The lives of 40 Marketing Management students were changed on Wednesday, 29 March 2017, when they were informed that they were recipients of the 2017 Banking Sector Education and Training Authority (BANKSETA) bursaries. For these bursaries, 40 of the best performing BCom (Marketing Management) first-, second- and third-year students of 2016 were identified, based on a gender and racial quota.

 

BANKSETA is a statutory body established through the Skills Development Act of 1998 to enable its stakeholders to advance the national and global position of the banking and micro-finance industry. This is the second year that BANKSETA provided bursaries to students studying BCom (Marketing Management) at the University of Pretoria.

 

In anticipation of the meeting, a few of the previous bursary recipients mentioned that they were honoured to be selected again, while the first-time recipients confessed that they were somewhat anxious as to why this meeting was scheduled. Prof Yolanda Jordaan, Head of the Department of Marketing Management, welcomed the students to this special occasion, whereafter she congratulated the students on being selected and took some time to explain what the bursary would entail.

 

The students expressed their gratitude in receiving the bursaries to the value of R82 947 per student and stated that it felt amazing to be recognised for their hard work. For some of the students, this bursary was a way to pay for studies that they otherwise could not afford. Some indicated that it was a way to pay off their current study debt and for others an investment in their future. Many students also revealed that they wish to continue with their postgraduate studies in Marketing Management and some communicated that they have an interest in joining some of the leading marketing employers like BMW and Ogilvy as soon as they complete their studies.

 

The top third-year Marketing Management student of 2016, Cassandra Mayer, said that she did not expect to receive the BANKSETA bursary and almost burst into tears when the announcement was made. She conveyed her appreciation to BANKSETA and the Department of Marketing Management for granting her this amazing opportunity. Cassandra hopes to travel to Europe within the next few years after the completion of her honours degree.

 

Some of the second-time bursary recipients shared helpful tips for students who aspire to receive a BANKSETA bursary in future. Firstly, aspiring bursary holders should focus on studying hard, but also on balancing the studying with some outdoor or social activities. Another suggestion is to build a network of people that can support you through the year, whether it be parents, friends or class mates. Lastly, remember to always keep your goals in mind and be resilient in your pursuit of reaching them.

 

The Department of Marketing Management is proud to be associated with BANKSETA and wishes to express its appreciation for their investment in young talent. With such a great start to the year, Marketing Management students can only go from strength to strength.

 

The BANKSETA bursary recipients with the Head of the Department, Prof Jordaan (front row middle) and lecturers and mentors of the BANKSETA students to the left (Ms Verbeek) and right (Mr Ndhlovu) of Prof Jordaan.