Bursaries That Build Futures

My journey with the Beyond Bricks Bursary began in my second year of studying BSc Construction at the University of Johannesburg. Receiving the bursary made a big difference in my life. It eased the financial pressure of studying and allowed me to focus more on my education. But the Beyond Bricks Foundation gave me more than financial support; it gave me opportunities that helped shape my career. Through the Bursary, I was given the opportunity to work as a student quantity surveyor during my university holidays. This was an important part of my journey because I was able to work in the office with senior quantity surveyors and visit construction sites, where I worked alongside construction managers and contracts managers. It allowed me to see what I was learning at university being applied in real-life projects. That experience made me realize that quantity surveying was something I really wanted to pursue. It gave me a better understanding of the profession and motivated me to continue with my Honours degree in quantity surveying. I eventually completed my BSc in Construction and my Honours degree in quantity surveying using the Balwin foundation bursary. Today, I am working as a Jnr quantity surveyor, which is something I am very proud of. Looking back, I don't think I would be where I am today without the opportunities I received through the Beyond Bricks Foundation Bursary. The bursary helped me with my studies, but the opportunity to gain work experience was just as important. It gave me my first real exposure to the industry and helped me get my foot in the door. I started as a student who simply wanted an opportunity to study and build a career for myself. Today, I am working in the industry I studied for and continuing to grow as a quantity surveyor. I am truly grateful to the Beyond Bricks Foundation for giving me that opportunity, believing in me and being part of my journey.