Walking the stage to accept her IIE Bachelor of Commerce Honours in Strategic Brand Management degree at IIE-Vega Cape Town’s recent graduation ceremony was a deeply personal triumph for Akwandokuhle Mnqayi. She was among the 241 students, including 23 from IIE-Vega’s Online Centre, who received their qualifications at the event through the Independent Institute of Education (The IIE). IIE-Vega is an educational brand of The IIE.
Originally from Richards Bay, Akwandokuhle moved to Cape Town to begin her undergraduate studies. Just a month into her first year, the COVID-19 pandemic pushed classes online. With limited support nearby, her cousin, who was also studying in Cape Town, moved in with her. “We were each other’s teacher and support system and our families checked in on us regularly,” she said.
Akwandokuhle found adapting to self study challenging. “I thought the online classes would only last a few weeks, but we only returned to campus in October-November 2020. I learn best in a classroom situation, with social interaction, so the online studying made my first year very difficult”.
She failed a few of her first year modules and had to repeat some the following year. “I ended up taking four years to complete my undergraduate degree instead of three, but I decided to keep my head down and be more present and involved,” she explained.
That mindset shift led her to join the student body the IIE-Vega Voice Committee, with the encouragement of Jerry Harck-Turner (Head of Student Experience at IIE-Vega Cape Town), which was just regaining momentum post pandemic.
Walking the stage to accept her IIE Bachelor of Commerce Honours in Strategic Brand Management degree at IIE-Vega Cape Town’s recent graduation ceremony was a deeply personal triumph for Akwandokuhle Mnqayi (pictured).
The student body has four subcommittees – IIE-Vega Cares Committee, IIE-Vega Industry Committee, IIE-Vega Socials Committee and IIE-Vega Sport Committee – which promote the interests of the IIE-Vega students it represents.
“During my honours degree, I became the IIE-Vega Voice administrator and I also served as a class representative. That gave me a sense of belonging and purpose”.
Though she was originally accepted to study IIE Bachelor of Commerce in Digital Marketing, Akwandokuhle changed her path after attending IIE-Vega Cape Town’s Vega Day (Open Day) where she was drawn to the IIE Bachelor of Commerce in Strategic Brand Management qualification. Coming from a social sciences background with no previous business or finance experience, it was an adjustment. “My brain is quite creative. Studying data analysis was a leap, but it was necessary to grow and become adaptable in the industry. I ended up doing really well in finance during my honours – a subject I was once scared of”.
Determined to progress, Akwandokuhle pushed herself in her final undergraduate year to secure a place in the postgraduate programme. “With my setbacks, I’ve realised that everything happens for a reason. I told myself I wasn’t leaving IIE-Vega Cape Town without a qualification. I wanted to leave a positive mark. I had a leap of faith year (during my honours), which resulted in me securing an internship at Capitec’s retail marketing department through IIE-Vega. The Human Resources officer at Capitec mentioned they specifically seek out IIE-Vega students because of the skills set we bring. IIE-Vega really does open doors”.
Her younger brother is also following in her footsteps. He’s currently a second year IIE Bachelor of Commerce in Strategic Brand Management student at IIE-Vega Cape Town.
“Studying in Cape Town is something of a family legacy. Many of my aunts and uncles have studied here too,” she explained.
Her fondest memories were made during her honours’ year, where she felt like she really came into her own. “We had a diverse class with students from different qualification backgrounds such as Law and Digital Marketing. We all learnt from and supported each other”.