Bright Future for College Deputy Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarship Recipients

BY: .

Final-year Bachelor of Business Science in Finance students, Ms Priyashni Reddy and Mr Calem Gilbert, are proud recipients of the College Deputy Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarship, awarded to the top three undergraduates in their third year of study.

With aspirations of becoming an investment banker or quantitative analyst, Reddy says being awarded the scholarship validates the dedication and hard work she has invested in her studies.

“Knowing that my efforts have been acknowledged in this way opens doors to new opportunities and deepens my commitment to making a meaningful impact in the field of finance. I have always had a passion for numbers, and my curiosity about how financial markets work and how global economic conditions impact businesses motivated me to pursue this qualification,” said Reddy.

The top achiever, who also received the Top Student Award for third-year Finance at the School of Accounting, Economics and Finance’s discipline of Finance student awards, intends to further her studies by obtaining the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation and eventually pursuing a master’s degree.

“In addition to my coursework, I have also tutored two third-year Finance modules. This has deepened my understanding of the content and given me the opportunity to help fellow students - an experience I’ve found incredibly rewarding. With this academic background and continued professional development, I feel confident in my ability to succeed and grow in the financial industry,” said Reddy. 

With aspirations of a career in corporate consulting, business strategy, and ultimately entrepreneurship, Gilbert says being awarded the scholarship is recognition of his consistent hard work.

“Being awarded the College Deputy Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarship is a deeply humbling experience. This award is the result of many small steps, supported by my family and the people who’ve stood by me - especially my partner, who’s been a constant source of motivation and support since high school,” said Gilbert.

While Gilbert initially applied for a BCom in Accounting, he made a last-minute decision to pursue a Bachelor of Business Science in Finance instead - a choice that has proven to be the right academic path.

“Looking back, it was the right move. This qualification encourages critical thinking and long-term problem-solving, which suits how I think and work. It has not always been easy, but I’ve learned a lot about the subject, and about myself. It has laid a solid foundation, but more importantly, it’s helped me develop how I think, how I approach challenges, and how I work with others. Those are lessons I’ll carry with me into whatever comes next.”

Words: Thandiwe Jumo

Photographs: Andile Ndlovu and Supplied