David-John Michael Steyn, a proud Stellenbosch University (SU) alumnus, shares his journey from his struggles to pursue his dream career to becoming a Finance Manager at one of South Africa’s biggest law firms. Steyn is a graduate of the SciMathUS programme, a university preparation programme offered by SU for students who did not meet the minimum requirements for admission into a particular course.
Steyn’s dream was to study accounting, but after his matric final exams, he did not obtain the required mark for mathematics to be accepted into the course of his choice. However, months before, he received a leaflet in the post about SciMathUS. He was hesitant at first but was eventually interviewed and accepted into the programme.
“In the beginning, I was very skeptical about my time at SciMathUS. Seeing all my friends on campus as first years enjoying the actual student life made me despondent. However, that quickly changed when I experienced the impact the lecturers had on my way of thinking and the new tools given to us to solve mathematics and accounting issues,” Steyn recalls.
SciMathUS prepared Steyn for his studies by teaching him mind-blowing study techniques and how to manage anxiety and study stress – all within a safe environment created by the team and the amazing friends he made. “That support was invaluable,” he said.
Steyn’s career journey started with his dream of becoming a CA. However, he eventually qualified as an Accountant, working his way through the ranks as a trainee accountant and then as a senior accountant. All his experiences led him to his current position as Finance Manager at one of the biggest law firms in South Africa.
Steyn’s advice to those struggling to pursue their dream careers is to walk into the programme with an open mind, work hard, and push through the tough times. “It is easy to give up and accept your current situation, but that will not encourage you to grow,” he says.
As an SU alumnus, Steyn urges his fellow alumni to create hope for someone else. “Let us build a community of strong, courageous, and diligent leaders by empowering them with knowledge and skill. We can do that by giving back. A contribution, however big or small it may be, can help put a young person on a path to success,” he concludes.
Steyn’s journey is a testament to the power of determination, hard work, and the importance of having a support system. SciMathUS is a vital programme that provides opportunities for students to pursue their dreams and reach their full potential. It also highlights the importance of giving back and empowering others to succeed.
