartel enforcement over the past 30 years"
BER Weekly
27 Jun 2025 Another setback for the GNU, but oil markets breathe a little easierThis week was marked by heightened tensions both domestically and internationally. At home, friction intensified between the two largest parties in the Government of National Unity (GNU), the ANC and the DA, following the firing of one of the DA's deputy ministers. Internationally, the US conducted airstrikes on three Iranian nuclear facilities using...
Read the full issue
Upcoming Seminars
Monday 21 July 202512:00-13:00
Izak Odendaal: Old Mutual Wealth Chief Investment Strategist
Topic: "Diverging fiscal policies and what it means for markets"
12:00-13:00
Dr Neil Rankin: Ceo Of Predictive Insights & Stellenbosch University
Topic: "TBC"
12:00-13:00
Prof Willem Boshoff: Stellenbosch University
Topic: "Two competing approaches in South African competition policy: merger control and anti-cartel enforcement over the past 30 years"
BER Weekly
27 Jun 2025 Another setback for the GNU, but oil markets breathe a little easierThis week was marked by heightened tensions both domestically and internationally. At home, friction intensified between the two largest parties in the Government of National Unity (GNU), the ANC and the DA, following the firing of one of the DA's deputy ministers. Internationally, the US conducted airstrikes on three Iranian nuclear facilities using...
Read the full issue