Ms Mohini Kisten, Ms Yashodha Maharaj and Mr Lungelo Thabethe celebrated graduating with their Bachelor of Commerce Honours in Human Resource (HR) Management degrees cum laude.
As a Payroll Co-ordinator for Huntswood Recruitment, Kirsten is looking forward to using her newly acquired knowledge to enhance her career.
‘I am currently exploring the payroll function of the human resource management environment and absolutely love having the ability to put into practice what I have been studying for the past four years and watch everything come to life,’ said Kisten.
The go-getter, who passed her undergraduate Bachelor of Commerce degree with a Deans Commendation and an average of 75% in 2020 after being hospitalised and placed on strict bed rest for six months due to a pulmonary embolism, says hard work and perseverance are her recipes for success.
‘Many people told me to de-register from the University as I would never be able to complete the semester in time. I refused to listen to them even though my physical weakness wore me down. This memorable milestone helped change my view on life and the true meaning of dedication. It changed my life for the better as it proved that hard work and perseverance do pay off, especially if you put your mind and heart into it,’ said Kirsten.
In addition to her professional career, Kisten is also an entrepreneur whose passion for dogs and baking led to her owning a dog-friendly bakery.
‘When my four-year-old Labrador, Mowgli, was diagnosed with a skin condition that only allows him to eat homemade treats, I made the most of this opportunity. The Black Lab Bakery allows me to bake and ensure that fur babies are taken care of with treats that taste and look delicious but are not harmful for them.’
For Maharaj, this qualification is already paying off as it has led to employment.
‘I was offered an HR graduate internship with the Shoprite Group of Companies which will conclude at the end of this year. I am only three months in but have already learnt so much from them and met many wonderful people. In the future, I hope to become a well-rounded, exceptional HR manager at any organisation and create value for the company I work at. I feel that this degree will set me on this path,’ she said.
For Thabethe, choosing a career in HR instead of accounting is proving to be the right choice. ‘Before entering university, my initial plan was to pursue an accounting degree. However, I saw myself gravitating towards the management and human aspect of commercial studies. HR is worthwhile because its broadness gives upcoming Human Resource practitioners many opportunities/functions to master and choose from,’ he said.
Building on his research interests in training and development and employee wellness, Thabethe is looking forward to exploring HR further. ‘I enjoy learning about workforce diversity as it challenges me to think outside the box. Hence, my research assignment titled: The Impact of Workforce Diversification on Organisational Performance focused on a leading SA pharmaceutical company. This qualification will allow me to identify the “unspoken” employee factors that negatively impact SA’s health sector growth and success. In response, develop appropriate employee wellness programs and skills development initiatives to give workers a platform to talk about their personal issues, whilst keeping abreast of the essential workplace skills.’
Words: Thandiwe Jumo
Photograph: Rajesh Jantilal