☰ Estian Le Roux
× Home Experience Contact Timeline

— 2015 —

I graduated from Leeuwenhof Academy with outstanding academic achievements, earning a bachelor's pass. Throughout my tenure, I served as a prominent member of the school's esteemed student council, honing invaluable leadership and interpersonal communication skills. My involvement in Rugby, notably as a first-team player throughout my academic journey, instilled in me the essence of teamwork, emphasizing collective triumph over individual accolades.

Furthermore, I opted for a distinctive selection of subjects from grade 10 onwards, including Information Technology, Physical Science, Engineering, Graphic Design, and Mathematics. This diversified academic pursuit not only broadened my horizons but also cultivated a multifaceted skill set, fostering adaptability and critical thinking.

— 2016 —

Following my graduation, I embarked on a journey at North West University with the aspiration of delving into Mechanical Engineering. However, after completing the first semester, I came to the realization that my presumed passion for engineering was not aligned with my true calling. It was a pivotal moment of self-discovery; despite my initial enthusiasm for engineering, I found myself drawn more strongly to the realms of programming and information technology. The subjects I encountered during my initial semester, particularly those pertaining to introductory programming and IT-oriented courses, ignited a newfound interest within me. Recognizing the potential for growth and fulfillment in an IT-centric career path, I made the bold decision to alter my course of study. This transition, though significant, came with its own set of challenges, including the necessity to delay my professional progression by a year. However, I was unwavering in my commitment to pursue a path that resonated more deeply with my passions and aspirations.

— 2017 —

Forced by personal circumstances, I regrettably had to relinquish my pursuit at North West University midway through the year and relocate to Gauteng. Despite the upheaval, this period of transition served as a catalyst for personal and professional growth. Rather than succumbing to setbacks, I viewed this juncture as an opportunity for introspection and exploration. Throughout the remainder of the year, I engaged in a series of self-paced learning endeavors through platforms like Udemy. These courses ranged from Python bootcamps to Power BI, Excel masterclasses, Java, web development, and even an exploration into the intricacies of the internal combustion engine. Concurrently, I immersed myself in agricultural work at Constantia Farm in the Free State. This multifaceted experience provided me with invaluable insights into diverse fields while nurturing my entrepreneurial spirit. By year-end, armed with newfound knowledge and perspective, I resolved to chart a new course by enrolling in a BSc Information Technology program at Pearson Institute of Higher Education (now Eduvos), commencing in 2018.

— 2018 —

My transition to Pearson Institute necessitated starting afresh as a first-year student due to non-recognition of prior coursework from North West University. While this setback could have been disheartening, I approached it with a sense of determination and resilience. As I delved deeper into my studies, I discovered a profound appreciation for the symbiotic relationship between information technology and business disciplines. This revelation fundamentally altered my perspective, transforming my understanding of IT from a mere toolset into a strategic asset integral to organizational success. Throughout the year, I embraced academic rigor with zeal, excelling in all subjects and securing distinctions across the board. It was a period of intellectual growth and personal fulfillment, laying the foundation for a future marked by innovation and leadership in the dynamic intersection of technology and business.

— 2019 —

In my second year at Eduvos, fueled by an insatiable curiosity and an unwavering passion for innovation, I embarked on a transformative journey of creation. As part of a collaborative effort, I spearheaded the development of a comprehensive open-source ERP system tailored specifically for the agricultural sector. Drawing upon the collective expertise of my team, we embarked on a journey of creativity and technical prowess, culminating in the creation of a desktop-based software solution leveraging Java. This endeavor not only deepened my understanding of IT's potential impact on agriculture but also reinforced my belief in the transformative power of technology. Concurrently, I assumed the mantle of Operations Director at D'Le Jes Pty (Ltd), a prominent property management company, leveraging my burgeoning skills and expertise to drive operational excellence and strategic growth. It was a year defined by innovation, collaboration, and a steadfast commitment to harnessing technology for positive change.

— 2020 —

The dawn of 2020 brought with it unforeseen challenges, as the world grappled with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Amidst the upheaval, I found myself confronting new obstacles on both personal and professional fronts. With the transition to remote learning, I encountered the daunting task of navigating rural connectivity challenges while stationed in the Free State. Undeterred by adversity, I leveraged my resourcefulness and ingenuity to establish robust internet infrastructure on the farm, ensuring uninterrupted access to educational resources and coursework. Despite the logistical hurdles posed by remote education, I remained steadfast in my commitment to academic excellence, devoting myself wholeheartedly to my studies. However, the exigencies of the pandemic necessitated a reevaluation of priorities, prompting me to reassess certain subjects and embark on a journey of continuous improvement and adaptation. As I reflect upon the challenges and triumphs of the past year, I am reminded of the resilience of the human spirit and the boundless potential for growth and innovation in the face of adversity.

— 2021 —

The unforeseen and stringent regulations imposed by the 2020 pandemic brought forth a myriad of challenges, disrupting the trajectory of my academic journey. Struggling to navigate the abrupt transition to remote learning, I found myself grappling with two first-semester subjects that remained unresolved. Despite the obstacles, I persevered, dedicating myself to mastering the curriculum. By July, I had not only overcome these hurdles but also surpassed expectations, achieving distinctions in both subjects. However, the lingering impact of these delays reverberated, extending the duration of my degree by an additional six months into 2022. Concurrently, my commitment to Constantia Farm remained unwavering, as I continued to contribute in a full-time capacity. Moreover, I spearheaded a comprehensive overhaul of operational processes at D'Le Jes Pty (Ltd), a strategic initiative that yielded tangible results. Through meticulous restructuring, I succeeded in nearly doubling revenue and fortifying the business for sustained growth and prosperity.

— 2022 —

As the culmination of my degree journey drew near, I found myself at a crossroads, contemplating the next chapter of my academic and professional pursuits. With only two subjects remaining to complete my undergraduate studies, I seized the opportunity to further expand my knowledge base. Engaging in a series of additional courses, I delved deeper into specialized areas of interest, laying the groundwork for future endeavors. However, the decision to pursue further studies was not merely a matter of academic progression; it was a deliberate choice to pursue excellence and innovation in the burgeoning field of data science. Thus, I enrolled in an honors program through Eduvos, embarking on a transformative journey with a major project focused on GPS tracking of livestock on farms. As the year progressed, I embraced the challenges with vigor, culminating in the successful completion of my degree with distinction and acceptance into the honors program, alongside two esteemed peers, slated to commence in August.

— 2023 —

The dawn of 2023 ushered in a period of both triumph and unforeseen setbacks. While the academic landscape appeared promising, unforeseen technological limitations posed unforeseen challenges to the livestock tracking project. Despite my best efforts, the realization dawned that the entire honors program would need to be revisited in 2024, marking a temporary setback in my academic journey. Concurrently, I made the poignant decision to reassess my professional commitments, opting to step back from Constantia Farm and return to Gauteng. This strategic move allowed for greater flexibility and focus, affording me the opportunity to pursue new avenues of growth and exploration.

— 2024 —

As the curtain rises on 2024, I find myself at the precipice of possibility, poised to navigate the complexities of academia and industry with renewed resolve. At the helm of D' Le Jes Pty (Ltd), I continue to steer the company towards new heights of success, leveraging innovative strategies and a steadfast commitment to excellence. Concurrently, my role as a part-time employee at Constantia Farm affords me valuable insights into the agricultural landscape, enriching my understanding of industry dynamics and operational intricacies. Moreover, my ongoing pursuit of an honors degree in Data Science at Eduvos serves as a beacon of intellectual curiosity and professional ambition. As I stand on the threshold of new opportunities, I am confronted with a pivotal decision: to chart a course towards mastery through advanced studies or to immerse myself in the dynamic realm of data analysis, cultivating hands-on expertise and real-world insights. Indeed, the journey ahead is fraught with uncertainty, yet brimming with boundless potential for growth and discovery.