After graduating from the University of Salford in 2024, alumna Nandipa Zajiji-Mntonintshi returned to South Africa with a clear focus on impact. Now working in a senior credit risk role while pursuing a PhD in Development Finance, her work centres on improving access to funding for small businesses. She shares how her time at Salford shaped her thinking, her confidence and the direction her career has taken.

What made you choose the University of Salford, and what stands out most about your time as a student?

I chose Salford because of the balance between academic study and real-world learning. It felt like a place where I wouldn’t just learn theory, but understand how things actually work in practice.

What stands out most is the sense of support. The lecturers were genuinely invested in our development and encouraged us to think for ourselves.

Group projects and industry-focused assignments helped me build confidence and problem-solving skills that I still rely on now. Being surrounded by people from different backgrounds also broadened my perspective and shaped how I approach my work.

Nandipa Zajiji-Mntonintshi

Tell us about your journey since graduating

Since graduating, my focus has been on growth and finding a sense of purpose in what I do.

When I returned to South Africa, I became more aware of the challenges small businesses face, especially when it comes to accessing funding. That led me to start a PhD in Development Finance, where I’m looking at SMME funding in more depth.

Alongside that, I’ve moved into a senior role in credit risk. My work brings together financial analysis with a wider understanding of how funding decisions affect businesses and communities.

What’s a moment you’ve felt proud of since leaving Salford?

One moment that stands out is stepping into a strategic leadership role and recognising how much I had grown.

Being in a position where my voice could influence decisions was a big moment for me. It made me realise the confidence and resilience I’d built during my time at Salford.

I’ve also really valued mentoring others. Supporting junior colleagues and seeing their progress has been incredibly rewarding.

What do you do now, and what do you enjoy most about it?

I work as a Senior Credit Risk professional, focusing on funding proposals, portfolio analysis and credit strategy.

What I enjoy most is seeing the impact of that work. The decisions we make can support businesses, protect jobs and contribute to wider economic growth.

I also enjoy the strategic side, working across teams, improving processes and mentoring others. It’s a mix of technical work and meaningful impact, which is important to me.

How did your time at Salford help shape where you are now?

Salford played a big role in shaping how I think and approach problems.

It encouraged me to look beyond theory and understand how financial systems operate in real-world settings. That way of thinking is central to what I do now.

It also sparked my interest in research, which led me to pursue my PhD. The confidence and direction I gained at Salford still guide me today.

Looking back, Salford didn’t just prepare me for a career. It helped me define my purpose.

The skills, confidence, and connections I built there continue to shape everything I do today.

What advice would you give to current students and recent graduates?

See your time at Salford as the start of something, not the end.

Be open to exploring what genuinely interests you, even if it doesn’t follow a clear path. Some of the most meaningful opportunities come from following ideas that stay with you.

Stay curious, stay connected and make the most of the people around you. Your network will matter just as much as your degree.

Thank you to Nandipa for sharing her story! If you’d like to share your Salford story, we’d love to hear from you – get in touch at alumni@salford.ac.uk.