Work Ready Graduate Turns Degree Into Global Ed Tech Role Before The Gown Comes Off

Before the ink had dried on her degree, Aammarah Ahmed of Emeris Pietermaritzburg had already checked into her first day at FACTS International a global education focused technology company which supports schools and academic institutions by streamlining how they operate day to day. The Emeris Pietermaritzburg Class of 2025 IIE Bachelor of Commerce in Strategic Management graduate crossed the graduation ceremony stage this week, yet her career started before graduation day. Recruited by FACTS International into the role of an Appointment Setter in 2024, Aammarah has successfully moved into the role of Executive Sales Manager for the company’s African Region.

Said Aammarah: “When I first started my tertiary education, I was quiet and introverted and unsure of myself in so many ways. One thing was for sure, I have always wanted to help people and that is what led me to volunteer work. Through the Emeris Cares (student volunteer body) Committee I found purpose in serving communities, helping where I could and learning that leadership is not always about being the loudest person in the room but rather about showing up consistently with heart and intention. By my final year, I stepped into an even bigger role as the Voice (student body committee) President for 2025. Balancing leadership, work, deadlines, studies, event planning, student engagement, designing the campus newsletter and supporting the student body was overwhelming at times but I kept reminding myself why I started in the first place. I participated in business simulations to grow my knowledge and confidence, volunteered at countless events, designed the campus newsletter, worked on community initiatives and I even had the opportunity to design a logo for Campus Head Eve Reddy’s Ripples of Change campaign. At the same time, I was building my professional career in the education industry, growing from an Appointment Setter into a Sales Executive managing the African region while continuing my studies”.

“Ammaarah was an energetic and engaged student from the very beginning. She grabbed hold of every opportunity that presented itself and immersed herself in campus life. Not only did she shine academically, but she also stood out amongst her student peers in the extra-curricular spaces. Her passion for making a difference and helping others really stood out during her time on the Emeris Cares committee where she served as the committee Chairperson. Her progression from the Chairperson role in 2024 to Voice President in 2025 was a natural one. It was a pleasure to work with Ammaarah over the course of 2025 and definitely a proud moment watching her walk the stage at graduation” added Vanessa Stuart (Head of Student Experience Emeris Pietermaritzburg)

The Independent Institute of Education (IIE), through Emeris, strives to produce work-ready graduates by integrating industry-led projects, work-integrated learning (WIL), career workshops and career coaching into the curricula so that graduates who enter the workplace deliver from day one.