Alumni Connect 10 Q's

ALUMNI Connect- 10 Q’s with National Winner & International SA Representative Alumnus Lodewikus Vorster

Lodewikus Vorster, a distinguished alumnus of Nelson Mandela University, has carved a remarkable path in the world of chemistry. Armed with a BSc in BioChem, Chem & Microbiology in '22 and a BSc in Chemistry in '23, Vorster currently holds the position of a Student Research Chemist at eNtsa, an innovation hub within the university. His latest achievement has catapulted him to the forefront as the winner of the IOM3 Young Persons' Lecture Competition in South Africa.

The Young Persons' Lecture Competition serves as a platform for students and professionals under 28 years of age to deliver compelling lectures on an array of technical subjects. Vorster's presentation, titled “Cyclic potentiodynamic polarization testing of TIG welded 316L stainless steel for characterization of pitting corrosion,” has earned him the honour of representing South Africa in the Young Persons’ World Lecture Competition final, slated for November 8, 2023.

In a recent Q&A session, Lodewikus Vorster opens up about his personal background, the trials he faced during his academic journey, and shares his wisdom with fellow alumni and students eager to embark on their own professional quests. From coping strategies during university to addressing funding challenges, Vorster's insights offer invaluable lessons for aspirants in the field of chemistry and beyond.

Q1: Can you share your background with us?

Vorster: I was born in Bloemfontein and moved to Port Elizabeth when I was three years old. I attended Sunridge Primary School followed by Grey High School. After completing Grade 12, I took a post-matric program at Hill College to bolster my math and science grades. It was at Hill College that a remarkable science teacher ignited my passion for science and revealed my aptitude for it.

Q2: How did the environment you grew up in impact your life?

Vorster: I was taught to appreciate what I have and seize every opportunity that comes my way. This perspective has been instrumental in my journey, always keeping things in perspective for me.

Q3: Did you have a coping mechanism at university?

Vorster: My coping mechanism at university was straightforward – I simply did the work because it had to be done, coupled with a little help from caffeine.

Q4: With funding issues that many tertiary students face, what was your experience, and how did it impact your studies?

Vorster: Waiting three months for a bursary to kick in made the start of the year extremely challenging. Additionally, with stipends not arriving in some months, affording rent became a daunting task.

Q5: How have you achieved all that you have on your road to success?

Vorster: I made myself genuinely interested in what I do. While my degrees resulted from studying for tests, the real growth and knowledge came from going beyond the degrees to gain real-world experience and continuously expanding my skill set. Often, the skills I honed in my spare time proved instrumental during my university career.

Q6: In light of the high unemployment rate in South Africa, what advice would you give to alumni and students seeking employment based on your personal experience?

Vorster: Much of the work I've undertaken was unpaid. I prioritized working for experience even when it meant forgoing payment. In today's world, experience trumps degrees, so my advice is to focus on internships and Graduate in Training positions immediately after completing university. Landing a high-salary job straight out of university is an exception, not the rule. For most of us, it will take time and significant effort.

Q7: Having completed your master's degree in Chemistry with eNtsa as a research student, what advice would you give to students and graduates interested in pursuing a similar academic and career path?

Vorster: Pursuing an academic and career path in the same environment and solely in a highly theoretical setting is only valuable if you aspire to be an academic yourself. Students must consistently seek opportunities to bridge their studies with real-world experiences. Completing a Ph.D. without venturing beyond the confines of a laboratory since undergraduate studies is a missed opportunity. The world is in perpetual evolution, and by engaging with it beyond the classroom, you evolve with it, avoiding the need to play catch-up once your studies conclude.

Q8: What were the key factors that kept you motivated in completing your studies and advancing further in your career?

Vorster: The only other option is giving up, leading to the same outcome as if I had failed. I figured I might as well persist until my physical capabilities limit me – and then push a bit further.

Q9: Do you have a proudly Mandela University moment?

Vorster: Winning the South African division of the IOM3 Young Persons' Lecture Competition, I would say, has been my proudest moment so far.

Q10: Is there any additional advice you would like to share with fellow alumni and students in your field or at large?

Vorster: Strive to accumulate as much real-world experience as possible. In today's competitive job market, certifications in instrumentation often outweigh theoretical knowledge. Real-world experience is invaluable in carving a successful career path.

"In closing, we would like to express our sincere gratitude to alumnus Lodewikus Vorster for generously sharing his experiences and valuable advice. His insights provide a wealth of knowledge for students and graduates seeking to navigate the complexities of education and the job market. We are truly appreciative of his contribution to our journey of personal and professional growth.".

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