The UCT Faculty of Science recently featured two accomplished alumni who shared insights into their diverse career trajectories: Pavitray (Pavs) Pillay, an MSc graduate in Marine Biology, and Iviwe Mtubu, who holds an honours degree in Environmental and Geographical Science and is currently pursuing his master's degree.

Iviwe's journey exemplifies the versatility of an Environmental and Geographical Science degree. His coursework at UCT enabled him to register as an Environmental Assessment Practitioner without prior work experience. During his presentation, he emphasized the transformative impact of UCT's Applied Geography programme, which took students beyond traditional classroom settings to engage with geographical concepts in real-world environments. His passion for education subsequently led him to pursue a Postgraduate Certificate in Education, allowing him to share his knowledge and inspire future generations.

Pavs, who serves as the Corporate Engagement and Environmental Behaviour Change Lead at WWF South Africa, shared her evolution from marine biologist to environmental advocate. Under the mentorship of Emeritus Prof George Branch and Prof John Field at UCT, she developed her research expertise, culminating in a Master's degree in Marine Biology. In her current role at WWF, she applies behavioural science principles to promote sustainable practices among consumers and businesses.

Her work focuses on developing practical solutions that empower people to make sustainable choices, moving beyond traditional awareness campaigns. She highlighted initiatives such as the 'WWF-SASSI' FishID app, which uses technology and gamification to engage consumers in marine conservation efforts. Pavs emphasizes the critical role of engaging businesses in sustainability efforts, highlighting how investors and shareholders can drive corporate accountability.

Both speakers stressed the importance of collaboration in achieving meaningful environmental impact. Iviwe described his work with various organizations and academics to implement practical geography programmes, while Pavs discussed the necessity of partnering with businesses to accelerate sustainability initiatives.

During the question-and-answer session, the speakers addressed challenges within higher education. Iviwe advocated for increased interaction between undergraduate and postgraduate students to inspire academic advancement. Pavs emphasized the need to balance theoretical knowledge with practical training and internship opportunities, ensuring graduates are equipped with skills for real-world impact.

The event demonstrated how science education can lead to diverse career paths while contributing to environmental conservation and sustainability. Through their different yet complementary approaches, both alumni exemplified how academic knowledge can be transformed into practical solutions for global challenges.