The balance act: My journey as a masters student and PUG intern

By Omphemetse Morake, PUG Intern 2025

Is it possible to juggle an internship, tough university modules, a research paper and tutoring duties, and still find joy in the chaos? As a Master’s candidate at the University of the Western Cape (UWC) and intern at the Politics and Urban Governance (PUG) Research Group, I have learned that it is not only possible but rewarding. While the struggle to keep up has been intense, embracing the challenge, it is a testament to growth under pressure. 

With South Africa’s youth unemployment rate above 60% for those aged 15 to 24 and over 46% for youth aged 15 to 34, internships and work-based learning opportunities aren’t just CV fillers — they are survival tools. Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) programmes aim to break this cycle by giving students practical exposure that bridges university and the workplace. Many graduates face the harsh reality of being qualified yet unemployable because they lack real-world experience. WIL programs help students develop essential workplace skills such as communication, problem-solving and teamwork. Beyond skills, these opportunities allow students to build professional networks and gain a deeper understanding of workplace culture – both of which are critical for securing employment. 

As a young student navigating this reality, I’ve discovered both the chaos and growth that come with trying to study and work at the same time. Like many of my peers, I entered this internship with no prior work experience. That’s not unusual — the paradox of “needing experience to get experience” is a major barrier for thousands of young South Africans. WIL is different from traditional academic Master’s programs in its emphasis on employability. It prepares young people, like me, for the realities of the job market by developing not just academic knowledge, but practical skills, workplace ethics, and professional networks. This experience equips us with a competitive edge that is crucial in a country grappling with persistent youth unemployment. However, WIL is not without its challenges.

As a 22-year-old student enrolled in the WIL programme at UWC with no prior work experience, navigating the workplace has been both significantly challenging and rewarding. Balancing an internship alongside demanding university modules, tutoring duties, and research deadlines often feels like juggling chaos and growth all at once. The internship adds significant work and mental load, and each day requires careful time management and the resilience to push through when exhaustion sets in. For some students, this strain has the potential to derail their studies if the balance between working and studying is not well managed. 

However, these challenges have taught me vital lessons on prioritising, starting assignments early and openly communicating with supervisors when feeling overwhelmed. Coffee, of course, has been my constant companion throughout this process. This experience has not only sharpened my professional skills, but has also deepened my understanding of how resilience and perseverance are crucial tools for success in both academic and work environments. One way to reduce this pressure might be to schedule internships earlier in the academic year or over university breaks, before thesis deadlines and peak study periods. Additionally, having clear guidance, practical tools for time management, and preparatory information about workplace expectations before starting the internship could help students navigate this demanding balance more effectively. 

This balancing act between responsibilities and rewarding experiences taught me a vital lesson: challenges are an essential part of meaningful growth. Embracing the struggle with openness has turned this internship from a source of stress into a powerful journey of personal and professional development. If South Africa is serious about tackling its youth unemployment crisis, investing in and expanding WIL is essential. Recognising both the benefits and limitations of WIL helps us advocate for improvements that support student well-being while still enhancing employability. My journey is a testament that with the right support, young people won’t just survive the chaos — we will thrive in it.