Stellenbosch University
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Top students learn from business leaders
Author: Ronel Beukes
Published: 10/10/2017

Participants in the OPTIMUS programme of the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences gathered on 9 October for a special event with the theme 'At the feet of a leader'.

Students could sit at the feet of Ms Stephanie van der Westhuizen (Chief Operating Officer of The Centre of Financial Regulation and Inclusion), Prof Rachel Jafta (Economics Professor and Chair of Media24), Mr Daniël Kriel (Chief Executive of Sanlam Private Wealth), and Dr Morné Mostert (Director of the Institute for Futures Research) to ask questions and learn from them.

Launched in April 2016, the objective of the two-year OPTIMUS programme is to support the top undergraduate academic achievers in the faculty on their academic journey. The programme focuses on the following five elements: academic enrichment; self-development and leadership; professional and career orientation; social impact; and a global mindset and innovation. Two cohorts – second and third-year students – of no more than 60 to 66 students participate at any given time.

“By providing a stimulating environment through carefully planned growth interventions and opportunities, we hope that the students will develop holistically and be able to optimally position themselves to qualify for prestige bursaries, international exchanges, and opportunities locally and abroad," said Dr Suzanne van Aswegen, Programme Manager of the OPTIMUS Programme.