Meet Reuben van Oordt, Junior IT Systems Administrator at Stellenbosch Business School on the Bellville Park campus. Tasked with ensuring the seamless operation of technology across the campus, Van Oordt provides vital IT and streaming support to staff, students and guests. As we kicked off May celebrating Workers' Day, we dedicate this series of profiles to our staff and their crucial contributions to Stellenbosch University (SU). Van Oordt shares insights into his journey in IT, the unique culture at the Business School that fosters both professional and personal growth, and his passion for soccer.
What does your role at SU entail?
In my role as Junior IT Systems Administrator at the Bellville Park campus, I am tasked with delivering comprehensive first and second level IT technical and streaming support to all staff, students, and guests. My role is pivotal in ensuring seamless technology operations which also includes on-site and remote class streaming support and user satisfaction across the campus.
What does a typical day at work look like?
In my daily responsibilities, we configure and maintain technology systems throughout the campus, supporting academic staff in delivering lectures both on site and remotely. Additionally, I address IT-related inquiries and resolve issues for students and staff through walk-ins, phone calls and emails. This comprehensive support ensures the smooth and efficient operation of all educational and administrative activities on campus.
Due to the rapid growth of technology, we experience some challenges with regards to figuring out certain technological issues. We don't always have all the answers at hand, but through research and an eagerness to help our stakeholders, we always end up learning about ways to handle and complete requests to the best of our ability.
How did your education or past experiences prepare you for this job?
After matric, I was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to pursue my IT career by completing a few short courses and qualifications within the IT field. Along with that, due to my eagerness and passion about various technological systems, I was granted the opportunity to job shadow IT experts at well-known companies. This gave me insight to gaining a better understanding about processes and how certain client requests were completed.
As for my past work experience, when I was employed at Vodacom Head Office within the IT department, I was exposed to many of the hardware and software support I currently provide to our staff and students today. From there I started to learn how to deal with various clients and how to deliver efficient and professional services.
What do you enjoy most about your role and working at SU?
During my eight-year tenure at Stellenbosch Business School, I have developed a profound appreciation for its culture and the colleagues I have the privilege of working with. The environment here is one where teamwork and a relentless pursuit of excellence are paramount. It is truly rewarding to be part of a community that is consistently dedicated to delivering their best and who actively seeks opportunities for improvement.
Additionally, Stellenbosch Business School demonstrates a strong commitment to the personal development of its staff by offering opportunities for further education. A good example of this was when I was fortunate enough to be granted the opportunity to further my studies as an RPL (Recognition of Prior Learning) candidate, successfully completing and graduating with a Postgraduate Diploma in Futures Studies, specialising in Managing New Technologies this year.
The institution also hosts a variety of engaging events that not only provide entertainment but also foster learning and strengthen relationships among staff. From my experience, these experiences contribute significantly to both professional growth and team cohesion.
Tell us something exciting about yourself that few people would expect.
I am a huge soccer fanatic. I am actively involved in playing five-a-side soccer in my free time during the week. I have also recently set a new goal for myself by joining the gym, as I love embracing and taking on new challenges. In terms of furthering my IT career, I have a developing interest in aspects of cybersecurity. Due to rapid advancement of the digital age, I find myself invested in understanding how to make people more aware of data security concerns at both the professional and personal level. I also enjoy attending small conferences and events which gives me the opportunity to network and learn new things from a diverse group of individuals.
PHOTO: Stefan Els
