Dynamic Duo

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The career paths of students are often influenced by the experiences they encounter, and the advice they receive, at school. But few can remember the exact moment when something or somebody had a big effect on them.  

André Steynberg has a better memory than most, as he remembers when Mr Taylor, his physics teacher at Island School, told the class that the world’s crude oil supplies would run out during his lifetime. André took note of his teacher, and went on to spend 34 years with the integrated energy and chemical company Sasol, working in different technology development and management roles in South Africa. Today André works as a consultant in the USA.

“Although Mr Taylor was wrong, this influenced my career choice and my efforts to develop new sources of energy for our vehicles,” says André. “I have enjoyed my career. I was fortunate to be involved in work that was interesting, so my work was more like a hobby rather than simply a way to make a living.”

André says he found some of his teachers quite intimidating at the time, but looking back, he recognises that they were excellent. He says he received a high-quality education which prepared him well for future challenges. In his first year at university, he achieved distinctions in all three of his A-level subjects—mathematics, physics and chemistry — thanks to the solid education he received at Island School.

André was also deeply influenced by a school geography trip to Nepal, and swimming trips to Bangkok. These experiences made him curious to visit other places. “We were taught to think independently, to be self-reliant, and to balance work with other activities,” he says.