Liyema Nunwana Shares Her South Africa Intern Experience  

Jumping straight into the world of work can be daunting. That’s why internship and work experience programmes are designed to help smooth that transition, giving students real life, early careers insights into teams, skills and all kinds of challenges you just can’t get from a textbook.   

In our South Africa office, we’ve seen just how transformative these programmes can be. Take Liyema Nunwana, for example. She started her journey with us as an intern Fund Accountant through the ASISA-sponsored investment management course. Thanks to the in-depth hands-on experience and practical knowledge she gained during her internship, Liyema is now a valued full-time member of our team. 

Liyema recently reflected on her most valuable lessons, standout moments and what makes the JTC culture so unique. 

What were some of the most significant learning experiences or challenges you encountered in your role?

Learning New Systems and Software: One of the biggest initial challenges was familiarising myself with specialised accounting software, such as InvestOne and Alteryx .There was a steep learning curve, but with practice and support from colleagues, I developed my proficiency and efficiency in processing large volumes of transactions. 

Attention to Detail in Reporting: Fund accounting requires extremely high attention to detail, especially when preparing  Net Asset Value (NAV) reports. I had occasional reconciliations with minor discrepancies, which taught me the importance of double-checking my work and understanding where potential errors could occur. 

Can you share a memorable highlight from your time at JTC during your work experience? 

One of the most memorable highlights of my time at JTC was when I was given the responsibility to prepare two NAV reports entirely on my own. Up until that point, I had always worked on NAVs with supervision or guidance from senior team members. Being trusted to handle these tasks independently was both a challenge and a great learning experience. Successfully completing the NAVs, ensuring accuracy and meeting deadlines, gave me a real sense of accomplishment and boosted my confidence in my abilities. It also showed me that the team valued my progress and trusted me to contribute meaningfully to the fund accounting process. 

What motivated you to pursue a permanent position at JTC following your work experience? 

My experience at JTC confirmed that the company’s values and work environment aligned with my professional goals. I appreciated the strong emphasis on learning and employee development, as well as the level of responsibility entrusted to interns. I was motivated to stay because I saw clear opportunities for growth, ongoing mentorship and participation in meaningful projects. The collaborative culture and the way everyone – from junior employees to management – were approachable and supportive made me eager to begin my professional accounting career at JTC. 

In your view, what sets JTC’s culture apart from other organisations?   

What truly sets JTC’s culture apart is its genuine commitment to collaboration and employee empowerment. From the start, I felt included and encouraged to share ideas, regardless of my level of experience. There’s a strong focus on continuous learning, professional development and recognising individual contributions. JTC’s open-door policy means support is always available and colleagues are willing to share their knowledge. This inclusive and supportive environment not only fosters professional growth, but also makes JTC a workplace where people are motivated to excel and feel valued. 

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