Graduate bags degree and lands a job in Hungary

When Onelisa Mgoqi walked across the UFH 2022 Spring Graduation stage to collect her Bachelor of Commerce in General Accounting degree she had already secured a job at an accounting firm in Hungary, Europe.

It’s been a bittersweet journey of 11 years for the 29-year-old graduate who hails from Tsomo, who changed universities and struggled to cope with the loss of her biggest supporter — her father, to whom she dedicated her qualification.

"His death changed my life in a way that I had never imagined. The day he died a part of me died with him. I was drowning in deep dysfunction while putting on a brave face, this also affected my studies. Graduating today means a lot to me and I dedicate this moment to him," she said. Onelisa's father passed away in 2014. 

She initially studied for a Bachelor of Accounting Sciences at another South African university, however, due to being overwhelmed by grief over her father's death she could not complete the degree in the prescribed time. As such, she was academically excluded.

"Although my mind was not in a good state, giving up was not an option. I am happy to have finally achieved this accomplishment.'

She then applied to UFH and registered in 2016.

During her time at UFH, she served as a member of the 2017/2018 SRC and was also a recipient of the Prestigious Fort Hare Autumn School programme. "These have been the greatest highlights of my time at the University of Fort Hare," she said

The opportunity to start a career in Hungary came through a conversation she had with a friend.

 “A friend of mine who I used to study with at the previous university I was enrolled at, had moved to Hungary after graduating. We were having a conversation about my next move after graduating."

 Onelisa will be jetting off to Hungary in two months’ time to start her career.

“The job is equivalent to articles here in SA because I am straight from university. But it is a permanent post and my contract will be renewed annually subject to me renewing my yearly visa," she explained.

"This is my time to shine. This is the proudest moment of my life," she proclaimed.

Congratulations Onelisa!