Student entrepreneur builds thriving technology business while studying

Third-year Informatics student, Tebogo Seshwene, is proving that entrepreneurship and higher education can go hand in hand. While completing his studies, he has built Barker-Tech Innovations into a growing Pretoria-based technology company that delivers affordable digital solutions to individuals and small businesses, demonstrating how classroom knowledge can create real-world impact long before graduation.

Third-year Informatics student, Tebogo Seshwene. What began as freelance work has developed into a company committed to making quality technology services more accessible. Guided by its motto, Where Innovation Meets Affordability, Barker-Tech Innovations offers custom website development, web and mobile application development, professional ATS-compatible CV design and business analysis services that help organisations improve processes and make informed decisions.

"I built this business while still studying because I believed the skills I was developing had real value right now, not just after graduation. I saw people and businesses struggling to access quality technology solutions because they were either too expensive or too impersonal. I knew I could do something about that," said Seshwene.

Instead of waiting to complete his qualification, he chose to apply the knowledge and skills he gained in class to solve real-world challenges.

According to Seshwene, Barker-Tech Innovations stands out because it combines technical expertise with business insight.

"Because I offer business analysis alongside development services, I do not just build what clients ask for; I help them understand what they actually need, which often leads to better solutions and smarter investments," he explained.

Balancing academic responsibilities with running a business demands discipline, resilience and effective time management. For Seshwene, however, studying and entrepreneurship strengthen one another.

"Being a student building a business is not a contradiction; it is the point. Every challenge I face in my studies strengthens my problem-solving abilities and makes me a better developer and consultant for my clients," he said.

Seshwene plans to establish Barker-Tech Innovations as one of Pretoria's most trusted technology partners for small and medium-sized businesses. He also wants to build a team and mentor aspiring young South African entrepreneurs who hope to transform their technical skills into sustainable businesses.

His journey shows that innovation does not have to wait until graduation. By recognising opportunities and applying knowledge with confidence, he is already creating meaningful impact and helping shape South Africa's technology landscape.