Wits alumnus helps IR students forge paths into the private sector
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Bridging the gap between academia and the professional world.
Wits International Relations alumnus Kanelo Pitso joined students on the 4th of August for an engaging discussion on the diverse career paths available to International Relations graduates.
Drawing on a decade of experience in the political risk and compliance sector, Kanelo discussed how geopolitical analysis is applied in the corporate world—an area of employment often overlooked within International Relations. Rather than treating political risk as an abstract concept, he encouraged students to consider how political uncertainty, geopolitical tensions and regulatory developments can directly affect companies, their investments and operations.
The session highlighted practical tools at the intersection of politics and the corporate sector, including integrity due diligence, political risk analysis and scenario planning. Kanelo demonstrated how analysts can map plausible political futures to stress-test investments and business decisions. He also presented students with ethical and corporate governance scenarios, highlighting the importance of careful analysis and attention to detail.
The interactive session encouraged students to think critically about hypothetical scenarios and respond quickly to Kanelo’s questions. In doing so, they gained a practical sense of how the analytical skills developed through an International Relations degree can be applied to real-world corporate challenges.
Kanelo’s professional journey also highlighted the breadth of opportunities available to IR graduates beyond traditional careers in diplomacy and government. From intelligence and political risk consulting to corporate ethics, compliance and geopolitical analysis, students learned about the growing demand for professionals who can understand how political developments affect businesses and investment decisions.
For students in attendance, the session offered valuable insight into the realities of political risk work and a broader perspective on the professional opportunities available beyond Wits.
We are pleased to welcome one of the department’s alumni back to Wits to share his professional journey and encourage students to consider how their own academic training can be translated into meaningful careers in an increasingly complex and interconnected world.