Leah Southgate

HR and Psychology student with practical experience across employee wellbeing, needs analysis, recruitment and stakeholder engagement. Particularly drawn to the space where understanding people meets solving real workplace challenges, with an interest in Human Resources and Industrial/Organisational Psychology. Brings a people-centred perspective alongside strong communication, leadership, analytical and interpersonal skills.

Curious about what shapes employee experiences and motivated by finding practical ways to help people, teams and organisations work better together.

HR Consultant : Work Integrated Learning - Homechoice - Cape Town

(2026-03 - 2026-08)

Completed a six-month Work Integrated Learning placement within an HR & Telemarketing environment, managing an employee wellbeing needs analysis project from initial stakeholder engagement through to recommendations and implementation planning.

• Conduced a needs analysis within the telemarketing department
• Conducted employee interviews and gathered qualitative information to identify workplace wellbeing needs.
• Analysed employee experiences and identified key themes relating to stress, burnout, manager support, connection and workplace wellbeing.
• Engaged with HR stakeholders and employees throughout the project to understand organisational needs and perspectives.
• Developed practical wellbeing recommendations informed by employee feedback and research.
• Created a short-term implementation plan to support the practical application of recommendations.
• Managed project planning, stakeholder communication, documentation and project deliverables.
• Developed experience in translating employee feedback and research findings into practical workplace recommendations.

Finance Recruitment Job Shadowing - Attain People Inc. / The Sharing Group

(2024-12 - 2024-12)

• Gained exposure to finance recruitment processes, including candidate sourcing, screening and client engagement.
• Assisted with drafting job advertisements and preparing market lists for clients.
• Observed recruitment practices and candidate experience across the recruitment lifecycle.
• Gained insight into client acquisition, business development and consultancy processes.
• Worked across time zones, developing professional communication and cross-cultural collaboration skills.

Class Representative - The South African Applied College of South Africa

(2024-03 - 2026-11)

• Acted as a liaison between students, lecturers and programme coordinators.
• Communicated academic updates, events and institutional information to students.
• Gathered and presented student feedback in meetings with academic staff.
• Assisted in addressing student concerns and facilitating constructive dialogue.
• Developed skills in communication, diplomacy, negotiation and conflict resolution.

Woman & Children’s Ministry Volunteer - Hillsong Church - Cape Town

(2024-01 - 2026-12)

• Facilitated women led small groups
• Researched and prepared content for small group’s
• Lead and engage groups of children through structured lessons and activities.
• Develop presentations, worksheets and activities aligned with learning objectives (Canva & Google Suite)
• Coordinate with volunteers and team leaders to facilitate weekly programmes.
• Build positive relationships while maintaining a safe and inclusive environment.
• Develop practical leadership, communication, teamwork and adaptability skills.

Youth & Children's Ministry Volunteer - Common Ground Church - Cape Town

(2026-01)

• Volunteer within youth and children's ministry programmes.
• Assist with teaching, games, activities and lesson preparation.
• Support young people through mentorship, discipleship and relationship-building.
• Develop engaging presentations and activities for children and youth.
• Work collaboratively with other volunteers to create a positive community environment.

Bachelor of Applied Social Science - HRM & Psychology - South African College of Applied Psychology, SACAP (2023 - 2026)

UCT Online High School (2022 - 2023)

Wynberg Girls High School (2019 - 2022)