Meet Robert Hindle, a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science student at Eduvos. As the founder of the Midrand campus Coding Club, Robert is not only excelling academically but also creating opportunities for fellow students to thrive in the tech space.
A Journey of Discovery
Before studying at Eduvos, Robert attended school in Germiston, where he describes himself as more athletic than academic, actively participating in sports like soccer and basketball. It wasn’t until his growing interest in computing–fuelled by his love of video games and curiosity about how they are built–that he found his calling in computer science.
"I’ve always wanted to create my own video game," Robert shares. "Now, with the rise of AI, my ideas have expanded, and my passion has only deepened."
The Impact of a Bursary
Robert’s path hasn’t been without its challenges. A financial hurdle last year threatened to derail his studies, but receiving the Voestalpine bursary was a game-changer.
"The bursary has taken a huge weight off my shoulders," he says. "Now, I can focus entirely on my academics and projects without the constant worry about finances."
The support extended beyond funding, with Voestalpine even offering to outsource work to Robert for his third-year Work-Intergrated Learning (WIL) project, ensuring he gains practical experience while completing his degree.
Creating a Supportive Community
Noticing a gap in resources for IT students, Robert took the initiative to start the Coding Club at the Midrand campus.
"I saw that many first-year students struggled with programming basics, having never been exposed to it before," he explains. "I wanted to create a space where students could learn and grow together."
Under his leadership, the Coding Club has not only supported peers with syntax and programming challenges but also provided training for job interview coding assessments.
"The Coding Club is about more than just programming," he says. "It’s about preparing my peers for the real world and building a sense of community."
Balancing academics and leadership have tested Robert’s resilience. From recreating corrupted programming files just days before a deadline to solving logistical challenges for Coding Club events, he faced each obstacle head-on.
"I get stressed easily, but I’ve learned to take a moment, gather my thoughts, and move forward strategically," he reflects.
A Vision for the Future
Robert’s ambitions are as bold as his determination. He aims to establish a cybersecurity company in South Africa to address gaps in the field while creating job opportunities for IT graduates. On the creative front, he is also working toward developing a video game that integrates AI.
"For me, it’s about making a difference," Robert says. "Whether it’s through my projects, the Coding Club, or future ventures, I want to contribute meaningfully to the community."
Robert is deeply thankful for the opportunities the bursary has provided and encourages other students to focus on academic excellence and networking to stand out when applying for financial aid.
"Your hard work will pay off," he advises. "Apply to multiple bursaries, showcase your skills, and never stop pushing yourself."
Robert’s story is a testament to resilience, vision, and the power of education. With Eduvos as his launchpad and the Voestalpine bursary as his foundation, Robert is shaping a future of impact, inspiring those around him to dream big and aim high.
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