I am Nizibone Sobayeni,a dedicated finance graduate from University of Fort Hare. My academic journey was built on a simple principle: true understanding comes from applying theory to real-world chaos. I never wanted to be a student who just passed exams; I wanted to be the professional who could walk into a room, understand the pressure, and immediately contribute. This mindset defined my entire internship search and experience.
Work Experience
*Before my internship,my experience was academic. But I treated my studies like a job. I drilled into the principles of accounting and supply chain management, not just to pass, but to build a mental framework I could use. This foundation was my anchor when I started at United National Breweries. The theoretical "Procure-to-Pay" cycle I learned in textbooks became a daily, high-stakes reality of matching invoices, GRNs, and POs under tight deadlines. My past work was the preparation; UNB was the application.
Why Degree in Finance/Commerce
I chose Finance because I am fascinated by the story that numbers tell about a business's health,efficiency, and challenges. I wanted to move beyond the calculations and understand the operational reality behind them—how a payment delay impacts a supplier, or how an inventory variance affects production. I believed that a finance professional who understands the factory floor is infinitely more valuable than one who only sees the spreadsheet.
Internship
I was placed at United National Breweries through the Work Experience Preparation Program.However, I earned my responsibilities through proactive preparation. Before my first day, I immersed myself in understanding core SAP transactions and inventory management principles. When I was immediately tasked with processing invoices and managing stock counts, I wasn't starting from zero. I was able to transition from a learner to a contributor within weeks, because I had already done the hard work of bridging the gap between theory and practice on my own time.
Company
United National Breweries(UNB) provided the ultimate training ground. It is a dynamic, fast-paced environment where finance and operations are deeply connected. Here, I wasn't just an intern in a back office; I was a vital link in the chain. I was entrusted with processing supplier payments through SAP, performing crucial physical inventory counts of raw materials like malt and grits, and assisting with month-end reconciliations. UNB trusted me with real responsibility, allowing me to solidify my academic knowledge and develop indispensable skills in enterprise software (SAP), problem-solving, and cross-departmental communication. This experience has shaped me into a resilient and capable finance professional, ready to add value from day one in any challenging environment.
