ALUMNI FROM AROUND THE GLOBE
Pieter Botha (Class of ’20)
Pieter Botha’s story starts in South Africa where he was born and raised. He enjoyed his life in South Africa but knew that moving to a country like Canada would be safer for him and his family. Pieter knew that “it was a matter of when, and not if, when we’d be victims of serious crime (again)”. Pieter was put in contact with a friend of a friend that was originally from South Africa, but had immigrated to Moncton. This friend suggested that Pieter study in Canada as a step towards immigration. Pieter was interested in Crandall for a number of reasons; because of his faith, he appreciated that Crandall was a Christian University, but he also wanted to expand his business skills. He had a lot of experience in software engineering, but he didn’t have the business management or soft skills to give him an edge in a competitive environment. This is what made Crandall’s Master of Organizational Management very appealing, and because of the uniqueness of the program, he was ultimately able to get a visa to study in Canada. Pieter thoroughly enjoyed his time at Crandall. He learned a lot, especially in the areas of leadership and management. The highlight of his time was the professors he met: “I appreciated the lecturers for their knowledge and experience that they shared but also for their open hearts and compassion.” After graduating, Pieter started to look for a job. With the help of career experts (and after sending out nearly one hundred résumés), Pieter was hired as the Technical Manager for the LINCS Project at the University of Guelph. Pieter and his family have since settled into their new community, and over these past months, Pieter has appreciated that he could work from home. They certainly miss their Moncton friends, but try to stay in touch as they build their new life in Canada.
Pieter Botha, 2020 MOrgM Grad (right) with Dr. Dannie Brown, Dean of International Academic Programs (left). Photo taken December 2019.
Pieter recognizes the critical role Crandall University has played in his journey. He enjoyed both the type of degree Crandall offered – which allowed him to come to Canada – and the content that was taught in the program by Crandall’s excellent faculty. Pieter, we are glad we could be part of your story, and as with all of our graduates, we can’t wait to see where you’ll go!
The Growing Edge Magazine | 13
