At just 23 years old, Aurleen Shenjere has achieved what many spend a lifetime striving towards – three degrees, including a master’s degree completed in under a year, and an academic publication in an international peer-reviewed journal. Her story is one of exceptional discipline, resilience and purpose – driven by a deep desire to grow and to inspire.
Born in 2002, Aurleen matriculated in 2019 and quickly charted a path of academic excellence. She earned her Bachelor of Commerce in Economics and Risk Management at the North-West University (NWU), completing it in just three years, by 2022. The following year, she graduated with an honours degree with distinction, and in 2024, she successfully completed a Master of Commerce in Risk Management – all before turning 24.
What motivated her to move so swiftly and intentionally? “It was fuelled by the goals and vision I set for myself,” she says. “I have a deep passion for my field, and I wanted to grow, learn and challenge myself to become the best version of who I can be.”
For Aurleen, pursuing her studies was not about chasing accolades – it was about unlocking her potential and honouring her family’s sacrifices. “Making my parents proud and creating a meaningful impact in my life and others’ – that was my ‘why’.”
While there was no single moment that led her to commit to academia, Aurleen says her appreciation for learning deepened over time. “The more I studied, the more I realised how education changes how you understand the world. That feeling when something finally makes sense – it is incredibly empowering.”
Staying focused during long academic stretches was not easy, but she credits her structured approach and unshakable discipline. “I used detailed to-do lists for both short- and long-term goals, which helped break down the workload into manageable pieces,” she explains. “That, along with prayer, positive affirmations and taking breaks for my mental health, helped me stay consistent.”
Completing a full master's-degree programme in under a year is no small feat. “It was thrilling, but also scary,” she admits. “It tested every part of me – mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.”
Academically, it honed her problem-solving skills and strengthened her ability to work under pressure. Personally, it was a journey of growth. “This experience showed me that with enough belief and dedication, anything is possible. It was challenging, but it broadened my perspective and deepened my confidence in my own capabilities.”
Aurleen’s master's-degree dissertation explored investor sentiment and its effect on South African ETF flows under different market conditions – a timely and important topic. “I wanted to understand how emotional reactions in the market influence ETFs, especially since ETFs are gaining popularity and can amplify market volatility.”
Her work was accepted and published in a Q2-ranked international peer-reviewed journal, a rare achievement for someone so early in their academic career. “Seeing my name in print was surreal,” she says. “All the late nights, all the effort – it suddenly felt worth it. Knowing my research could contribute to financial understanding and future studies is incredibly fulfilling.”
Aurleen Shenjere
