By Many of our Dell Young Leaderships have never lived outside their home communities before they arrive at university. They feel intense pressure to navigate the university and realize their potential as leaders and students. They receive leadership and career training, which helps them adjust to university life, feel supported, and prepare to enter the workplace. It is a challenging journey for a Dell Young Leader. Many of our graduates would agree that this is just the beginning.
We spoke recently with Snegugu Viakazi, the first Dell Young Leaders program graduate to receive her degree in 2012. Snegugu Vilakazi is now a chartered accountant. She believes the Dell Young Leaders culture is what she wants in an employer and one that she strives to instill in her team. People know how to ask for help, and collaboration is encouraged.
Snegugu shared her highlights from the program and offered advice to other first-generation students in South Africa.
TELL US ALL ABOUT YOUR WAY TO UNIVERSITY.
I knew what I wanted at the end of my Matric exams, so I had to be effective. I prioritized studying and used every resource available, including past exams, papers, and assignments.
But I lacked confidence. I was afraid to speak in front of a crowd and froze during oral presentations. My family motivated me. My parents didn’t enroll but were determined to build a life for their family. They also started a small business. My mother was the one who did the bookkeeping for the company, which inspired me to enter the corporate world. Although it seemed like a lifetime away from my KwaZulu Natal town, I knew the world was larger than my little town.
When I came to university, my goal was to be a successful chartered accountant. The University of Cape Town was a challenge for me. I’d never been before and wanted to grow and be independent.
WHAT IMPACTED THE DELL YOUNG LEADER PROGRAM ON YOUR UNIVERSITY EXPERIENCE AND CAREER EXPERIENCES?
It was harder than I imagined and more difficult to get into university. My parents were concerned that I would not return home with a degree. There was also the isolation and the barriers of living in a small town. I spoke English only as a second language. I had been educated in IsiZulu, my native language. I had difficulty making friends and was forced to adapt to university life and feeling average. Everyone knew me at school, and I was ranked in the top 10 of my school district for the final school exam results. Now I am a number, but not a person who fits in. I was a student who focused on academics. I had a very small university experience.
I was a shy introvert and didn’t have the confidence to apply for Dell Young Leaders. I felt renewed motivation after I received the call that I had been accepted into the program.
It made me realize how important it was to give back, and I have seen the return on my investment. I was a Dell Young Leader and became a mentor. I also started to exercise and joined community development organizations. I made friends with other students, leading to my Dell Young Leaders network, which still helps each other today.
My younger siblings, my three older brothers, have continued their education after high school. My youngest brother, who was also in the top 10 of his district for high school marks, is currently completing his second year at university. I am proud to have helped him succeed and happy that he has a doctor in his family. My mother will now have someone to tell her neighbors!
WHAT DID YOU DO AT UNIVERSITY?
I was able to become a chartered accountant within seven years. This is the minimum time required. I currently work for a top financial services company based in South Africa and six other African countries. I’m part of the group reporting team that produces the financial statements for the Johannesburg Stock Exchange. It is rare to find someone qualified like me working closely with the CFO.
YOU WERE ONE OF THE FIRST DELL YOUNG LEADER GRADUATES. What does that mean to you?
Although being one of the first to graduate from a program created some pressure, it motivated me to improve. My family was also looking forward to my success as I entered my graduation year. I was blessed to have this additional support system of people who believed and supported me. I set an example for others, which helped me perform my best.
Alumnus, HAVE YOU SEEN DELL YOUNG LEADER PROGRAM IMPACT ON YOUR PEERS AND CURRENT STUDENTS?
It is priceless in terms of its impact. It allows you to build a network with people from similar backgrounds who understand your struggles and thrive on being more. This program creates leaders who are capable and thrive on finding solutions that benefit the majority.
WHAT INSPIRED COMMENTS DO YOU HAVE FOR OTHER STUDENTS AT THE SOUTH AFRICAN UNIVERSITY?
Students underestimate how much time they have at university. Start researching your career options and understanding the expectations of your workplace. It was extremely helpful to get feedback from industry peers and others in the field.
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