For Reshokilwe Seloane (25), from Zebediela, Limpopo, choosing to study at the University of South Africa was more than an educational decision; it was the turning point that reshaped her career and future.

A qualified artisan, Seloane graduated with a Diploma in Accounting Sciences from Unisa's College of Accounting Sciences in 2026. She is currently completing an Advanced Diploma in Accounting Sciences, majoring in Internal Auditing, while serving as a Finance Intern at the Unisa Foundation.

Her journey into higher education was not part of her original plan. After completing her National Certificate (Vocational) Level 4, she struggled to secure an apprenticeship in her trade. Like many young South Africans, she found herself waiting for an opportunity that seemed increasingly out of reach. It was during this uncertain period that her mother encouraged her to consider furthering her studies.

"Unisa was not my first choice," she admits. "However, looking back, it became the best decision I ever made."

She applied to study Accounting Sciences, but soon after, she received the apprenticeship opportunity she had been waiting for. Rather than having to choose between work and education, Unisa's flexible open-distance e-learning model enabled her to do both, simultaneously.

Balancing academic responsibilities with practical training

Seloane acknowledges that carrying both academic responsibilities and practical training was far from easy. Despite the challenges, she believes the flexibility offered by Unisa made what initially seemed impossible achievable.

"Although the practical training involved a lot of hard labour, studying through Unisa became a blessing because it allowed me to balance my studies with gaining practical experience," she says.

Today, that decision continues to bear fruit. While in her finance internship at Unisa, she has found that the workplace complements much of what she learned during her studies, as she is exposed to new knowledge and professional experiences.

"My internship covers about 50% of what I learnt academically," she explains. "The other 50% comes from learning new things that were not covered in the academic content. Education is beyond the textbooks that you study; it is also about exposure to practical experiences and new knowledge."

Looking ahead to the future in the auditing field

What began as an alternative path has now become the career she intends to pursue long-term. Unlike many graduates whose immediate goal is simply to complete an internship, Seloane already has a clear roadmap for the future. After completing her internship, she plans to secure permanent employment while simultaneously completing her articles over the next three years.

Thereafter, she hopes to write her professional board examinations and continue building a successful career in internal auditing. She describes Accounting Sciences as "the end of my search" — the field where she finally discovered her purpose and long-term career aspirations.

Remaining open to unexpected opportunities

From struggling to find an apprenticeship to becoming both a Unisa graduate and a finance intern, her story demonstrates how education, determination and adaptability can create opportunities even when circumstances seem uncertain.

“What initially appeared to be a second choice ultimately became the pathway that transformed my professional life,” acknowledging that through Unisa, she was able to gain the confidence to pursue her ambitions within the finance profession.

“Today, as both a proud alumna and intern at the university, my achievements have come to fruition,” Seloane said in jubilation after celebrating her graduation from an institution she says supported her throughout her study journey.

* By Nomathemba Mkhonza and Piet Serumula, Interns, Unisa Foundation and Alumni Relations