Job Hunting Feels Like a Dead-End? Lets Talk

by marketing | Apr 30, 2025 | blog, COVID19, News @ ORT, Old News

Let’s be real: looking for a job right now feels overwhelmingly difficult. It’s like trying to win the lottery — blindfolded, in the dark, during a thunderstorm.
And if you’re feeling like it’s just you, trust me, it’s not. Right now in South Africa, nearly 1 in 3 people are unemployed. And it’s been like that for a while.

Recently, I spent some time in KZN chatting to young people who applied for ORT SA Big Data Training programme.
And let me tell you — these weren’t just any applicants. Degrees, diplomas, side hustles — these guys had it all. Smart, hungry for opportunity, and ready to do whatever it takes to level up.

We had about 100 applicants… but only 25 spots.
Which made me wonder — what about the 75 others?
The ones who clearly have the potential but keep getting stuck in the “no work, no experience” cycle?

The scary part is, when you’re desperate, you start grabbing anything that kinda-sorta looks like experience. It could be another learnership here, an internship there, or a YES placement for basic wage…
But the problem?
You end up stretching yourself so thin across different fields that your CV looks random, not focused.
And when companies ask for real work experience, you don’t have much to show. This is true even though you’ve been busy.

I met one young woman who’s deep into coding. She is doing her Computer Science advanced diploma at night. She is willing to show up every day just to add another skill to her name.
Her passion is real.
But piling on more qualifications without real-world experience can backfire if you’re not strategic.

So here’s the move:
Stop chasing only certificates. Start chasing experience.
You don’t have to wait for a fancy job title. Go out and create your own work experience:

Help small businesses in your area with any skills you have. These can include tech, admin, social media, or design. You name it.

Here’s some options:

Volunteer your skills at a local business.

Help out at a startup or NGO.

Offer to build websites, help with admin, run social media — whatever matches your passion.

Document EVERYTHING you do. Set up a LinkedIn profile or a GitHub portfolio and show it off.
Network with people. Comment on posts. Share your ideas. Get noticed.

Because here’s the truth:
Experience is your secret weapon.
And in a world where everyone’s hustling for a piece of paper, real experience will make you stand out.

Final word?
You’re not stuck. You’re building.
You will not see the results right away. Every skill you sharpen, every connection you make, and every project you finish is stacking up behind the scenes.
Your future self will thank you.
Stay sharp. Stay real. Stay hungry.

An exclusive ORT2Know interview with ChatGPT

by marketing | Apr 30, 2025 | blog, COVID19, News @ ORT, Old News

In today’s world, starting a business as a young person is more exciting—and more accessible—than ever. One of the tools playing a massive role in this entrepreneurial revolution is Artificial Intelligence (AI). But how exactly should youth entrepreneurs use AI? And how can they do it responsibly?
We sat down with ChatGPT, one of the world’s most well-known AI tools, to find out how AI can boost young businesses—and where caution is needed.
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ORT2Know: ChatGPT, thank you for joining us. To begin, could you elaborate on the ways in which AI can assist young entrepreneurs who are in the early stages of launching their businesses?
ChatGPT:
It’s a pleasure to be here! AI offers young entrepreneurs powerful advantages. First, it dramatically reduces the barrier to entry for business. Need a logo? AI can design one. Need a business plan? AI can help draft it. Need customer service, marketing ideas, product descriptions, financial models? AI is right there, providing professional-quality support without massive upfront costs.
It empowers young people to work faster, smarter, and more creatively—even without a huge budget or team. For those who may feel intimidated by the complexity of starting a business, AI acts as an encouraging co-pilot.
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ORT2Know: While the potential advantages are clear, what risks or challenges should young entrepreneurs be mindful of when using AI technology?
ChatGPT:
Great question—and very important. AI is a tool, not a replacement for critical thinking or human connection. Relying too heavily on AI can cause several problems:
• Creativity Stifling: If you let AI do all your thinking, you might lose touch with your unique ideas—the ones that really set a business apart.
• Accuracy Issues: AI can sometimes make mistakes. Information needs to be fact-checked and judgment must be used.
• Ethical Concerns: AI can unintentionally produce biased or insensitive content if it’s not used thoughtfully. Responsible use means always reviewing and considering the real-world impact of what AI helps you create.
• Dependency: Young entrepreneurs need to learn foundational skills—like communication, leadership, problem-solving—that AI can’t replicate. Otherwise, they risk becoming too dependent on tools instead of developing their own abilities.
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ORT2Know: You touched on “responsible use” of AI. Could you expand on what responsible use entails for young business founders?
ChatGPT:
Responsible use of AI means treating it like a partner, not a boss. Use AI to brainstorm ideas, to assist with tasks, and to learn faster. But always review what AI produces. Make sure it aligns with your business values and personal ethics.
It also means being transparent. If you use AI-generated content in your business (such as in marketing), be open about it. Authenticity is still the currency of trust in business.
Most importantly, responsible entrepreneurs continue building their real-world skills: creativity, empathy, resilience, and leadership. AI can boost these qualities, but it should never replace them.
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ORT2Know: In conclusion, what advice would you offer to a 17-year-old aspiring entrepreneur who wishes to incorporate AI into their startup journey?
ChatGPT:
I’d say: Be bold, but be thoughtful. AI can turn your dream into reality faster than ever before—but your ideas, your energy, and your ability to connect with people are your true superpowers.
Learn to use AI like a pro, but never lose your human touch. Stay curious, keep learning, and remember: technology moves fast, but values like honesty, creativity, and perseverance will always be what truly build great businesses—and great lives.
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Final Thoughts
Young entrepreneurs are stepping into a world where AI levels the playing field like never before. With wise, responsible use, AI can help turn today’s teenage side hustle into tomorrow’s global success story.
As ChatGPT reminds us, it’s not about being the smartest machine—it’s about being the smartest human, using the best tools.