Having a passion for Physical Science in school, especially for circuit analysis attracted Nivesh Chotu to pursue his studies in Electronic Engineering: Instrumentation and Process Control in 2017.

He completed his matric in 2015, and in 2016 he decided to take a gap year.

In that time Chotu had a period to decide whether he wanted to pursue this field of engineering and there was no doubt in his mind, because from high school days when he studied Physical Science, he was always fanatical about circuit analysis.

Chotu has achieved Cum Laude and the Dean’s Merit Award and will be graduating at the Durban University of Technology’s (DUT’s) Virtual Graduation ceremony on 10 June 2020 at 12pm.

“I am ecstatic and I feel a sense of accomplishment. When I started my studies, I never aimed to achieve the prestigious Dean’s Merit Award. I kept my focus on my studies. I feel proud that I obtained the Dean’s Merit Award, I feel a sense of joy, throughout my studies I enjoyed my time at campus,” he expressed.

For him, the toughest part of being a student was travelling to and from campus, by bus. He stays in Verulam, so he used to spend nearly two hours a day travelling.

“During my studies I should work on weekends part-time and five days a week I had lectures. So, it seemed impossible to make time to study. However, after campus every day I would revise what was covered during lectures, on weekends after work I had time to complete assignments and study long into the night,” he said.

Also, through it all, his biggest motivating factor was his parents, who had supported him and gave him encouragement since he began his studies and he wanted to make them proud.

Chotu now aims to further his studies upon completion of his BTech which is at the end of 2020. “I would want to find employment in a position as a junior technician or graduate in training, thereafter I will pursue my Master’s degree,” he said.

He also advises future DUT students to attend all their lectures and practical sessions as each practical session is linked, especially for programming. “Make sure you go through past year papers to prepare for tests and exams, spend at least two to four hours a day revising work covered in lectures. Try to be prepared for a test or exams well in advance. Be passionate about circuit analysis. If you have the determination and persistence, you will find this field is for you. It’s important in finding a field of activity that you like, and just do your best,” he said.

Pictured: Nivesh Chotu

Waheeda Peters