Gauteng issue 2018 \"INDESCRIBABLY MIND - BLOWINGLY AWESOME!\" Major Rian Venter
DRELAEMTSYSOEUTRSAIL Expand your mind and discover your world. If you’re looking to explore the world of international trade and shipping, travel the world, and take charge of your life, then a career in the maritime sector will put you on the path to success. Diploma in Nautical Studies (DUD - NS - 3) Minimum Entry Requirements: English - NSC 4 Mathematics - NSC 4 Physical Science - NSC 4 Diploma in Shipping & Logistics (DUD - SL - 3) Minimum Entry Requirements: English - NSC 4 Mathematics - NSC 3 Accounting, Business Studies or Economics - NSC 4 SAMSA Accredited Short Courses: Electronic Navigation Systems at Management Level Electronic Navigation Systems at Operational Level Human Element in Leadership and Management (HELM) Electronic Chart Display and Information Systems (ECDIS) Shore-based short courses: Fundamentals of Shipping Administration of Imports and Exports Contracts of Carriage by Sea Educate - Develop - Engage www.dut.ac.za DurbanUniversityofTechnology @dut_tweets DutCampusTv
5 REASONS that sets DUT’s Department of Maritime Studies apart: Programmes aligned to the new Higher Education Qualification Sub- Framework (HEQSF) and registered with the South African Qualifications Authority Student-centered learning environment supported by sound teaching, learning and assessment practices Opportunity to participate in international student exchange programmes Holistic development of the student through general and core modules Modules that develop and instil the DUT Graduate Attributes mDEPaArRTiMtEiNmT OeF Visit www.dut.ac.za/faculty/applied_sciences/ maritime_studies/ to find out more. studies All applications via the Central Applications Office (www.cao.ac.za). Closing date: 30 September 2018. 031 373 2144
OUR TEAM PUblishER: CHARLTON PETERS EdiTOR in ChiEf: LAURA CUPIDO ART diRECTOR: DONOVAN VAN ZYL ADVERTISING dEsiGn: JUDY GRATINO ACCOUnTs: SABRINA VAN ZYL disTRibUTiOn: SCIENCE CAREERS SA PROdUCTiOn: DONOVAN VAN ZYL CONTRIBUTORS: SANSA, S K A , N S FAS, NORTHLINK COLLEGE, WEST COAST FOSSIL PARK, J A M E S H AY E S , SCIENCE CAREERS SA • TELL 021 224 0995 • CELL 073 488 1484 • FAX: 086 605 4912 • EMAIL [email protected] • WWW. SCIENCECAREERSSA.CO.ZA NO ARTICLE OR ANY PART OF ANY ARTICLE MAY BE REPRODUCED WITHOUT PRIOR WRITTEN PERMISSION OF THE PUBLISHERS. THE INFORMATION PROVIDED AND OPINIONS EXPRESSED IN THIS PUBLICATION ARE PROVIDED IN GOOD FAITH BUT DO NOT NECESSARILY REPRESENT THE OPINIONS OF THIS PUBLICATION, THE PUBLISHER OR THE EDITOR. NEITHER THIS MAGAZINE, THE PUBLISHER NOR THE EDITOR CAN BE HELD LEGALLY LIABLE IN ANY WAY FOR DAMAGES OF ANY KIND WHATSOEVER ARISING DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY FROM ANY FACTS OR INFORMATION PROVIDED OR OMITTED IN THESE PAGES, OR FROM ANY STATEMENTS MADE OR WITHHELD BY THIS PUBLICATION. SCIENCE CAREERS SA MAGAZINE IS PUBLISHED BY SCIENCE CAREERS SA (PTY) LTD. ALL MATERIAL CONTAINED HEREIN, THE CONCEPT, THE IDEA AND ALL INTELLECTUAL RIGHTS ARE THE SOLE OWNERSHIP AND UNDER COPY RIGHT OF SCIENCE CAREERS SA (PTY) LTD, AND MAY NOT BE COPIED OR REPRODUCED IN ANY WAY. | SCIENCE CAREERS SA
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Inspirational Nonkululeko Radebe 10 | SCIENCE CAREERS SA
Polymer Science postgraduate shines on international stage Nonkululeko Radebe, an MSc “The title of her poster was “I did this because I was only 17 Multidimensional analysis of polymers and very few people at that age can student in polymer science at using thermal field-flow fractionation decide what they want to do for the Stellenbosch University (SU), was and Fourier Transform infrared rest of their lives. So I took a awarded the prestigious Borealis spectroscopy’ gamble. \"Being a graduate was the Poster Award at an international only thing I was 100% sure of\" conference on polymer analysis and “By attending this conference, When she was accepted for a BSc characterization (ISPAC 2017) which I had direct access to people in Chemistry and Polymer Science took place in Linz, Austria, recently. whose work I often reference. at SU, she had no idea what It was literally like having the polymer science was, “but it Prof Peter Mallon, head of the Beyoncé, Erykah Badu, Hugh sounded like something cool to say Department of Chemistry and Masekela and Kanye West of I was studying!” By her third year of Polymer Science at SU, says this polymer characterization all in study, she developed an interest in is an outstanding achievement and one room for four days! It was polymer science. “I realized that shows that the department’s also motivating to know that polymers are a big part of our postgraduate students can compete the research done at our everyday lives but very few people with the best in the world. The department is some of the study them. Polymers are in our International Symposium on most advanced and unique in face creams, our cars (i.e. tires, Polymer Analysis and Characterization the world,” faux leather seats, and dashboard), (ISPAC) is an international forum cell phone covers, food packaging, for the presentation of cutting-edge Ms Radebe, who matriculated from soles of our shoes and so much technologies in the field of polymer Brescia House School in Johannesburg, more. I took an interest and analysis and characterization. says she landed up studying polymer subsequently worked night and day science completely by chance: “When I to get a place in the honors group.” For her MSc project, Ms Radebe was in Grade 9, my Natural Sciences In her honours year, she combined two highly specialized teacher advised me not to pursue approached her current study techniques, namely thermal field- science. I ignored her advice and took leader, Prof Harald Pasch, about flow fractionation (ThFFF) and science anyway. It turned out that I had the possibility of doing an MSc in Fourier Transform infrared a knack for calculating bond energies. I his research group. “Fortunately, spectroscopy (FTIR), to determine wanted to o know and understand he had a project for me and I did the structural properties of complex periodic table of elements and I was not hesitate in taking the polymers in terms of their molecular interested in finding out ‘nerdy’ stuff like opportunity,” she continues. She weight distribution and chemical why the sky is blue and why salt melts plans to complete her MSc thesis composition distribution. ice.” After matriculating in 2011, she by the end of the year and then to applied at several universities for pursue a PhD in the same field. She explains: “Polymeric materials programmes ranging from law to But she also wants to inspire are used in many industries and Accounting and Engineering. young people to use science to understanding the structural explore the challenges facing properties of these materials is society today: “One day I want to imperative to the development and be in a position where I can put production of products. Furthermore, more effort into investing in women the data can be used for quality to study science and influence control purposes, comparison of deliberate systematic changes that supplier materials, and design of will allow racial and gender diversity production lines. in science.” |SCIENCE CAREERS SA 11
WWW.CCT.EDU.ZA COLLEGE OF CAPE TOWN DEVELOPING SKILLS IN AFRICA ANGOLA CELEBRATING 15 BURUNDI 15 YEARS OF CAMEROON TVET EXCELLENCE YEARS DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC ACCREDITED TECHNICAL AND OF CONGO VOCATIONAL TRAINING AND SKILLS ERITREA DEVELOPMENT IN: ETHIOPIA GABON ART & DESIGN KENYA BEAUTY THERAPY MALAWI BUILDING & CIVIL ENGINEERING MAURITIUS BUSINESS STUDIES MOROCCO EDUCATION & TRAINING NAMIBIA ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING NIGERIA HAIRCARE REPUBLIC OF CONGO HOSPITALITY RWANDA INFORMATION & COMMUNICATION SUDAN TECHNOLOGY TANZANIA MECHANICAL ENGINEERING ZAMBIA TRAVEL & TOURISM ZIMBABWE College of Cape Town for TVET The College is a public Technical and Vocational Education & Training (TVET) College, under the Department of Higher Education & Training. Based in the Mother City, The College of Cape Town is South Africa’s oldest Technical and Vocational Education and Training Institution, with a proud history dating back to the beginning of the 20th century. The College is committed to being an institution of excellence that develops the potential of clients through quality Education and Training in response to the skills development needs of the country. Their vision is to be the preferred provider of Further Education and Training. Four former technical colleges (the Athlone, Cape, Sivuyile and Western Province Technical colleges) were officially merged on 1 February 2002 to become the College of Cape Town. This arose from a rationalisation in TVET Colleges in which some 150 colleges around the country were reduced to 50. Why the College of Cape A leading provider of Education and Training focussing mainly on Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), the College has much to offer students and prospective partners as an alternative to Basic and Higher Education and Training. Qualifications include skills programmes as well as technical, vocational and occupational training that lead to recognised, accredited qualifications that are in high demand by commerce and industry throughout South Africa. The qualifications offered by the College are accredited, affordable and quality assured by Umalusi, various SETAs and SAQA. Faculties offered include Art & Design, Beauty Therapy, Building & Civil Engineering, Business Studies, Education & Training, Electrical Engineering, Haircare, Hospitality, Information & Communication Technology, Mechanical Engineering, as well as Travel & Tourism. Students can receive qualifications that range from Certificates to Higher Certificates, Diplomas, UNISA B.Ed Degree (Foundation Phase), Skills Programmes and Learnerships. The College is also an Accredited Trade Test Centre for various disciplines. Training Campuses Contact The College is situated in the central area of the Peninsula, with Email: [email protected] campuses located in Athlone, Cape Town’s city centre, Crawford, Gardens, Tel: +27 21 404 6700 Guguletu, Pinelands, Thornton and Wynberg. The Central Office is located Info Centre: 086 010 3682 (SA only) in Salt River, Cape Town. The College also has three residences. Fax: +27 21 404 6701/086 615 0582 Physical address: 334 Albert Road, Salt River, Cape Town 7945 Postal address: PO Box 1054, Cape Town 8000 Website: www.cct.edu.za 086 010 3682 . 021 404 6700 . [email protected] College of Cape Town - Inspiring Minds CCT_Official
21st Artisan Why STuDy AT A puBlIC situated, providing accessibility to Annually prospective students from TVET COllEgE? satisfy the immediate need for skills and further training. Artisan skills various provinces flood the gates of “It definitely is cool to be a 21st training are one of the ways that these colleges to experience all the Century Artisan” – These words were can improve the socio-economic different courses the TVET Colleges spoken by the Deputy Minister environment of the community that have to offer. Mduduzi Manana of the Department the potential students are a part of. of Higher Education and Training Students, who are not able to study (DHET) during the opening ceremony There are 50 Public TVET Colleges due to financial constraints, now have of the WorldSkills SA National in South Africa and six in the the opportunity to apply for financial Competition which was held in early Western Cape that assist with the assistance, if they meet the criteria 2017 in Durban. The Technical development of skills. The DHET’s as set out by DHET and the bursary Vocational Education and Training announcement of the “Decade of funder. Those who wish to apply for (TVET) Colleges are seen as the the Artisan” has been an initiative a bursary must also adhere to all live-blood of artisan skills training, not that gives prospective students the criteria to be successful. Once only in South Africa, but the world at the opportunity to discover what the application has been approved, large. These higher education the TVET sector is all about. students can enjoy peace of mind institutions are part and parcel of the and focus on their studies without communities in which they are having any fear of financial concerns. | SCIENCE CAREERS SA
The Public TVET Colleges offer cosmetology, the world truly is their The students qualifications such as National oyster. who study at the Diplomas, National Certificates as well as National Certificate The students who study at the TVET Colleges (Vocational) (NC (V)). To obtain an PublicTVET Colleges also have also have access NC (V) qualification, a grade nine access to student support services pass is required and after three that look after the health / wellness to student years this qualification will be of the students, as well as any support services equivalent to a grade 12 senior academic support they might need. that look after certificate / N3. NC (V) courses are Should the student experience any vocationally driven in a specialised personal challenges they can make the health / field and can give the student use of a student support officer ’s wellness of the access to study other National service. Certificate courses. students. Some of the Colleges in the “Education is the core business at Apply now at any of the 50 National country, have accredited trade PublicTVET Colleges and with TVET Colleges today test centres that will allow any that comes other responsibilities or visit the TVET College website on student who wishes to become to help support the students to www.fetcolleges.co.za a qualified artisan to attempt become the best at what they set their trade test. Once they out to become, completed their trade test successfully, they will then be So what more do you need? awarded a red seal as an Students have a variety of courses to indication of their training and choose from, many qualifications that expertise in the artisan trade. will suit their level of education, as well as the opportunity to be placed With so many Colleges and courses in the industry. Also they have an to choose from prospective students opportunity to adjust to College life can realise their dreams. Amongst with the support of people that are other courses in the fields of design, centred around their academic and education, information technology, business, hospitality, tourism, safety, personal well-being. ■ health, engineering, hair care and SCIENCE CAREERS SA |
Above: SKA SA Managing Director, Dr Rob Adam and joins the ranks Minister of Science and Technology Naledi Pandor on the of the world’s SKA site outside Carnarvon in the Northern Cape great scientific instruments through its First Light image A montage of the MeerKAT First Light radio image and four zoomed-in insets. The two panels to the right show distant galaxies with massive black holes at their centers. At lower left is a galaxy approximately 200 million light years away, where hydrogen gas is being used up to form stars in large numbers.
MeerKAT FIRST LIGHT IMAGE OF THE SKY with the sKA The MeerKAT First Light image of the Through MeerKAT, South Africa is MeerKAT is a precursor to the Square sky, released by Minister of Science playing a key role in the design and Kilometre Array (SKA) and follows the and Technology, Naledi Pandor, development of technology for the KAT-7 telescope which was an shows unambiguously that MeerKAT SKA. The South African team of engineering test-bed for MeerKAT. is already the best radio telescope of more than 200 young scientists, MeerKAT is funded by the South its kind in the Southern Hemisphere. engineers and technicians, in African Government and is a South collaboration with industry, local and African designed telescope with 75% Array Release 1 (AR1) provides 16 of foreign universities and institutions, of its value sourced locally. MeerKAT an eventual 64 dishes integrated into has developed the technologies and will be an integral part of SKA Phase a working telescope array. It is the first systems for MeerKAT. These 1. An important aspect of the SKA site significant scientific milestone include cutting edge telescope decision in 2012 was that MeerKAT achieved by MeerKAT, the radio antennas and receivers, signal would be part of the sensitive SKA telescope under construction in the processing, timing, telescope Phase 1 array, which will be the most Karoo that will eventually be management, computing and data sensitive radio telescope in the world. integrated into the Square Kilometer storage systems, and algorithms for Upon completion at the end of 2017, Array (SKA). data processing.” MeerKAT will consist of 64 dishes and associated instrumentation. SKA1 In a small patch of sky covering less In May 2016, more than 150 MID,will include an additional 133 than 0.01 percent of the entire researchers and students, two-thirds dishes, bringing the total number for celestial sphere, the MeerKAT First from South Africa, met in Stellenbosch SKA1 MID to 197. Light image shows more than 1300 to discuss and update the MeerKAT galaxies in the distant Universe, science programme. This will consist The SKA is an international effort to compared to 70 known in this location of already approved “large survey build the world’s largest radio prior to MeerKAT. “Based on the projects”, plus “open time” available for telescope – one hundred times more results being shown, we are confident new projects. An engineering test sensitive than any current radio that after all 64 dishes are in place, image, produced with only 4 dishes, telescope. The scale of the SKA MeerKAT will be the world’s leading was made available just before that represents a huge leap forward in both telescope of its kind until the advent of meeting. engineering, and research and SKA,” says Professor Justin Jonas, development towards building and SKA South Africa Chief Technologist. “The scientists gathered at the May delivering a unique instrument. meeting were impressed to see what MeerKAT will consist of 64 receptors, four MeerKAT dishes could do,” As one of the largest scientific each comprising a 13.5-meter says Dr Fernando Camilo, SKA endeavours in history, the SKA will diameter dish antenna, cryogenic South Africa Chief Scientist. “They bring together a wealth of the world’s coolers, receivers, digitizer, and other are astonished at these exceptionally finest scientists, engineers and policy electronics. The commissioning of beautiful images, which demonstrate makers to bring the project to fruition. MeerKAT is done in phases to allow that MeerKAT has joined the big SKA will be built in two phases – SKA1 for verification of the system, early leagues of world radio astronomy”. and SKA2 – starting in 2018. SKA1 will resolution of any technical issues, and include two components – SKA1 MID initial science exploitation. Early Minister Pandor says: “South (to be built in South Africa) and SKA1 science can be done with parts of the Africa has already demonstrated its LOW (to be built in Australia); they will array as they are commissioned, even excellent science and engineering observe the Universe at different radio as construction continues. AR1 skills by designing and building frequencies. consists of 16 receptors, AR2 of 32 MeerKAT. This telescope, which is and AR3 of 64, expected to be in predominantly a locally designed For more information, contact us: place by late 2017. and built instrument, shows the SKA SA world that South Africa can compete 3rd Floor, The Park, Park Road Dr Rob Adam, Square Kilometre in international research, Pinelands, Cape Town Array South Africa (SKA SA) engineering, technology and 7405 Managing Director, says: “The science.Government is proud of our www.ska.ac.za launch of MeerKAT AR1 and its first scientists and engineers for results is a significant milestone for pioneering a radio telescope that will South Africa. lead to groundbreaking research.”
student funding | SCIENCE CAREERS SA
CAN’T AFFORD TO STUDY AFTER TVET College. Applications may also be done online SCHOOL? APPLY FOR FINANCIAL at selected higher education Institutions. ASSISTANCE FROM NSFAS. You may qualify for funding if you are: Are you in need of financial assistance to study • A South African citizen with financial need as at a University or Technical Vocational Education determined by NSFAS means test. You will have and Training (TVET) College? The National to provide proof of your family’s household income. Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) can help on the road towards your dream job. NSFAS is • Accepted for admission to study your first higher a government student loan and bursary scheme. education qualification at a public university or NSFAS provides loans and bursaries to eligible TVET College. needy and academically deserving students. NSFAS loans have a really low interest rate and are NSFAS has funded over 1.5 Million South Africans repayable once you start working. Depending on from 1999. The Scheme continues to grow from your results, up to 40% of your NSFAS loan may be R441 million in 1999 to R8,5 billion in 2013. converted into a bursary, and that amount does not need to be repaid. Apply for a NSFAS study loan or bursary through For more information please visit a Financial Aid Office at a public University or Call: 086 00 67 327 Email: [email protected] Website: www.nsfas.org.za NSFAS is a registered credit provider in terms of the national credit act 34 of 2005 (NCRCP 2655) |SCIENCE CAREERS SA
WHY YOU SHOULD STUDY Science is Here are our top reasons in order to sustain the growing global amazing! It is for getting your nerd on: population. We are running out of fossil also one of the fuels which are critical to the efficiency of toughest subjects 1Be a modern-day hero: The single our industry, farming and supply chains. at school. greatest reason why we should Fresh water is becoming increasingly Science-y careers study Science, is to ensure humanity’s scarce, with many of the world’s greatest are diverse and sustainable survival on earth! Ecosystems rivers no longer running into the sea. exciting, but are in crisis mode, the planetary weather Diseases are becoming increasingly require years system is changing rapidly, and humanity resistant to antibiotics. The air in many of vigorous is failing to coexist in harmony with Indian and Chinese cities are verging on academic other species. World food production unbreathable. The Great Pacific Garbage commitment. If has to double in the next thirty years, it’s so hard to get somewhere with Science, why should you study it? | SCIENCE CAREERS SA
Patch has become an unfathomable 3Be adventurous: Science gets Visit online crowd funding platforms mass of floating junk that is destroying you places! I can only speak from such as Kickstarter and Indiegogo, our oceans. The use of fossil fuels my experience - my engineering and appraise the exciting Science-y is polluting our air and adding to the background, which is firmly rooted in inventions that are being funded. Greenhouse effect. Science, has opened a door to great The tech scene is mushrooming with adventure and exploration. I have skunkworks and hackathons that are Before you despair, there is a silver worked on four continents and have creating radical innovations. It is an lining: every one of these problems can been exposed to a diversity of incredible exciting time to be part of Science and be improved, and even solved, through experiences that a ‘normal’ office job Technology, and if you want to be at the Science! If you are passionately would never allow. Would you like to cusp of making cool things that make a concerned about this Planet and about work in jungles? Study Natural Sciences. big difference, study Science! a healthy future for Humanity, get stuck A life of studying volcanoes or auroras, into your Science studies and aim for a perhaps? Study geosciences. Would you 6Be a modern-day hero (#2): South Science-y career that will equip you to like to ply you mind to solving massive Africa has a growing deficit of expert make a difference! problems and driving innovation? Study Science teachers. If you are passionate engineering! Would you like to work with about Science, and passionate about 2Be smart: The study of Science killer whales? Study zoology! making a difference, teaching is a encourages problem-solving massively rewarding career path that tenacity that helps you to understand Science-y careers and research is becoming increasingly lucrative. the world around you. I have always allow you visit places that would not Remember, supply and demand dictate explained to my students that Science be accessible through other fields going rates - if there are fewer expert illuminates one’s path, and that going of study. Whether you want to go to Science teachers around, the demand through life without Science is similar Antarctica or to outer space, Science for expertise leads to increased fees. to driving your car along dark roads - is the way to get there. Become a Science teacher, a thought your headlights might light your way leader and a role model! forward, but they don’t illuminate the 4Diversity and flexibility: From world around you. You travel onwards dentistry to plasma physics, 7Wealth: More than a fifth of the without ever understanding the context Science-y careers offer vast planet’s wealthiest people on the of your journey. opportunities for professional career Forbes 2015 list studied an engineering development and diversification. degree, according to a recent survey by Studying Science makes you Engineers are welcomed into the the Approved Index platform. A quarter comfortable with the unknown, and financial sector, due to their problem- of the Forbes top-hundred have Science gives you the confidence to say: “I solving ability and analytical way of as a foundation for their work. don’t know the answers, but I will find thinking. Many academic physicists out!” Science is gracious to naivety teach, perform ground-breaking 8Discovery: Science research is but does not condone the apathy of research and consult private clients a field that allows you to discover indifference: it allows you to say “I in the same work week. Medical the unknown. The deep oceans are don’t know, but I want to find out”, but professionals diversify into the legal field unexplored, nanotechnology and does not tolerate the attitude of “I don’t to become patent attorneys or medical photonic crystals have so many secrets, know and I don’t care”. lawyers. However on the flip side, it’s and we’re still not sure whether there is rare for a professional with a ‘non- any form of life outside near-earth space. Science is highly structured, but Science-y’ background to bridge into the Imagine being the person that publishes welcomes change - it constantly Science-based career fields. a peer-reviewed article to tell the world adjusts its views based on what is about a brand new discovery, or a new observed. This approach teaches you 5Inventions: Science-y careers revelation in our understanding, or a life- to evolve your thinking by constantly create an intellectual and business altering breakthrough in technology. testing and investigating information, environment that is conducive to which makes you a well-rounded problem solving and invention. Look This is a call to action for young history- human being and empowers you at all the exciting inventions of the last makers, and for a new wave of heroes to with an ethical approach to others: it twenty years that have completely save this world and make a difference. I enables you to discern the difference transformed our lifestyles. The Internet, between your opinions, facts, and the everyday use of GPS, mobile encourage you to become part of it! ■ to acknowledge the opinions and phone technology, PC’ and touch- beliefs of others without immediately screen displays are but a few. This James Hayes Founder – Science Clinic accepting or rejecting them. technological progress was made possible due to Science. |SCIENCE CAREERS SA
The Faculty of Natural Sciences at UWC is enjoying an unprecedented period of growth and diversification . It is an exciting time to be a member of the Science family at UDUBS. DATA Science - The Future CONTACT DETAILS: Postgraduate: [email protected] a Undergraduate: Tel: 021 959 2975 [email protected] Tel: 021 959 3426
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CAREER JUNCTION
with Major Rian Venter WHY DID YOU CHOOSE THIS members and thereafter One of those reminders happen during CAREER? a morning meeting will takeoff, when you are kicked in the back I was fortunate enough to have been take place where the by a lit afterburner, accelerating you exposed to fighter aviation from a very day's flying programme, furiously down the runway. young age. My father was a fighter pilot for weather conditions, 3 IMPORTANT QUALITIES THAT 26 years, so I grew up in this environment. aircraft availability and YOUR POSITION REQUIRES? At around 5 years old, I decided that this is general administration The most important quality is Passion. what I wanted to do and proceeded to align issues are discussed. If you have a passion for aviation and my lifestyle and education to ensure that I From there, copious fighter flying, the rest of the desired was equipped to take on such a challenge amounts of caffeine is qualities will follow naturally such as consumed before flying attitude and work ethic. This environment WHAT FORMAL QUALIFICATION for the day commences. is very demanding and highly competitive DID YOU HAVE TO ATTAIN? Typically the average and requires one to have high self - What you are not told about becoming a fighter pilot will fly confidence and a burning desire to fighter pilot, is the long road that lies ahead anywhere be the best. before setting foot in a fighter cockpit. From from once arriving as a fresh civilian to strapping into to thrice daily Major Rian Venter a Gripen fighter jet cockpit takes with pre-flight approximately 8-10 years. All training takes briefings and EXPERIENCE VS TRAINING? place in-house, through the South African post-flight As in most fields, experience will Air Force (SAAF) and consists of a variety of debriefs for trump training every time. courses designed to not only turn you into a each event Unfortunately 10 years’ experience soldier but to build you into a military (sortie) to takes 10 years. It cannot be given aviator. The military training related to ensure to someone in a shorter period, no soldier ship and officer ship took place in maximum matter how advanced the training Pretoria at the SAAF Gymnasium and the training value or the candidate is. This is very SAAF College. The flying related training is gained from true in aviation and more specifically took place at the Military Academy in the day's flying. fighter flying. Learning comes from Saldanha and Central Flying School in The day usually making mistakes, which as a fighter Langebaanweg, both located in the Western ends off in the pilot trainee happen fast and often. Cape. bar where most tactics are discussed WHAT DOES YOUR JOB ENTAIL? or in the gym for anaerobic training. As a fighter pilot, my job is simple... Defend the skies of South Africa WHAT DO YOU ENJOY against any airborne threats and to MOST? strike fear in the hearts of enemy troops on the ground in support of The dynamics of operating our own Forces. a fighter aircraft are such that there are many moments DESCRIBE AN AVERAGE DAY? which remind you of why The average day at a fighter you chose this career. squadron begins with roll call for all | SCIENCE CAREERS SA
\"INDESCRIBABLY MIND - BLOWINGLY AWESOME!\" IN 1 SENTENCE, DESCRIBE Major Rian Venter YOUR JOB? WHAT CHALLENGES HAVE DOES THE INDUSTRY (& YOUR Indescribably mind-blowingly YOU HAD TO OVERCOME? TYPE OF POSITION) THAT YOU awesome! ARE IN, FACE GENDER BIAS? In this career specifically, WHAT ARE THE LEAST everything is a challenge. Fighter Statistically speaking, yes. A lack of ENJOYABLE ASPECTS OF pilots are not born, they are built exposure and stigmas have largely YOUR POSITION? and this building process is slow, kept women out of fighter cockpits. brutal and potentially deadly. For Times have changed however and Unlike Airline pilots, our job is not me, the biggest challenge was as gone are the days of the military purely just to fly. As soldiers and a student. The pressure to being \"a man's world. “Today there military officers, we have many perform is extremely high and all are many female fighter pilots over and above tasks which must that stands between you and around the world and the SMF even be done to allow a military unit to ticket out of the fighter line is has its own female Gripen pilot. function on a daily basis. So in two consecutive sub-par sorties. These ladies are in no way inferior short, paperwork is plentiful and I never failed a sortie but had to to their male counterparts and have the least enjoyable aspect. overcome my own stress, doubt had to overcome monumental and fear of failure, which is why pressure to prove themselves ADVICE FOR GRADE 11 AND self-confidence is so important in worthy. I would definitely 12 LEARNERS CONSIDERING fighter flying. encourage more ladies to follow THIS CAREER? this career path. WHAT QUALIFICATIONS To put things in perspective, more DO I NEED? IS CONTINUING EDUCATION than ten thousand people apply for AND FURTHER STUDIES Air Force selection every year. Only Although a tertiary qualification is IMPORTANT IN YOUR TYPE around a thousand are invited for the desired, the only qualification OF CAREER? battery of tests and interviews. From required to enroll as a pupil pilot there only thirty or so are selected for or navigator in the SAAF is a matric Definitely! This is a continuous pilot /navigator training in the SAAF. pass on higher grade with a C learning game. The technological Of those thirty, only around eighteen aggregate in Mathematics, Physical environment is constantly changing will receive their wings. Of those Science and English. However, and weapon systems are ever eighteen newly qualified SAAF pilots, achieving a higher average will give improving. As a fighter pilot one only around five will get the opportunity you a better chance to be selected has to stay ahead of the game and to undergo fighter pilot training. Of during the selection process. develop new tactics to counter those five, only one or two will newer threats ■ eventually strap into a Gripen fighter jet. Therefore, I cannot emphasize hard work enough. Achieve the best possible grades at school or university and strive to stay healthy and fit. Lastly NEVER GIVE UP. TYPE OF PERSONALITY THAT WOULD ENJOY THIS KIND OF CAREER? Anyone with a competitive spirit, who enjoys teamwork will find flying fighters extremely rewarding. |SCIENCE CAREERS SA
with Dr Mehrdad Ghaziasgar COMPUTER SCIENCE WHY DID YOU CHOOSE THIS CAREER? WHAT DO YOU LEAST ENJOY? From the age of 13, when I picked up a book on Marking. computer programming in visual basic 6 and learnt programming, I fell in love with programming. I used IN 1 SENTENCE, DESCRIBE YOUR JOB? a lot of my free time creating various applications. My job entails teaching computer science, This led me to pursue a degree in Computer Science. supervising postgraduate students and furthering Simultaneously, I had a deep passion for teaching research into the development of novel applied others the skills I learnt. I really enjoyed teaching technologies. others (such as my brothers and friends) what I knew. EXPERIENCE VS TRAINING? I felt the deep need to impart the knowledge (which is I would say: Experience. Training can give you power) that I had gained to others. It was ultimately a good theoretical background on teaching and fate and God’s grace that led me into a lecturing and supervision, but students are extremely diverse. research position in the University in which I could At the end of the day, one can only gain a good put both of those things together. grasp by getting into it. WHAT FORMAL QUALIFICATION DID ADVICE FOR GRADE 11 AND 12 LEARNERS YOU HAVE TO ATTAIN, AND WHERE? CONSIDERING THIS CAREER? Further your studies as far as possible. Aim for at I pursued a double major in Computer Science and least an Honours degree, but preferably a Master’s Physics, followed by an Honours, Master’s and degree. A PhD would do you even better and put eventually a PhD in Computer Science, all at the you years ahead, especially in our country in which University of the Western Cape. I also enrolled in, PhDs are very scarce. By obtaining your PhD, you and completed, the “Professionalization of would literally become a one-in-a-million graduate. Teaching” course at the University. Also, consider all of the information I’ve provided and decide whether this is something you would WHAT DOES YOUR JOB ENTAIL? enjoy. Teaching courses to students at undergraduate TYPE OF PERSONALITY THAT WOULD and Honours level. Learning. Computer Science ENJOY THIS KIND OF CAREER? is arguably the fastest changing field. This means Someone who is highly empathetic and compassionate that one needs to be able to learn to keep to others, has a strong passion for the specific (somewhat) up to date. Supervising postgraduate field that they are lecturing and/or supervising, and students. Writing research papers. Attending and enjoys teaching others what they know. presenting at conferences. POTENTIAL FOR GROWTH - WHERE CAN WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST? YOUR CURRENT POSITION LEAD? Two things: 1. The feeling of having successfully I am currently managing a team – growth at this taught complex ideas and having had students stage for me is to keep updated in all IT skills, deeply learn and understand them, and giving them and to coach and mentor new employees to the ability to put it into practice in the practicals. 2. achieve their full potential. Student supervision. It is deeply satisfying to see the technological ideas that I have fully materializing in the form of completed student projects. | SCIENCE CAREERS SA
3 IMPORTANT QUALITIES THAT YOUR Dr Mehrdad Ghaziasgar POSITION REQUIRES? Senior Lecturer, An excellent grasp of, and deep passion for, Computer Head and Principal Science. Deep empathy with others and the ability to Researcher of the Assistive relate to them. The ability to come up with new and Technologies Research Group interesting ideas. Proudly Sponsored by : WHAT QUALIFICATIONS DO I NEED? It depends on the University, but most Universities now require at least an MSc or even PhD in Computer Science for a Junior Lecturing or Lecturing position. Again, this is not set in stone. There may be Universities that treat a BSc in Computer Science as being sufficient. DOES THE INDUSTRY (AND TYPE OF POSITION) THAT YOU ARE IN, FACE GENDER BIAS? Not that I’m aware of or have seen. There are many women that have attained professorships in Computer Science in South Africa. IS CONTINUING EDUCATION AND FURTHER STUDIES IMPORTANT IN YOUR TYPE OF CAREER? Not only important, but an absolute pre-requisite. Describe an average day? Delivering one or more lectures. Administering tutorials and practicals. Meeting with postgraduate students that I supervise to discuss their progress. Reading and critiquing students’ thesis drafts and/or papers. Marking assignments or tests. Reading and/or writing work-related emails. Working on research papers. Attending meetings of the department and/or faculty. Attending a conference over a few days (this happens once in a while). |SCIENCE CAREERS SA
with Thandiwe Litheko WHY DID YOU CHOOSE THIS CAREER? WHAT DOES YOUR JOB ENTAIL? I chose this career because of the passion I’m current employed as a Quality Assurance and love I have for food. I’ve always been Manager at a company that manufactures intrigued by how things are produced & flavors and colorants. My job entails day to where they originate from and not just day running of the food safety system, from the manufacturing point of view but approving manufactured products through more so, on a scientific level. organoleptic testing, auditing suppliers to ensure quality standards are maintained, WHAT TRAINING DID YOU UNDERGO, liaising with customers and problem solving AND WHERE? when products are rejected. I obtained my Food Technology diploma from WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST? Tshwane University of Technology, I have also furthered my studies with the University I’m constantly faced with challenges of South Africa through which I obtained a which leaves no room for boredom and certificate in Total Quality Management and being at the forefront of creating new other accredited institutions to increase my & exciting products. knowledge. | SCIENCE CAREERS SA
DESCRIBE AN AVERAGE DAY? WHAT QUALIFICATIONS DO I NEED? My average day would include day Minimum requirements are Food Technology to day running of the food safety diploma and experience management system and tackling non-conformances as they arise to TYPE OF PERSONALITY THAT WOULD ensure quality standards are ENJOY THIS KIND OF CAREER? maintained throughout the company. Any type of personality would enjoy this career, there is a lot of different opportunities in our industry 3 IMPORTANT QUALITIES THAT whether you are an introvert or an extrovert. You can YOUR POSITION REQUIRES? work in manufacturing/production, quality lab, product development, regulatory, be a sales representative or The ability to articulate yourself well, be an auditor (which involves a lot of travelling). delegate and communicate effectively with personnel which requires technical WHAT CHALLENGES HAVE YOU HAD TO OVERCOME? competency and problem-solving skills. Being a woman of seniority as well as supervising IN 1 SENTENCE, DESCRIBE YOUR JOB? men who are my subordinates and people mind Implementation and management of the food set change. safety system and product quality assurance. DOES THE INDUSTRY (AND YOUR TYPE EXPERIENCE VS TRAINING? OF POSITION) THAT YOU ARE IN, Both, our industry requires you to have FACE GENDER BIAS? knowledge and also experience. In my opinion no, if you are hardworking ADVICE FOR GRADE 11 AND 12 dedicated individual the sky is the limit. LEARNERS CONSIDERING THIS CAREER? IS CONTINUING EDUCATION AND FURTHER The food industry is the second biggest STUDIES IMPORTANT IN YOUR TYPE OF employer in SA and also the largest on CAREER? the planet. People are always eating, which means they can work anywhere In order to be successful at what you do, one have a job. needs to continuously learn new things . Standards and regulation are always improving and new food products are constantly being developed. One needs to enrich their knowledge whether its via training, reading or furthering their studies.
with Shaun Hart INFORMATION & COMMUNICATIONS TECHNOLOGY WHY DID YOU CHOOSE WHAT YOU LEAST WHAT CHALLENGES HAVE THIS CAREER? ENJOY? YOU HAD TO OVERCOME? For as long as I can remember, I love my job its really cool! One of the biggest challenges I have always had an interest in So it’s difficult to even come an IT manager faces is to technology and so my career up with a list of things I accept all kinds of complaints path in Information technology don’t really enjoy. But if I about systems, staff, networks was thelogical path to follow. had to name one it would etc,and get them sorted out be having to investigate without taking any of the WHAT FORMAL QUALIFICATION connectivity issues on the complaints personally or DID YOU HAVE TO ATTAIN? service provider’s side. to heart. When this part of the I completed a computer technician system fails, I am EXPERIENCE VS TRAINING? certificate and Boston City Campus hounded by the staff! and have since completed a number Both Experience and training are of short learning programs from a 3 IMPORTANT QUALITIES equally important. You require number of resources (online, THAT YOUR POSITION the training of a particular system seminars, etc.). Be warned – A career REQUIRES? to understand how it works, but in IT means lifelong learning. You experience with it to know how it always need to update and upgrade Important qualities needs to work for the company. your skills in order to remain to have as an The same goes for the technical relevant. IT Manager skills. The Boston Diploma in would be Network Systems and the Boston WHAT DOES YOUR JOB people skills, Diploma in Systems Development ENTAIL? multi-tasking cover managerial as well as IT abilities and skills so they provide an excellent I oversee the entire network of leadership skills. entrance to ICT positions. Boston (that has over 45 support These are often centres nationwide) as well as all learned on the information technology systems job, which is to ensure our business and why it is academic systems run smoothly important to without error. I work closely with start at a a number of service providers day technical level to day, investigating new systems using your and improving on current systems. skills and learn I oversee the IT staff members’ managerial tasks to ensure resources and skills on the job. time are used optimally. I would also recommend leadership WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST? and managerial courses such as the Boston The tasks I enjoy most about BCom, Diploma in my career is, investigating and Business Management configuring new systems. There or the Higher Certificate is nothing better than sourcing in Business Management. and implementing a new system that helps make everyone’s lives in the company a little easier. | SCIENCE CAREERS SA
Proudly Sponsored by DrSPhaauulnFHraanrktlyn National ICT Manager: Boston City Campus & Business College IN 1 SENTENCE, DESCRIBE TYPE OF PERSONALITY YOUR JOB? THAT WOULD ENJOY THIS KIND OF CAREER? Working under pressure to ensure all networks and systems The best personality traits to have run optimally without fail. for this position would be; a positive attitude, prioritisation abilities, TYPE OF PERSONALITY accountability, honesty and patience. THAT WOULD ENJOY THIS KIND OF CAREER? DOES THE INDUSTRY (AND YOUR TYPE OF POSITION) If you are considering a career THAT YOU ARE IN, FACE as an IT Manager then you will GENDER BIAS? need to learn how to take responsibility for someone I would like to think not, but the else’s actions. In the end, you ratio of men to woman in the IT will be the one everyone looks industry is much higher. I would at when something goes wrong like to think that a company with infrastructure or systems, employs the best candidate for even if it is not your fault or a the position and not base the fault of the I.T. department you decisions on gender. will ultimately need to accept responsibility and sort out the IS CONTINUING EDUCATION issue. And the best advice? AND FURTHER STUDIES Get started with your studies! IMPORTANT IN YOUR TYPE OF CAREER? It is always important to study further to improve your skills in IT and to learn new systems ■ |SCIENCE CAREERS SA
with Dr Michael Grenfell Why DID yOu WhAT TRAININg DID yOu DESCRIBE AN AVERAgE DAy? ChOOSE ThIS CAREER? uNDERgO, AND WhERE? I try to start each day with a bit of I love nature, and I am particularly I completed BSc and BSc Honours writing or creative activity, like drafting fascinated about how landscapes are degrees in Environmental Science graphics for a research paper, or shaped by the work of water, and how at the University of Natal, and an preparing a lecture, or catching up on life interacts with landscape processes MSc in Physical Geography at reading published research articles that to create the patterns that we see in UKZN. I then moved to Exeter are relevant to my research area. I rivers and wetlands around the world. University in Devon, England, to typically need to respond to about I also enjoy communicating knowledge to people. complete a PhD in Physical 20-30 emails each day, but I try to do An academic career is mostly about making Geography, which focused on this after lunch, unless I am called to interesting discoveries, and then communicating the geomorphology of large rivers address an urgent administrative issue. the relevance of those discoveries to people in a way that can be understood and appreciated. Prosthodontist Senior Water S Environmental & tre Lecturer, | SCIENCE CAREERS SA
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