Immaculate Sibanda

My name is Immaculate Sibanda. I am a 27 year old student at the University of Johannesburg. This is my final year and I am studying towards a BCom in Economics and Econometrics. I would like to be given the opportunity to do job shadowing at your firm. I am available immediately till mid July 

I obtained my matric certificate in 2013 at Parktown High School for Girls. I got 2 distinctions in Dramatic Arts (86%) and IsiZulu (89%). My other marks were as follows; English (71%), History (74%), Mathematics (54%), Life Orientation (76%) and Life Sciences (72%). I started at the University of Johannesburg in 2015 and due financial constraints I was only able to return in 2022 to finish my qualification. In that period when I was not attending school, I was running a food business (2018 till 2022).  My final year modules include the following; Econometrics, Public Economics, International Economics, Investment Management, Philosophy of Economics,  and Macroeconomics. I also recently completed my  RE5 Regulatory Examination: Representative in all Categories of FSPs. Obtaining 76%.

 I am a passionate young woman and very much eager to learn about the world around me. As a proud young African woman, I feel it is my duty and responsibility to focus on issues that affect Africa and women. I would love to see Africa live to its full potential. I would love to see women being given the space to explore their full potential.  I believe in understanding the root cause of the problem to solve issues. Research is the tool to better understand our problems and solve the issues. When I was in high school at Parktown High School for Girls, I was part of the debating team, Model United Nations and Public Speaking. These activities were the foundation of my love and passion for research and voicing my opinion, my confidence was boosted and I  found my voice. I was exposed to a lot of interesting and pertinent issues that face the world. My worldview was broadened and I can confidently consider myself an analytical individual with an eye for detail. When I have completed my degree I would like to mainly focus on development economics and research.

My love for learning and acquiring knowledge has taught me a lot of patience and the need for flexibility. This is so because finding information can take a lot of time and resources especially when one wants to be accurate and not mislead. One needs to be flexible as through the process of research your own beliefs and knowledge can be challenged. Having studied Dramatic Arts and perfected the art of role playing and understanding other individuals, it makes it easier to dissect human behaviour. The study of human behaviour is very important in understanding a lot about the issues. The study of Economics as a whole is basically the study of human behaviour. The modules in my qualification hone your skills to think analytically and efficiently. Economic decisions, how people are affected by their environments, how historical events were influenced by the individuals involved. These are some of the aspects one needs to explore when doing research.
  
I have worked numerous jobs and worked in different environments that  helped me to adapt to new environments much easily. Working as a waitress and cashier has honed my social skills. I can also easily work under pressure and play the role needed for the job at that moment. I am fascinated by the interactions with people from all walks of life and I enjoy talking to other people in general. A skill I believe is crucial when one is a researcher. I also have experience as a sales assistant in a fragrance shop. The importance of understanding and being knowledgeable in order to sell your product is key. It helps with arguing or presenting your ideas. As an after care assistant I learnt patience and the skill to explain a simple idea to grade ones and twos.  Lastly as a street vendor and businesswoman I had to adjust quickly all the time through all the challenges. Time management was also very important in that role.
I believe I am the best fit for this role as I have gained the experience for the role. My experience together with the curriculum for my degree make me competent. This internship will help to tie all the skills I have together and help me in excelling in the job. I have matured and know what is expected of me and can easily self-manage. I believe your organisation is the perfect place to kick start my career and grow as an economist and researcher.
 

I started my working career in 2014 soon after high school. I started working at Hodges Coffee House situated in Craighall Park. I was there from April 2014 to January 2015. As a waitress, I was expected to take the customers orders, use the POS system, serve the clients in whatever way they made need  while in the restaurant. I left when I was starting my degree at the University of Johannesburg. 

While working as a waitress I was also working as an aftercare assistant at Craighall Primary School. This was from from April 2014 to January 2018. I was tasked with helping the children with homework. Supervising them during playtime as well as preparing lunch for them. 

I also worked briefly in the following places. As a cashier at Steers. As a waitress at the Local Grill. As a sales assistant at Fragrance 4 U. I was self employed from June 2018 till January 2023. 

I matriculated in 2013 with an average of 74,5%. I did the the following subjects: Mathematics, English Home Language, History, Life Sciences, IsiZulu First Additional Language, Dramatic Arts and Life Orientation.

I wrote my RE5  Regulatory Examination: Representative in all Categories of FSPs in April 2023 and scored 76%.

I am currently in my final year towards my BCom degree in Economics and Econometrics at the University of Johannesburg.