Student chapter exposes students to a range of career opportunities

The Tshwane University of Technology’s (TUT) Department of Auditing, in collaboration with the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE), has launched an ACFE Student Chapter.

Newly elected ACFE Student Chapter committee members. The chapter aims to introduce internal auditing students to careers in fraud examination, including roles such as fraud analyst, forensic investigator and fraud detection specialist. Through workshops, networking sessions and training, students will gain a better understanding of the contribution they can make to combat fraud and crime.

ACFE representative Katlego Siqapotsa encouraged students to explore the wide range of career opportunities in auditing and highlighted the growing need for young professionals in the field.

“We introduced this student chapter to expose students to the profession as early as reasonably possible. The average forensic investigator or fraud examiner is 45 years old,” Siqapotsa said.

TUT has signed a Memorandum of Agreement with the ACFE, enabling internal auditing students to join the student chapter free of charge. The agreement also gives students access to professional development opportunities.

Delivering the keynote address, Nadia van Staden and Neo Mokoetsi explained how the ACFE had provided them with industry exposure and supported them in achieving their career goals. They highlighted the importance of networking with industry professionals and offered practical advice on building meaningful connections. The speakers also emphasised the value of being inquisitive in the auditing profession and maintaining confidentiality when handling sensitive information.

“You must build your personal brand in order to be noticed by the relevant experts. Being in the wrong spaces can disadvantage you when seeking opportunities. People who are willing to help you grow professionally are out there; you simply have to be in the right spaces,” Mokoetsi said.

During the question-and-answer session, Siqapotsa reassured students that concerns about personal safety should not discourage them from pursuing careers in fraud examination. He explained that professionals are equipped with the necessary skills to handle cases appropriately.

Prof DP van der Nest, Head of the Department of Internal Auditing, emphasised that TUT prioritises providing students with work-integrated learning experience. He encouraged students to develop the skills needed to present themselves confidently, noting that this confidence must be grounded in sound knowledge. He urged them to strive for excellence and distinguish themselves from their peers.

“You need to be able to sell yourself, and to do that, you must be confident in your knowledge. Professional bodies help you build that confidence. Be different, because that is what sets you apart from others. At this stage, your CV is short, but adding your ACFE student membership and listing the events you have attended can help you stand out,” he said.

He concluded by encouraging students to use the ACFE Student Chapter as a platform for exploring career opportunities and identifying the career path they wish to pursue.