Rogan Jacobs

IIE Bachelor of Commerce
The IIE’s Varsity College Cape Town
GRADUATED CLASS OF 2016
Company: Bidvest Data

Description of your duties on a daily basis

My duties are, in addition to other ad hoc duties, ensuring that the debtors cashbooks balance as well as keeping track of Suppliers BBBEE scores. I also ensure that suppliers register on the Bidvest Paperplus website and I handle the distribution of salary slips.

Why did you choose the qualification you studied?

I have always had a love for numbers and solving issues. My love for finance and accounting was inspired by my mom, who also works in finance. Additionally I always wanted to stamp papers… it looked like a fun job when I was younger.

Is your qualification relevant to your job? If so, did your studies adequately prepare you for your job?

Yes, my qualification is relevant. During my studies, we had to show manual calculations. At first I thought it was unnecessary as in the working world we would have accounting programmes to do everything for us, however one needs to be able to calculate manually as well as it helps when trying to justify a payment or finding errors in reports or cashbooks.

In terms of the course outline, part of my course was Enterprise Risk Management (ENRM). After failing the module once, I was determined to pass the module with a mark higher than 65% and not have to see the subject again. However on my second day at Bidvest data, I was asked to be part of a project entailing many aspects and topics we covered in ENRM. I really thought I could kick myself. But it shows that the course outline was specifically designed to help finance graduates excel at any hurdle thrown at us and we would know exactly what to do.

What are your future career plans?

I can honestly say that I can see myself working my way up the corporate ladder within Bidvest Data. It is a company I can see myself growing in and excelling at what I do best.

How has the Career Centre assisted you while you were at Varsity College and / or as a graduate?

The Career Centre helped me obtain this position. The Career Centre Coordinator constantly encouraged me to apply for the position that she thought I was extremely suitable. I thought it was a long shot, but in the end, the job was mine and I definitely do not regret the decision.

What advice could you give to other students who are looking for or about to embark on their first job?

Do not think that any job is above you, trust your instinct and apply for any job you can. Even if the job requires graduates or final year students with a few years’ management experience, those are the jobs that you need to apply for, as they offer the potential to grow into other positions.