After trying to study two degrees and not succeeding, Luke Cotterell proved to be lucky the third time around.

Cotterell graduated cum laude for his National Diploma in Civil Engineering this evening (Thursday, 1 September 2016) during the DUT Spring Graduation Ceremonies at the Fred Crookes Sports Centre, DUT Steve Biko Campus.

Luke had ventured into Psychology and Accounting before realising where his true passion lies; that being Civil Engineering. Although he was in doubt at first, he proved to himself that indeed he had chosen the best career path.
He was working at a forklift company as a salesman when he decided that he wanted to enter the civil engineering industry. “I have always had an interest in building and technical drawing and design,” he said.

Super happy and proud, Cotterell admits that his diploma studies were not easy as he struggled with his Mathematics 2 and the amount of work he had to put in. However, with help from a friend, he managed to overcome his obstacles. “I worked really hard on my Maths. My friend Quin and I would sit together for hours and work through the problems. Attending all of my lectures definitely would have helped too,” he said.

While deciding on a career path, Cotterell worked and gained different experiences. “In the two years I think I picked up some really good life skills on how to deal with people through bar tending, being a salesman and trying out as a management trainee in one of the big supermarket chains”, he said. Luke also set up a photographic company alongside a couple of friends.

Luke is currently working as a Civil Engineer at WBHO Construction which is currently one of the largest construction companies in South Africa. He plans to do his BTech next year hopes to one day start his own company.

– Phumeza Msongelwa

Pictured: Luke Cotterell who graduated cum laude for his National Diploma in Civil Engineering at DUT.