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 28 July 202512:00-13:00
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"
12:00-13:00
Professor Johan Fourie: Stellenbosch University
Topic: "Economic History: TBC"
BER Weekly
25 Jul 2025 Budget hurdle cleared, but US tariff implementation remains a riskIt was another big week on the local political front, but with some constructive momentum. On the trade front, ahead of next week’s 1 August deadline, Trump announced another “massive” trade deal with Japan. The upcoming week is busy, with a slew of global and domestic data releases and several monetary policy decisions, including the SARB....
Read the full issue
Upcoming Seminars
Monday 28 July 202512:00-13:00
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"
12:00-13:00
Professor Johan Fourie: Stellenbosch University
Topic: "Economic History: TBC"
BER Weekly
25 Jul 2025 Budget hurdle cleared, but US tariff implementation remains a riskIt was another big week on the local political front, but with some constructive momentum. On the trade front, ahead of next week’s 1 August deadline, Trump announced another “massive” trade deal with Japan. The upcoming week is busy, with a slew of global and domestic data releases and several monetary policy decisions, including the SARB....
Read the full issue