August 26, 2024

Meet Sydney Business School, UOW student, Zweli Khoza

Student spotlight: Zweli Khoza

Zweli Khoza is a dynamic Master’s student in Business Analytics at Sydney Business School, University of Wollongong (UOW). Coming from Nelspruit, South Africa, Zweli’s academic pursuit is a fascinating blend of scholarly ambition and local experience.

Before diving back into academia, he managed his family’s business in the building materials and earth-moving equipment sector. This role immersed him in a world where data drives both operations and decisions, sparking his motivation to deepen his understanding in data-driven decision-making. As Zweli dives into his last trimester of studies at UOW, he reflects on his journey and the exciting challenges that lie ahead.

Academic journey: from South Africa to UOW

Having a Bachelor of Commerce (Honours) degree in Information Systems from East London, South Africa, Zweli kicked off his career as a Business Analyst. Inspired by his father’s belief in the power of education as the “key to success”, he then set his sights on studying abroad.

After a visit to Sydney in December 2022, Zweli fell in love with the UOW CBD campus and that’s when he decided it was the perfect place for him. He is excited about how this education will broaden his knowledge and offer new opportunities of growth in this dynamic city.

Resilience in action

Trimester 3 of 2023 brought a formidable challenge for Zweli: he was on the cusp of achieving distinctions in three subjects, with one of them hanging in the balance. Channelling Dylan Thomas’s spirit to “rage against the dying of the light,” Zweli poured over countless journals, determined to “write the best paper of my life”.

He recalls, “It was challenging but I reminded myself that my ambition is bigger and stronger than any adversity. Remembering to rage against the dying of the light is crucial; every struggle is part of the bigger picture, and you must conquer to turn your ambitions into reality.” Zweli’s hard work paid off, earning him three distinctions in that trimester.

Transformation in personal growth

Zweli shares his quest to lose weight became a significant personal challenge. This journey taught him the value of discipline and consistency. Through commitment to dietary changes and regular exercise, he lost 15kg over five months. The joy of reaching a healthy weight and overcoming his sweet tooth was a profound victory, reinforcing his belief in the power of perseverance and self-improvement.

Proud achievements

Zweli takes pride in leading a project that integrated advanced analytics into his family’s business operations. This experience not only sharpened his leadership skills but also enhanced his data-driven decision-making and innovation ability. With a humbly proud look, he added, “Leading such a project at just 23 demonstrated that age is no barrier to making a significant impact and shaping one’s leadership style!”

Driven and focused: managing self

When asked how he maintains motivation and focus amidst a busy schedule, Zweli quickly attributes his drive to his ambition. He explains, “I will never stop dreaming, reaching, and striving to turn my visions into reality. Every obstacle is an opportunity to develop my character and shape myself into the person I aspire to be. My ambition is uniquely my own and no one can take that from me, which is why I actively pursue goals that bring my dreams closer to fruition.”

Zweli views every challenge as a chance for growth, and his determination ensures he remains engaged in activities that advance his aspirations. He firmly believes in the transformative power of thought and ambition to shape his future.

Future goals and aspirations

Nelson Mandela once said, “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world,” and these words resonate with Zweli just as a strongly today. He explains, “I am here at UOW to sharpen and fortify this weapon—my mind. With the knowledge and skills I am gaining, I believe I can open doors, navigate influential spaces, and contribute meaningfully on the global stage.”

Zweli envisions a future where he will work as an advisor or consultant in the corporate sector and a global investor in new product development, using the insights from his degree to make informed, data-driven decisions. He believes that with the insights gained at UOW, he can make better informed, data-driven decisions and contribute meaningfully on the international stage.

Peer advice: embrace every moment

Zweli offers this heartfelt advice to fellow students: “While it’s crucial to strive for excellent grades,  don’t forget to truly LIVE. Make friends, explore local sites, and enjoy the vibrant campus life. Aim high in both your academic and personal pursuits, but always remember to embrace life fully. Create as many memories as possible for these will become the treasures you'll look back on fondly long after your university days are over.”

Through his journey from South Africa to UOW, Zweli exemplifies the spirit of ambition, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to learning. His story serves as a powerful reminder of how education can be a transformative force and embracing every moment of life with enthusiasm and purpose.

We’re rooting for Zweli all the way and can’t wait to see him shine as he follows his dreams!