University of Pretoria (UP) graduate, Sithembile Linda, says her academic journey at the University has stood her in good stead for her career path. So much so that she’s keen to return to the University to pursue her PhD.

Sithembile graduated with a BA General degree specialising in Psychology and Criminology in 2018, obtained an honours degree in Criminology in 2019 and in 2021 she graduated yet again with master’s degree in Criminology. She is currently awaiting feedback on her PhD proposal, also in Criminology.

Sithembile says she chose UP because the institution stands out amongst the rest regarding its culture, diversity, and the vast opportunities for growth available to students.

“In particular, the Department of Social Work and Criminology at UP is the best in South Africa. The healthy academic environment propelled me to pursue my studies further and evolve not only in my personal skills but in my workplace skills through programmes such as Ready for Work,” Sithembile says.

And she’s not the only one in her family who chose UP for these reasons.

Her sister, Lindokuhle, graduated with a BEng Metallurgical Engineering degree and is currently enrolled for her BEng (Hons) specialisation in welding engineering.

“In my pursuit and research of obtaining an engineering degree, the Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology at UP was and continues to be highlighted as one of the most impactful faculties, not only in South Africa but a leader in the African continent. I was left with no choice but to choose the game changer that would serve as a launching pad for my career,” Lindokuhle said. 

Sithembile works as an implementation specialist at Online Intelligence while Lindokuhle is full time student and an academic tutor.

According to Sithembile, UP’s Ready for Work programme helped integrate the academic knowledge she obtained with workplace skills, job etiquette and emotional intelligence.

 “Opportunities to tutor and be a research assistant while studying created a symbiotic relationship between my academic knowledge and career growth,” she says.

On her journey to obtaining her qualification and being a current student, Lindokuhle says studying at UP has been challenging, eye opening, exciting like a rollercoaster ride with extreme lows and even better highs.

“The main challenge has been taking responsibility and accountability for my own academic success. I overcame this hurdle through self-reflection and by encompassing the idea that every day I must weaken my weakness and sharpen my strengths.”

Lindokuhle believes in the role of alumni to be active participants when it comes to the development of their alma mater. This connection aids in creating engagement with industry expertise which provide space for innovative contributions that interlink research and profession.

“This further extends employment prospects for new graduates seeking guidance and mentorship. Alumni can reinvest their skills along with experience from industry into supporting UP through the principle of charity begins at home.”

Thus far, Sithembile says the highlight of her career is the opportunity to pursue research that can be implemented in industry in a practical manner. Using her skills to solve problems and administer eloquent solutions not only in her professional setting but in the real world.

As for the lessons learnt during her career, she indicates that no amount of failure can hinder one’s success. Failing is the first sign of impending victory.

Lindokuhle advises UP students to be willing to push themselves outside of their comfort zone. “There are exciting new aspects in the unknown to experience and enjoy. Do not let uncertainty and fear, cripple and stop you from reaching your dreams.”