Janice Moodliar (24) from Parkgate, Verulam graduated Cum Laude for her Diploma in Shipping and Logistics at the opening session of the Durban University of Technology (DUT) 2023 Spring Graduation held at the Olive Convention Centre, Durban on Monday, 18 September 2023.

Moodliar was among the Faculty of Applied Sciences students who were honoured for their academic excellence. She was excited to finally get a chance to walk the graduation stage after struggling to secure her internship on time. When she finally secured and completed the six months internship at a logistics company, little did she know that the company would further offer her a one-year learnership.

“It has been a trying time for me as I waited a long time to graduate. COVID-19 disrupted my last semester. I was unable to find a placement to complete my internship because most companies’ employees were working from home. Getting an internship and a learnership was the silver lining for me. Hearing the news that I will be finally graduating was exciting but finding out that I was graduating Cum Laude was the best news I had in a long time,” shared Moodliar.

Speaking about her career choice, Moodliar said Shipping and Logistic Management was her first choice. She revealed that prior to making her decision, she conducted research on different career paths. She found Shipping and Logistics to be her best choice.

“I realised that this is industry is an essential element of almost every country. In South Africa, we have two large Ports. This meant that I would be able to find employment in this industry. I also established that even if I joined on an entry level, there was room for growth in the industry. I could work both in SA or in other countries. Imports and Exports form part of the hub of the economy of many countries. Jobs are therefore readily available,” said Moodliar.

In addition, she expressed her gratitude to her mother, who advised her that the shipping industry was a male dominated industry for many years and that it is only recently that females have been appointed in managerial positions within the industry. Moodliar indicated that she saw this as an advantage if she studies Shipping and Logistics Management.

She is currently completing her learnership at a logistics company where she performs many functions and has been exposed to different departments. Moodliar finds the industry to be interesting and challenging, which is what loves about it.

“In terms of my career path, I see myself being a Shipping and Logistics Manager one day. I am working hard to reach that goal. I intend to study Supply Chain Management and Maritime Law in the future. This will enable me to understand the industry better and become the successful manager that I want to be,” commented Moodliar.

She thanked her family, friends, lectures and the Faculty of Applied Sciences for all their support and for making her journey at DUT a memorable and successful one.

Pictured: Janice Moodliar.

Simangele Zuma