Ms Shireen Singh, Acting Manager: External Engagement in the Co-Operative Education unit at the Durban University of University of Technology (DUT) was recently conferred with her Master in Management Sciences degree, specialising in Business Administration at the DUT 2024 Spring Graduation ceremony, which was held at the Durban Exhibition Centre on Thursday, 19 September 2024.
Her study was titled: Employers’ Perspectives of Durban University of Technology’s Work Integrated Learning Students.
According to Singh, her study evaluated the employers’ perspectives of Work Integrated Learning (WIL) students from the Durban University of Technology. She revealed that her study was motivated by her work at the Co-Operative Education unit, and having engagements with industry partners.
“It examined the perceptions of employers on the quality, of the DUT WIL students. In addition employers identified the shortfalls in the competencies and attributes of the DUT WIL students within their workplace environment,” explained Singh.
Sharing her excitement on obtaining her Master’s degree during the Spring Graduation, Singh said: “Walking on that graduation stage, I felt a deep sense of achievement. I remembered that my journey had been anything but easy. I reflected on the sacrifices my family made along the way, their unwavering support and their solid belief in me to complete this qualification.”
She has been a DUT employee since 1991. For the past 33 years her focus has always been student centred. She was first appointed in the Examination Department at the former ML Sultan Technikon. She further worked directly with students in the Department of Clinical Technology and the Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering. She now serves as the Acting Manager: External Engagement in the Co-Operative Education unit.
“One of the key roles within my current portfolio is to identify opportunities for our students for work place experience and employment. Working closely with industry partners has been both rewarding and inspiring. It has allowed me to continuously promote the DUT brand and highlight the success of our adaptive graduates. My journey at DUT bears testament of my commitment to promoting student success in addition to strengthening links with industry partners,” shared Singh.
For Singh, one of the most noteworthy challenges she had faced during her academic journey was juggling her work commitments, family responsibilities and certainly her studies. She noted her biggest challenge being her responsibilities as a parent to her autistic son. This required her immense dedication and emotional strength in order to meet the stringent deadlines for her studies.
“The many sleepless nights balancing my studies with the demands of parenting became a testament of my determination and love for my son through which I quickly learnt the importance of time management and resilience,” added Singh.
Amongst the DUT values and principles, she revealed that she resonates with respect. To her, respect is the value that does not differentiate race, gender, age, nationality and position. She believes it is respect that restores faith in humanity.
“I have witnessed how by treating people with kindness, we are able to build a sense of belonging. I am committed to promoting respect in all areas of my life as it can inspire positive change,” shared Singh.
She is considering furthering her studies in the future, however, for now she needs a “time out” period. Currently, she is fascinated by being able to support the DUT core customers, which are the students. She feels that this propels her to remain and grow her knowledge in the ambit that contributes to successful students. She feels it’s vital for DUT to build the students for the future.
Her advice to students is to embark on a personalised journey that will allow them to build themselves for the future.
Pictured: Professor Fulufhelo Netswera, Executive Dean: Faculty of Management Sciences reading the abstract of Ms Shireen Singh’s Master’s dissertation during her graduation.
Photographer: Mnqobi Ngobese.
Simangele Zuma
