Every dream is valid. If you really work hard to realise it, you can achieve anything!” This continues to be the driving force behind every goal exemplary alumnus Ithiel Egambaram sets his sights on. “If I thought I would eventually work in New York and now London, I probably would have said ‘perhaps’, but with some doubt in my mind. Today, given that I have done just that, and the dream has turned into a reality, it reminds me that yes, every dream is valid.” Now his dream is to become an economist primarily focusing on the macroeconomic side of things. Given his track record, this will most likely also come true. So, “keep pressing on, even when the going gets tough”, is his advice to current students.  “Let’s face it, in life there will always be setbacks, confusion, worry, and outright failure, but what matters is what you do during these trying times that can build character for a successful future. Read more below.

Q: Briefly summarise your studies (including the qualifications you obtained) and your professional career, with special mention of specific highlights/milestones.

A: I obtained a BCom Econometrics and BCom (Hons) Econometrics (cum laude) from the University of Pretoria (UP). I was fortunate enough to have been chosen to take part in the Fordham University - UP exchange programme in 2019, which took place in New York over six weeks, where I was able to complete an Advanced Certificate in Emerging Markets and Country Risk Analysis. I returned to New York a year later to complete a master’s degree in International Political Economy and Development. I started working as an economic data assistant at Haver Analytics in New York and was subsequently promoted to economic data manager shortly after. In September 2023, I transferred to Haver’s London office.

Q: To what extent did your studies at UP benefit you in your career and contribute to your success?

A: The skills that I learned during my undergraduate and honours degrees at UP definitely helped me in my master’s programme in New York as well as in my current role as an economic data manager. Owing to the strong econometric foundation I developed at UP, I became the lead applied econometrics tutor at Fordham University. I use the economic knowledge that I obtained at UP daily in my current professional role.

Q: Why did you choose your particular degree course/major(s) and did it/they meet your expectations or, in hindsight, should you have opted for something else?

A: Since high school, I have always been passionate about economics. My economics teacher at the time advised me that econometrics was a niche degree that most people did not pursue and encouraged me to apply for it. The econometrics degree at UP definitely met my expectations, and it was a pleasure to study alongside the actuarial science and mathematics statistics students.

Q: As a UP and EMS alumnus, what makes you proud to be associated with the UP?

A: The Department of Economics continues to outdo itself in terms of the quality of the publications that it produces. We also have some of the best professors in the country.

Q: Given your academic experience at UP, what advice can you pass on to current students?

A: Keep pressing on, even when the going gets tough. Remember why you enrolled at university and use that as a motivation to keep pressing on.alumnus, what makes you proud

Q: AI (ChatGPT-4/Generative AI/LLM) is expected to have a significant impact on both tertiary education and the workplace. What is your take on the advantages/disadvantages of AI for students and employees/employers?

A: Well for students, I feel research can be made easier in the sense that AI produces more detailed and tailored results. Additionally, it is easier to pick up skills, such as coding, as many a time AI can assist with a “base code” that you can edit and run according to your preference. At the workplace, AI is definitely helpful in streamlining processes. In my current role, automation is a primary focus. We have a machine, aptly named R2D2, which processes data for us and sends it to our clients in under a minute, which makes things much simpler during busy periods.

Q: Going forward, what are your professional/business/personal goals? What is your ultimate ‘dream job’?

A: I aspire to be an economist, primarily focusing on the macroeconomic side of things.

Q: Which business/trade-related publications (magazines/newspapers/blogs, etc) do you enjoy reading?

A: I subscribe to Seeking Alpha which gives me daily market updates and insights. I also occasionally read articles posted by Bloomberg and Reuters.

Q: What really inspires and motivates you personally?

A: I have learned that every dream is valid, and if you really work hard for it, you can achieve anything! I used that as a baseline to work towards my various goals – the sky is the limit! If you asked me five years ago if I thought I would eventually work in New York and now London, I probably would have said “perhaps”, but with some doubt in my mind. Today, given that I have done just that, and the dream has turned into a reality, it reminds me that yes, every dream is valid.

Q: What is your ‘compass’ in life that keeps you ‘on track’?

A: Bringing honour to God and my family is quite important to me. Once I start deviating from my path to success, there is a strong inclination to get back ‘on track’ and keep pressing on. Let’s face it, in life there will always be setbacks, confusion, worry, and outright failure, but what matters is what you do during these trying times that can build character for a successful future.

Q: If you could have a face-to-face meeting with an inspiring person - in any domain - who sets an example in transforming the world and inspiring others to do the same, who would it be and what would you like to discuss?

A: Vusi Thembekwayo. The topic of discussion would be on how he continued to remain resilient in his career despite growing up during challenging circumstances.

Q: Tell more about yourself, including your likes/dislikes; strengths/weaknesses, business/life philosophy.

A: I love travelling and to learn about different cultures. It really broadens one’s mindset and your way of thinking. I believe that hard work is rewarded and that every hope and aspiration need to be backed up with effort. Additionally, if we didn’t have bad days, we wouldn’t appreciate good ones.

Q: How do you handle stress/failure?

A: During very stressful times, I try to remain collected and level-headed in order to approach the situation using a systematic approach. I also consistently remind myself that certain things are beyond my control, which is why I love the Serenity Prayer: God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can, and wisdom to know the difference.

Q: What are your hopes and aspirations for South Africa and its people?

A: Definitely, a less violent and racist society. A more united nation. We often speak about the 2010 World Cup in South Africa and how united the country was. When Siphiwe Tshabalala scored that opening goal, I had goosebumps all over my body and was so proud to be a South African. During that time, it didn’t matter whether you were black, coloured, white, or Indian – you were SOUTH AFRICAN. We need to be united to move forward as a country.