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Meet Robert Hindle, a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science graduate from Eduvos. As the founder of the Midrand campus Coding Club, Robert not only excelled academically but also created opportunities for fellow students to thrive in the tech space.
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."
Robert chose Eduvos because of its individualised approach to learning. After comparing public and private institutions, he was drawn to the personal attention and lecturer involvement Eduvos offered, something that shaped not only his academic success but also his growth as a communicator and leader.
Robert’s path hadn’t been without its challenges. A financial hurdle in 2023 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 offered to outsource work to Robert for his third-year Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) project, ensuring he gained practical experience while completing his degree.
Reflecting on his WIL experience, Robert says it helped develop essential workplace soft skills, especially communication, project ownership, and applying real-world solutions to technical problems.
"It improved my corporate communication and taught me how to gather requirements, share knowledge, and allocate tasks in team-based environments," says Robert.
Noticing a gap in resources for Information Technology (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 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.
Whilst an Eduvos Alum, Robert remains involved in the Coding Club. He’s passed the baton to a new executive team and continues to mentor from afar.
"They’re doing an incredible job, better than I ever did," he says proudly. Robert was recently invited back as a guest speaker and judge for their first hackathon, where students developed prototype websites for Eduvos.
He also served as the Head of Personal and Professional Development in the Eduvos Golden Key committee, where he hosted sessions on Curriculum Vitae (CV) building, LinkedIn setup, and personal branding. These experiences have strengthened his communication skills and ability to uplift others, traits he carries into his professional life today.
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 Artificial Intelligence (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."
Now working in the tech industry, Robert says the foundation Eduvos laid has helped him navigate both technical challenges and team collaboration. “Eduvos gave me the tools to lead, the confidence to communicate, and the support to grow. I’m still applying everything I learned, every day.”
He encourages future students to make the most of their time: “Show up to consultations. Engage with your lecturers. They will walk the road with you and push you to reach your potential.”
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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