Proudly Sponsored by WhAT DO yOu ENjOy MOST? Patience is very important in teaching. My job is to Teaching and learning in higher education advance I most enjoy teaching and research are not easy; things go wrong with scientific activities, especially those activities that equipment, students miss lectures for take me out of the office and into the various reasons and then ask for help, and understanding field. I try to spend as much time as there will be times when you are required to of river and possible digging around in rivers and teach some material that you are not truly wetland wetlands, or riding around large rivers passionate about, because no one else is on small boats. available to do it. Compassion is very ecosystems, and important. Many scientists are 3 IMpORTANT quAlITIES perfectionists, and sometimes expect too ThAT yOuR pOSITION much of their colleagues, support staff, REquIRES? students, or themselves. We never really know what other people are going through, Curiosity is the most important or why they may not be performing as well quality that a scientist can have. as we would like, but if we are patient, things usually work out okay in the end. Science IN 1 SENTENCE, DESCRIBE to yOuR jOB? communicate The joy of discovery. EXpERIENCE VS TRAININg: the relevance A university education is about much and importance more than training. You need to be of this able to make critical decisions, and solve complex problems, when you do ”understanding not have the step-by-step training to my peers manual in front of you (or when no training manual exists at all). ADVICE fOR gRADE 11AND 12 lEARNERS CONSIDERINg ThIS CAREER? The first essential step is to get a research (on average) through good matric pass and qualify for undergraduate, honours and masters university admission. Once you are in degrees, to the end of the PhD. the higher education system, you will slowly discover whether you want to continue studying or not. WhAT ChAllENgES hAVE IS CONTINUING EDUCATION AND yOu hAD TO OVERCOME? FURTHER STUDIES IMPORTANT IN YOUR TYPE OF CAREER? Grappling with some difficult subjects and adjusting to the Essential. It is the basis of this workload and way of thinking career. and communicating ideas at undergraduate level (university DOES ThE INDuSTRy (AND yOuR is a big leap up from school). TypE Of pOSITION) ThAT yOu ARE IN, fACE gENDER BIAS? WhAT quAlIfICATIONS DO I NEED? There is a history of male-dominated gender bias in science, but this is changing A PhD is a minimum requirement to be as awareness increases. There are many appointed as a university lecturer – it opportunities around at the moment that takes about 10 years of study and focus on supporting women in science. |SCIENCE CAREERS SA
with Molebogeng Mogalanyane Quantity SurveyOR Why DID yOu ChOOSE ThIS CAREER? 3 IMpORTANT quAlITIES ThAT yOuR pOSITION REquIRES? When I was in grade 9, I had a mammoth task of deciding which subjects to choose, which would You must have interpersonal skills because as a ultimately determine my career path. A BCom degree Quantity Surveyor, one deals with a lot of people was trending amongst my friends at the time. So from different spheres – from architects, being a clueless 14-year-old, I followed the trend and engineers, contractors, clients to labourers. selected commercial subjects, which I enjoyed, even if Another important quality one must possess is I felt the need to take physics as an additional paying attention to detail. Every aspect of the subject because I loved it so much. project must be considered by the Quantity Surveyor. One must also be organized in keeping WhAT TRAININg DID yOu uNDERgO, all paperwork, figures and data from each project. AND WhERE? IN 1 SENTENCE, DESCRIBE yOuR jOB? I studied towards a Diploma in Building Sciences at Tshwane University of Technology, then went on to I am a construction industry professional who deals complete a B Tech in Quantity Surveying. I’m with the costs, contracts and measurements of a currently enrolled for my master’s in Building construction project. Sciences with Quantity Surveying (QS) as a major. EXpERIENCE VS TRAININg? WhAT DOES yOuR jOB ENTAIl? My heart is definitely torn between experience and As a Quantity Surveyor, my role is to conduct training because I feel they are equally as important. measurements and costings for construction Training enables you to possess the tools you need projects. This includes doing feasibility studies, cost once one enter the work environment, planning, value engineering, cost benefit analysis, However, more often than not, students do not life cycle costing, tendering, managing the project, understand the concepts that are being explained in cost estimation and conducting cost valuations for the classroom until they are converted into practice. each project. ADVICE fOR gRADE 11 AND 12 DESCRIBE AN AVERAgE DAy? lEARNERS CONSIDERINg ThIS CAREER? I would be at the site office by 07:00; that’s usually the time when the safety team conducts team talks Start doing your research while still in high school. with the labourers. I would be on site to monitor and Find a mentor or job shadowing opportunity by a measure the progress according to our programme. quantity surveyor if you can, or visit construction sites, just to observe. Prepare yourself for WhAT DO yOu ENjOy MOST? university, so that you have a little bit of an understanding of the jargon and processes. I enjoy seeing the fruits of my labour, seeing a project that we started literally from the ground TYPE OF PERSONALITY THAT WOULD up, encountering challenges and serving the ENJOY THIS KIND OF CAREER? needs of the client or the end-users. I also enjoy being in financial control of things, even in my If you are an extrovert, enjoy meeting new people and personal life. Therefore, I am grateful that I can spending some days outside of the conventional office do this both at home and at work. by being on site, you will enjoy this. You must also be hard working. The career also entails working for long hours and to be fully focused on the end goal. | SCIENCE CAREERS SA
Prepare yourself Molebogeng Mogalanyane “for university, so that you have a |SCIENCE CAREERS SA little bit of an understanding ”of the jargon and processes WHAT CHALLENGES DID YOU HAVE TO OVERCOME? The biggest challenge I faced was finding my voice. Being in meetings with other professionals where I had to deliver the project cost reports was a challenge not because I did not know my work, but because I wasn’t confident enough. I had a great mentor, who showed me the ropes and helped build my confidence within the industry. WhAT quAlIfICATIONS DO I NEED? To become a Quantity Surveyor, one must either obtain a university degree in quantity surveying or a B Tech in Quantity Surveying, upon completing a National Diploma in Building Sciences. After completion of the qualification, one will be eligible to register with the South African Council of Quantity Surveyors in order to become a professional Quantity Surveyor. DOES ThE INDuSTRy (AND yOuR TypE Of pOSITION) ThAT yOu ARE IN, fACE gENDER BIAS? The industry does not face gender bias; in fact women are being encouraged to become part of the industry and to acquire the senior positions. However, it is still male dominated; therefore, we need more females to join and help us make our mark. IS CONTINuINg EDuCATION AND fuRThER STuDIES IMpORTANT IN yOuR TypE Of CAREER? Definitely; in the world of construction and property development there is always new technologies and new ideas being implemented, especially with sustainability being such a high priority in the world. . ■
with Riaan Greeff Technician:Electronic,Communication, PLC, Microcomputer & Systems Development Engineering Riaan Greeff Why DID yOu ChOOSE ThIS CAREER? | SCIENCE CAREERS SA Science and Technology have always fascinated me since an early age in my life. Now, 30 years later I have worked with a wide range of technologies and still, every day, I learn something new!This field brings electronics, electricity, radio and cellphones, industrial machines, computers and robotics together. WhAT TRAININg DID yOu uNDERgO, AND WhERE? I enrolled at the Vaal Triangle Technikon and achieved my B.Tech in 1996, Cum Laude for the industrial project. Prof Christo Pienaar is still an inspiring man to many post graduates, just as he was 20 years ago. I attend courses in my field on a regular basis, at least once a year, and keep myself up to date in the international technology development field through research, experimentation and consultation work for industry. WhAT DOES yOuR jOB ENTAIl? Primarily I am assisting a few hundred students every year in technical laboratory work. Electricity is all around us – it is up to us to utilize it to the fullest. I love to develop new and practical projects, and have successfully assisted numerous students to become amateur radio operators and electronics experimenters as well. Few people leave my laboratory without seeing at least one new thing. I have been to the industrial part of Shenzhen in China, Hong Kong and even made a turn in Istanbul and Bulgaria – all as part of the wide applications of this field. Remember that whether one is trying to program a PLC in industry to sort cans, or programming a microcontroller, the principles are the same.
“ I have been to the industrial part of Shenzhen in China, Hong Kong and even made a tur in Istanbul and Bulgaria ”– all as part of the wide applications of this field. DESCRIBE AN AVERAgE DAy? EXpERIENCE VS TRAININg? WHAT QUALIFICATIONS DO I NEED? Arrive at work, have a good cup of Through experience I learned that coffee, assist all the students projects could work. Through training Matric with languages, mathematics knocking at the door with their I ensured that projects do work. and science. – AND a keen curiosity to projects, then start with general Through passion for learning more want to understand the way technology repair and maintenance. Should I every day the world have been works! be busy with a project, then that will opened for me. enjoy my focus. . DOES ThE INDuSTRy (AND ADVICE fOR gRADE yOuR TypE Of pOSITION) WhAT ARE ThE MOST 11 AND 12 lEARNERS ThAT yOu ARE IN, fACE ENjOyABlE ASpECTS CONSIDERINg ThIS gENDER BIAS? Of yOuR pOSITION? CAREER? Electronics, computers, PLC and I enjoy seeing the theory come to life Use you spare time to learn those systems development is extremely in a practical project. I love to see skill sets. And keep on having those gender friendly. I have been to China my students succeed in life. I love to wonderful ideas! 2018 is here and and the Eastern countries – woman walk through industrial shows and the Internet, excellent universities are everywhere at the forefront of all find my students there representing and thousands of technical people the technologies! And so are the men! their companies. with recourses are literally at your fingertips! IS CONTINuINg WhAT IS ThE lEAST EDuCATION AND fuRThER ENjOyABlE pART TypE Of pERSONALITY STuDIES IMpORTANT IN Of yOuR jOB? ThAT WOulD ENjOy yOuR TypE Of CAREER? ThIS kIND Of CAREER? Sometimes one is challenged with Remember: It is 2018! The sky is really cutting edge technologies. Or Persons who are inquisitive, who are not the limit anymore! Study one is faced with a technology that excited to meet new people, who are formal, and study informal. Try simply does not seem to want to going to make some mistakes and everything you lay your hands on. work the way it should more still, learn from those mistakes NOTHING stands in your way to will make a success in the field of find the knowledge – and use the 3 IMpORTANT quAlITIES electronics, communications and Internet to find more stuff out. ThAT yOuR pOSITION systems engineering. Chances are that there is already REquIRES? another person on the planet with WHAT CHALLENGES HAVE similar project challenges. Become Be prepared to fail. Persevere and YOU HAD TO OVERCOME? smarter than just your smart be prepared to be amazed by what phone! ■ you discover! Be prepared to succeed! I had to learn how to bring business ethics, human nature, electronic and IN 1 SENTENCE, DESCRIBE computer technologies together. yOuR jOB? Persevere and keep your eyes on the final product. My job is my part time hobby that became my full time passion. |SCIENCE CAREERS SA
with Christopher Ngobeni NTeosntiDnegs&trPHuYcSItCiSve W hy did you choose this CAREER HIGHLIGHTS? career? Working within the various industries Quality defines my everyday living. was always my goal, aquiring some This is why when I found out about Non real NDT experience. Achieving my Destructive Testing (NDT) offered at Vaal Baccalaureus Technologiae in Quality. University of Technology, I decided to I always wanted to share my experience at the NDT workplace with students. change from my original career choice. Being a part of Vaal University of WhAT TRAININg DID yOu Technology NDT lecturing staff is an uNDERgO, AND WhERE? honour and a dream come true. This is the career where training and certification is very important, as errors WHAT IS THE MOST ENJOYABLE can have catastrophic consequences; PART OF YOUR JOB? therefore an NDT operator is expect to refresh skills regularly. I did my National Compared with my previous position, I Diploma in NDT at Vaal University of am getting a lot more information by Technology (VUT) and further went for my doing research. My current duties are level certification at School of Applied Non less physical, but does require more Destructive Examination (SANDE) for two reading. My personal and academic methods of inspection, namely, Liquid growth is thus expedited. I also like the penetrant inspection and Magnetic particles challenge of managing my own work. inspection. I also did Wall Thickness My current duties are also more personal Inspection at the Southern African Institute and informative. It projects more to the of Welding (SAIW). I have also completed future than a daily repetitive job. It also my Baccalaureus Technologiae (B Tech) in motivates me to get more information, Quality from the University of Johannesburg. by doing more research about NDT and I WhAT DOES yOuR jOB ENTAIl? am planning to register for an NDT I am currently working as a junior lecturer, Master’s degree qualification. conducting NDT methods both theory and practicals. I am also involved in keeping POTENTIAL GROWTH- WHERE CAN laboratories habitable including ensuring YOUR CURRENT POSITION LEAD? that the health and safety standards are adhered to; particularly for our students. There is a huge shortage of researchers I also make sure that the equipment are within South Africa’s engineering and in good working order, inclusive of regular technology sectors. My position as a junior stock taking. I am further involved in lecturer at the Vaal University of Technology research work within our department can easily prepare me to become one of the for innovation purposes because NDT is most sort after researchers specialised in NDT. a growing technology. 3 IMpORTANT quAlITIES ThAT | SCIENCE CAREERS SA yOuR pOSITION REquIRES? Creativity, dedication and patience.
” This career is for any person who is interested in Applied Sciences, willing to ”travel a lot and work long hours. In 1 sentence, Christopher Ngobeni describe your job? Junior lecturer (NDT) Quality through a boundary of technology. What qualifications do I NEED? EXpERIENCE VS TRAININg? A matric certificate with pass (level 4) in Mathematics, Physical Science and Experience can be accumulated even English for a Diploma in NDT. For a B Tech before or after training. It is mostly better in Quality, you need to have completed to attend a course with some previous the NDT diploma. knowledge in the application, but the best candidate for employment must DTyOpEESOTfhpEOINSIDTIuOSNTR) yTh(AANT DyOyOu uARRE have both training and experience. IN, fACE gENDER BIAS? ADVICE fOR gRADE 11 AND 12 An NDT career is for any gender but it is still lEARNERS CONSIDERINg ThIS dominated by men as it was statistically proven CAREER? that there are few women in the engineering and technology sector compared to men. I think There is no shortcut in quality. No matter how recognition must be given to the Vaal University hard it is to achieve the results, it must be of Technology (VUT) due to their big role they are done correctly. NDT needs dedicated people playing by offering the NDT Diploma. who can tolerate the pressure of working long There is a growing number of women hours, endure industry conditions and with in NDT field that come from the VUT patience, strive until they get the good results. and that is adding a percentage in A person who always wants to learn can survive engineering and technology sector NDT as a career. NDT is a growing technology as a whole.. that always has ‘new’ / innovative & advanced methods of inspection. |SCIENCE CAREERS SA TYPE OF PERSONALITY THAT WOULD ENJOY THIS KIND IF CAREER? This career is for any person who is interested in applied sciences, willing to travel a lot and working long hours. I can say it is the best career for an independent person, and always sober minded person. You are always on standby expecting a call to report for duty.
with Gina Swart QA& Why did you choose this career? What are the least enjoyable aspects? At certain times of the year, there are a lot The career chose me actually. I wanted to get into of varied activities going on concurrently, and Medical School, but looked at other options after my it can be tricky to juggle everything and not drop application was not successful. I initially enrolled for a any balls! BSc (Agric) in Microbiology, thinking I could get into the medical field as a medical microbiologist. I quickly 3 important qualities that realised that this was not what I wanted to do, and your position requires? doing vacation work with the Plant Pathology group opened a window to a fascinating world that I never Tenacity, resilience and lots of energy! knew existed but wanted to be a part of! In 1 sentence, describe your job? What training did you undergo, and Where? Playing an active role in providing sustainable disease control solutions to growers thereby I have a PhD (Agric) majoring in Plant Pathology. helping to ensure people have access to safe, I did all my formal training in the Department of high quality food. Microbiology and Plant Pathology at the University of Pretoria. Experience vs. Training? What does your job entail? Both. Training is very important to ensure you have the technical knowledge needed to do this I am responsible for leading Global Disease Control job well. That is just the first layer, time on the Product Biology team in close partnership with job and in the field cement this knowledge and several functions to efficiently deliver chemical and then add lots of additional components that are biological solutions that fit the company’s portfolio not possible to learn in a classroom or lab. requirements to ensure innovative and sustainable offers to growers. I also provide strategic direction to Advice for grade 11 and 12 manage efficient and timely development of new learners considering this career? active ingredients from research through Focus on your studies and try to do the best you Describe an average day? can. Science (Physics and Chemistry are important as well as Biology of course) are key. Every little bit I have two types of average days – one in the office, that you do in school, will help make the transition where I would attend meetings that would cover any to university easier. A culture of hard work and topic related to our research and development commitment will pay off later. activities and projects. I also have face to face meetings with my team to catch up with what they What are the most enjoyable are doing, and support with any issues they may aspects of your position? have. If I am travelling, then my typical day would involve spending a fair amount of time on an One day, I could be having a discussion on the aeroplane, train or bus and then visiting field trials molecular mechanism of resistance of a particular and having in depth discussions about what we have pathogen to a type of chemistry,then to having observed in the plots. I would also meet with local discussions to understand activity relationships of new colleagues, and visit growers and customers. chemical classes in the research labs, and finally meeting with growers and showing them field trials at What do you enjoy most? our research facility. I enjoy the technical challenges that the constantly evolving market presents. I also enjoy the diversity of the various activities with which I am involved. | SCIENCE CAREERS SA
Type of personality that would enjoy Mandlakazi Ntoyi this kind of career? Gina Swart Somebody who is focused, detail oriented but able to Head: Global Product Biology Fungicides step back and see the bigger picture, flexible, resilient and should like working with people. What challenges have you had to overcome ? The biggest challenges I have had to overcome was to get growers to accept that I was not the secretary, but somebody who understood their business and could have a technical conversation with them and adapting to working in the global headquarters of a company. What qualifications do I need? To be a Global Technical Manager, you need at least a Master’s degree in Plant Pathology/Agronomy, although a PhD is preferable. To lead such a team and research and development activities, a PhD is a must. Does the industry (and your type of position) that you are in, face gender bias? While there have been significant improvements in the industry in general, with some women now in key positions, women are still underrepresented, and this becomes more evident, the higher you move through the ranks. Is continuing education and further studies important in your type of career? Absolutely! Being at the cutting edge of research and development means that things move very quickly and it is important to keep abreast of developments. |SCIENCE CAREERS SA
with Lesiba Collence Mphepya Broiler Breeder & Production Manager WHY DID YOU CHOOSE THIS CAREER? WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST? Walking into a chicken house and all When I was growing up, I had a passion for the birds flocking or moving towards farming. I was a herd man for my father’s me as a sign of happiness. Every day cattle and I also used my father’s tractor is different and can’t wait for new to plough and transport wood. When I challenges. Doing post mortems of the attended high school, my sister got married birds is the most exciting part as I learn to a Veterinarian and then my passion for different causes of birds mortality. farming became more intense as I drove around with him vaccinating Community WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST? cattle. I manage a team of 20 Supervisors together with the wellbeing of the WHAT FORMAL QUALIFICATION DID chickens. YOU HAVE TO ATTAIN, AND WHERE? EXPERIENCE VS TRAINING? I applied at TUT (Pta) for Animal Science as my Unfortunately, no one is born with first choice and Nature Conservation was my experience and you need theoretical optional course in case I do not get admitted on knowledge to be well trained. Training my first choice. To complete my National and qualifications are prerequisites to Diploma, I had to undergo a two years theory as be successful. well as experiential training for my last year (3rd year). After completing my National Diploma, I ADVICE FOR GRADE 11 AND 12 then continued with my B.Tech in Animal LEARNERS CONSIDERING THIS CAREER? Science at TUT as well. It is not only the qualification that will WHAT DOES YOUR JOB ENTAIL? takeyou up the ladder, hard work matters. I had a passion for farming chickens and I did TYPE OF PERSONALITY THAT WOULD well in all my Poultry modules. I then followed ENJOY THIS KIND OF CAREER? the Poultry stream after completing my Degree. I manage a Poultry farm which consists of 45 Open minded person willing to research poultry houses with the carrying capacity of more on the latest technology in farming. 10 000 birds/chickens per house. | SCIENCE CAREERS SA
3 IMPORTANT QUALITIES THAT Mark Cohen YOUR POSITION REQUIRES? Good managerial Skills. Lesiba Collence Mphepya Good background of Human resources. Technical farming background. WHAT QUALIFICATIONS DO I NEED? At least a degree in Animal Science with good farming background and passion for farming. DOES THE INDUSTRY (AND YOUR TYPE OF POSITION) THAT YOU ARE IN, FACE GENDER BIAS? 60% yes (Men), most daily duties are too physical and women do not last….due to the bending and carrying of heavy feed bags. IS CONTINUING EDUCATION AND FURTHER STUDIES IMPORTANT IN YOUR TYPE OF CAREER? Very much, I am currently completing my Masters in Animal Science and I still have the eager for Doctorate. The I will consider studying MBA or MBL. Describe an average day? Very busy, running the business as usual. Managing different teams at the workplace and checking production figures at the end of the day. Doing my utmost best to solve every employee’s problem or challenge. |SCIENCE CAREERS SA
with Gopolang Motswai areer? ? Architect Career h Lectur&er S SA | SCIENCE CAREERS SA
I enjoy being part of a team, working together toproblems that interfere with your ability to do bring bWHY DID YOUtheCtHhiOngOs tShaEt are important to you. It can uilding solutions to my community. I alsoTHIS CAREERa?lso prevent a problem or minimize its effects. enjoy visiting completed buildings that I haveIn 2001, I got anAdopvpicoertfuonriptyetoople considering this travel abroad. Mcyatrreaevre. l to Europe designed. That gives megreat sense of fulfilment.exposed me, at Vaisyitoausnmgaangyed,iftfoerent occupational an advanced antdhevriabpryasnetttciongnstraassptossible, so that you of the built envircoanmexepnetr.ieAnnceidtheeavl ariety of services that bthuailtdIinagspmiryedhotomtaphneiasocrcpotaipucroeinprettarruyctne,ainStiynootufofteshre. eThifisowccilul paaElstoXiogPniavEleRyoIEu NCE VS TRAINING? WUAfNrHicDAaE.TRTGROAI&NItuttrWNehhhnweeedGHrraueearErnpdDagiyRirvrneIaeiDsgEdrmstu?mihatYaeynotOeymcrioagUeeunnhnrdlttsigsjeqohbucbtoaaeftnlnoihfirbineayegdsocaauthnhniITp.naedArbrlraellheeatpihpnalniaogiensiurivtndne.ge.ggAsh,tll–yhoaautdttehoqesustaeruttecwttuorarweinoyirnokugrhand Practice makes permanent, My high school eydouuchaatvieotnohdaodis think out of twheorbkoxe!xperience in order to therefore, use your time diligently very little, if not any, built maximize the valuable education as you may be indirectly practicing environment relTaytepde of person that wouldyoeunjwoyill receive through experience bad habits which will be difficult to while giving an overview of the unlearn in the future. information. So tmhiystkrainindinogf caatreer? Find an Architect and visit their TUT had all the eAsssgeennteiariclsas it sounds, a persocnhwosheon field of study. office for a week during your needed to lay thgeefnouuinnedlyawtioannt.sIto make a difference. This school holidays. completed my MmTayecnhotdbeegorenea world scale, bEutxperience – diligent and in Architecture ioncc2u0p1a2tio. nal therapists can readlleyligbiveerate experience cements the TYPE OF PERSONALITY THAT YsndteaOriawlytUepfgRueinrescsptoeiorcntpivrtoreav, iiwndihinneggt,hcteehrailcidthriiesnntettghhhdwcreeuooitucrtphheaginaehtgiolowrnieoisnrkotrcfahyiaonluilnergntrgaaeninsditnpogrot. edsutce WOULD ENJOY THIS KIND OF WHAT DOES CAREER? JOB ENTAIL? A technical and creative person with tAAOorsfcffiahicriesltete+-cyctetSu,airItreegrsi+tvauenldediwaidmnecleshnnptpoosuotroisavbrcgreaechtantatoihdtnivcoceaTetlisdalUnsealik.sgscnTisal.doltesIceisscfdoua,rpbwealivetlleiiotnronygdawtlaootyhrwkleifoMWYrienar.OpkyaAhyhUltpisaemAheraHdromTis,tuAoe.lCnddDHeTAxOpLoLOsEuVrNeEGRpErCioSOr HMtoAEmV?yE community development ideologies. malsyospmaareketihmoes.pYWitoahulandteeeqsduigaanlGisfriaicndaeti1o2nwsitdhoscI ineneFNhceiionegdtaha?hnneadrcvienidngugmcaaytkisontnouwdsitleeusdd.gieesa. ble WHAT QUALIfICATIONS DO I NEED? DESCRIBE ANmAatVhsE. TRhAis GmEayDvaAryYa?t differendatunrdinrgelmataybslteudsiuepsp. ort structure To be an Architect, you will need A normal office day schedule would an M Tech / M Arch degree in Architecture. DOES THE INDUSTRY (AND YOUR TYPE OF POSITION) THAT YOU ARE IN, fACE GENDER BIAS? include design and documentation 3 IMPORTANT QUALITIES Yes. The built environment is time in the office, meetings with THAT YOUR POSITION male dominated. I support and clients and other built environment REQUIRES? appreciate the involvement of consultants, site meetings and different genders in our work project progress inspections. So it’s environment. always handy to keep a formal Talent, patience and attitude are jacket and a hard hat in the car good combination skills and IS CONTINUING EDUCATION boot in order to be flexible between discipline. AND FURTHER STUDIES work spaces. Quality design, IMPORTANT IN YOUR TYPE OF communication, CAREER? WHAT DO YOUUniEveNrsJiOtieYs, so it is best to conatancdt etaimche management skills. MOST? University. IN 1 SENTENCE, Yes. After completing your studies, it is advised that you I enjoy sharing mDyoeksnothweleIndgdeustry (and DESCRIBE YOUR JOB? keep on attending short courses and workshops to improve your your type of skills and knowledge systems in and informationpwoistihtitohne) that you are in, fIaacem a chief builder. the built environment industry. ■ students, on andgeonffdcearmbpiauss?. I also enjoy beingMpoarertwoofmaatnetahman, men chooseAtDo bVeIcCoEmeFOR PEOPLE highlights? CONSIDERING THIS CAREER? working togetheorctcoupbartiinognal therapist. bccdseooeunmmsilisdgmpeinnleuoegtnfdesif.dtouTyllb.hufiIuatlmiaitolldgnseATcsIisisonnthafvurectrgetie.ceodossHnaenimejtemirothsas?iyylaeontihutvmugriIPisrpnsrheitotogaaaifntrevteutsgeatdsoinuortyncsaibntCoiodyouyonnuaacnrinldrhaYteodlioyrtgqfepuifhStquureuoeuirraduiroetrtteehfthmth.sietSaueurtsnndutetd.hywehilmal dridneitamenrudmmainime ymouurch to do continuing education activities every year in order to register yearly. |SCIENCE CAREERS SA
with Lieutenant Lindeka Lebea (SA Navy) WHY DID YOU WHAT TRAINING DID YOU WHAT EXACTLY DOES YOUR CHOOSE THIS CAREER? UNDERGO, AND WHERE? JOB ENTAIL? Growing up, I used to watch I obtained a National Diploma in As an Assistant Marine Engineer on my father when he would fix Mechanical Engineering through board, my duties include being in his car at home. I enjoyed CPUT and have recently completed charge of the maintenance teams of being there to pass him the my BTech in Mechanical Engineering both the auxiliary and propulsion tools as he was busy. through UNISA and will be graduating machinery, maintenance planning, My love for mechanics developed at that in June 2018. After joining the SA Navy Damage Control Evolutions during time. While still at high school, we would in 2010, I integrated to being Marine fire-fighting or flood on board, hear that South Africa had a shortage of Engineering, as I work on board a ship. divisional duties, general engineering female engineers. This fact encouraged I then obtained training in Occupational duties as detailed by the MEO, acting me. Being a girl, my family expected me Health & Safety (OHS) from the Military as the Engineering Officer’s to study Nursing however, for me my Health Services, completed both my Storekeeper and ensuring that the interests were with the spanners, dirty Auxiliary and Engine-room Watch - ship adheres to the OHS Act and overalls and oily hands. keeping qualifications. Regulations 85 of 1993. Assistant Marine Engineering Officer SAS DRAKENSBERG | SCIENCE CAREERS SA
Proudly Sponsored By: WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST? 3 IMPORTANT QUALITIES \" We would hear THAT YOUR POSITION that South Nothing gives me more satisfaction about REQUIRES? Africa had a my work than the part when we have shortage of successfully completed or repaired a major Eagerness to learn, female defect or breakdown in the Engine-room. hard-working and one must engineers. It just gives me a sense of accomplishment, be open minded This fact a moment of pride. The teamwork that actually encouraged me” leads to such a moment, is the one that makes IN 1 SENTENCE, DESCRIBE me prouder. This is because each breakdown YOUR JOB? WHAT QUALIFICATIONS DO or defect has its own merits, we hardly get I NEED? the same defect, it is always a new learning A dirty, exhausting but very curve. I can proudly say that the best of the rewarding experience of a lifetime. One requires at least a National benefits is that I am surrounded by a team of Diploma in Mechanical/ Marine experienced hard workers and that makes EXPERIENCE VS TRAINING: Engineering. working and learning easier because the transfer of skills and knowledge is continuous. With experience, training becomes WHAT ARE YOUR CAREER easier and so it is actually helps GOALS? when you have a bit of an experience however, internal Yes, it is essential to further your training is provided within the studies when in this career because organization. some of the practices, like maintenance planning, environmental ADVICE FOR GRADE management and project 11 AND 12 LEARNERS management, only make sense once CONSIDERING THIS CAREER? you know the philosophy behind. I strongly encourage further studies. It is a very interesting career, rewarding with experience DOES THE INDUSTRY (AND YOUR however it is not for people TYPE OF POSITION) THAT YOU looking for handouts, it is for hard ARE IN, FACE GENDER BIAS? workers, inquisitive people who take initiative. When I first joined the ship I did come across such challenges however for WHAT CHALLENGES HAVE me, the only way to overcome such YOU HAD TO OVERCOME? was just by doing my work the correct way and not looking for favors or even The stereotypes against women validation from others. It is important to in engineering are the ones that stand your ground and work with your take the first place. That is hands to prove that you are capable followed by people thinking that and suitable. Women can do the job because I am a woman, I will not just like the men counterparts can. be willing to take charge and We may not be as physically strong as swing a spanner. they are but now we have power bars, cranes, hoisting equipment to help TYPE OF PERSONALITY THAT WOULD ENJOY THIS KIND OF where we cannot reach or carry. ■ CAREER? SCIENCE CAREERS SA | A normal inquisitive and hard working person, will do. One must just be grounded and be willing to learn however not expect an office environment that is isolated but a person that knows that his/ her working environment is full of oil and exhaust gas fumes. A normal working day would be less spent in the office but most on your feet and in overalls, swinging a spanner and looking for effective ways to maintain machinery and keep the ship afloat.
with Kentse Thubakgale Metallurgical Engineer WHY DID YOU CHOOSE THIS CAREER? WHAT FORMAL QUALIFICATION DID YOU HAVE TO ATTAIN, AND WHERE? During my high school days at Holy Trinity School in Winterveldt, north west of Pretoria, we had I studied Engineering: Metallurgy at the Tshwane visitors from the Anglo American Mining Company. University of Technology (TUT) where I obtained a They showed us a video of the daily operations on National Diploma and did the experiential learning, a metallurgical plant. I saw some female operators currently called work integrated learning (WIL), at in laboratory coats and was immediately fascinated, Exxaro Resources – R&D Plant in Pretoria West. the picture would not leave my mind. I later learnt Following that I went back to TUT and obtained the that the mining industry was South Africa’s Bachelor’s (BTech) and Master’s (MTech) degrees in economic backbone. Based on that understanding, I Metallurgy. felt that I wanted to be part of my country’s economic backbone and I could not imagine doing WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST? anything greater than that for my country. It is imperative that when students leave university WHAT DOES YOUR JOB ENTAIL? to work, they contribute to the industry with new ideas and that stems from the knowledge acquired I am employed as a Lecturer in Metallurgical here. With research comes traveling to conferences Engineering Department at the Vaal University of to present findings of projects that I work on Technology (VUT), I am responsible for providing individually and with collaborators. As an avid academic leadership in the department. This involves traveler, I take pleasure in the trips. teaching and research activities at both under and post-graduate levels. I also participate in curriculum development, laboratory management and liaising with the mining and metallurgical industry.
“I learnt that the mining industry was South Africa’s economic backbone and I felt that I wanted to be part of the industry.” 3 IMPORTANT QUALITIES THAT WHAT QUALIFICATIONS DO I NEED? YOUR POSITION REQUIRES? National Senior Certificate (NSC) Compulsory Be knowledgeable, enthusiastic and approachable. subjects Minimum English 4, Mathematics 4, Physical Science 4, Any four other subjects 3 x 4 WHAT ARE THE LEAST ENJOYABLE Total: 24 ASPECTS? TYPE OF PERSONALITY THAT WOULD I get demoralized when students fail. To a certain ENJOY THIS KIND OF CAREER? extent, we take the role of parents when they are on campus and seeing your children fail is not a nice A critical thinker, resourceful, inquisitive and thing. Learning is a two-way process where students cooperative. Engineers are designers and problem should take interest in learning and lecturers in solvers. They always look for ways to improve living preparing for lessons. When one party does not take standards through iterations, evaluating all aspects full responsibility of their role, both suffer as a result. of a problem and proposing solutions. IN 1 SENTENCE, DESCRIBE YOUR JOB? WHAT CHALLENGES HAVE YOU HAD TO OVERCOME? A great platform for career and personal development. Upon completing my theory component in university, I struggled to get placement for WIL We then went back EXPERIENCE VS TRAINING? to TUT and worked on a research project with our while we also applied at external companies With training comes experience. Training sensitizes an individual of the task ahead DOES THE INDUSTRY (AND YOUR TYPE and how it should be correctly approached OF POSITION) THAT YOU ARE IN, and executed. Safety awareness is also of FACE GENDER BIAS? importance, metallurgical laboratories and plants are very hazardous environments. No. The industry is open to all genders although still male dominated, there is a significant number ADVICE FOR GRADE 11 AND 12 of females who are in production plants. On the LEARNERS CONSIDERING THIS CAREER? academic side, the numbers are also growing and this is very exciting. Females are encouraged to Metallurgy is an exciting field where one gets to participate as lecturers and researchers. experience science in its totality. We study the science of metals and the special properties that IS CONTINUING EDUCATION AND FURTHER metals possess to separate them from other STUDIES IMPORTANT IN YOUR TYPE OF metals and non-metals in order to make metal CAREER? products such as the utensils we use at home, steel structures used in building houses and alloys As times change so do trends in the mining and used in aerospace manufacturing. metallurgy industries. With further studies comes specialization. There are various fields in metallurgy and they include: Hydrometallurgy, Pyrometallurgy and Physical metallurgy. One may choose to specialize in any of the fields.
with Nina Parry WHY DID YOU WHAT TRAINING DID YOU DESCRIBE AN AVERAGE DAY? CHOOSE THIS CAREER? UNDERGO, AND WHERE? An average day starts off with colony maintenance, Insects have always been I completed my three year checking that my flies have everything they need, a source of great fascination Bachelor of Science degree in that they are laying eggs and have enough water. to me, along with biology and Entomology at the University After that I collect the eggs and any hatchlings and science and realising that I of Pretoria. After that, I went put them onto a formulated diet. I then check on the could make a career out of learning more on to complete my honours older larvae that have been feeding for a few days and master's in Entomology, to a few weeks to see how they are doing I make about and working with insects on a daily with a focus on flies and sure my team is doing everything they need to be nutrient recycling, also at Tuks. doing, including waste collection, waste processing basis sounded very exciting. I had no idea and so on. After that it is all about data collection, data capture and data interpretation. when I decided to study entomology just how exciting and interesting it would be. tre | SCIENCE CAREERS SA
WHAT DO YOU ENjOY MOST? IN 1 SENTENCE, DESCRIBE YOUR JOB? I enjoy being the lead researcher in I research and make use of flies , my team as well as learning new and fly larvae to reduce and recycle organic waste that would , things about my insects on a daily otherwise be problematic to the environment, and I produce . basis. Working directly with the value-added products from the fly larvae (like protein feed for pigs d insects and seeing them thrive and and chickens and compost for farmers) to create a completely e exceed my expectations is also circular economy. thrilling. EXPERIENCE VS TRAINING: e 3 IMPORTANT QUALITIES THAT Training needs to come first and e YOUR POSITION REQUIRES? foremost, but experience makes g the big difference. , Diligence, patience and never ADVICE FOR GRADE 11 AND 12 LEARNERS ending curiosity. CONSIDERING THIS CAREER? to give you the training and experience Go in with an open mind and a to use the knowledge you learn in your passion for science. After that, undergraduate studies. remember that biology, science, mathematics and English gives IS CONTINUING EDUCATION AND you the best foundations for FURTHER STUDIES IMPORTANT IN knowledge, understanding the YOUR TYPE OF CAREER? world around you, problem solving and communication and Yes, it is of the utmost importance. you cannot go wrong with doing your best in those subjects. DOES THE INDUSTRY (AND YOUR TYPE OF POSITION) THAT YOU ARE IN, FACE WHAT CHALLENGES HAVE GENDER BIAS? YOU HAD TO OVERCOME? There are more women in science now than Every step forward for any career ever before and we are making great strides in science has its own unique in our work. That being said, I have not challenges. One of the greatest experienced or seen any of my peers challenges has been finding a job experience any kind of gender bias. We are after I graduated that specifically all passionate about science and that is all suited my interests and gave me room to pursue them. Not that counts to us. ■ everyone is quite so lucky. WHAT QUALIFICATIONS DO I NEED? An undergraduate degree in science is a must; with at least an honours, but preferably a master’s degree in Entomology, |SCIENCE CAREERS SA
Pro with Prof Yusuf Osman Why DID yOu WhAT TRAININg DID yOu DESCRIBE AN AVERAgE DAy? ChOOSE ThIS CAREER? uNDERgO, AND WhERE? To ensure all the patients have been Prosthodontics is a specialty of The basic training after matric is screened and to attend to staff/ Dentistry. You first have to be a Dentistry and the degree is a B. ChD patient inquiries or problems which dentist with some general practice and takes five years followed by a may arise on the day. Treat patient's experience before you specialize. year of Community service. It was main complaints which are There are six specialties in Dentistry but preferable for me to then do some extractions, draining of abscess, Prosthodontics was the most appealing to me. general dentistry for at least 2 years. treatment of dry sockets, emergency The name means \"false teeth\" and the specialty I then qualified as a Dentist at UWC root canal treatment, and immediate involves replacing parts of a tooth, the whole tooth, and was among the first class that denture treatment. and even all the teeth. The reason I choose this graduated. Thereafter, four years’ specialty is because I saw how people's lives are full time (UWC) specialist training changed by just \"fixing\" their smiles. (M. ChD) as a Prosthodontist. Prosthodontist tre | SCIENCE CAREERS SA
oudly Sponsored by WhAT DO yOu ENjOy MOST? Responsiveness: This type of work Sometimes is expensive and out of the reach of especially for Being able to help people Often when most patients and therefore you need young people if people come to a Prosthodontist, they to use service as many people as you can offer are desperate and have had numerous much of the time. them the option attempts at saving their teeth. Being Team player: Prosthodontics is to keep their able to help these patients is very especially reliant on a team own teeth rather gratifying. approach. You need the Oral than go to false Hygienist, the Dental Technician teeth they are 3 IMpORTANT quAlITIES and Dental Assistant and the general even grateful ThAT yOuR pOSITION dentist to provide the optimal care because there is REquIRES? for the patient. nothing better Empathy: You are the last resort for IN 1 SENTENCE, ”than your own most patients and therefore need to DESCRIBE yOuR jOB? teeth. understand their predicament. A natural smile for life. IS CONTINUING EDUCATION AND FURTHER STUDIES IMPORTANT EXpERIENCE VS TRAININg: IN YOUR TYPE OF CAREER? Training is the cornerstone of the Yes. Life would be boring if you stopped profession. This is the fall back learning. You have to challenge yourself. position whenever challenged in President Mandela once said \"I have practice. Experience is gained over climbed this mountain, now I have to climb time and builds on the training that the next one\".Also for on-going registration you received. with the Health Professions Council of South Africa you have to get at least 30 ADVICE fOR gRADE points of on-going learning per year. 11AND 12 lEARNERS CONSIDERINg ThIS DOES ThE INDuSTRy (AND yOuR CAREER? TypE Of pOSITION) ThAT yOu ARE IN, fACE gENDER BIAS? Work hard. In life whatever you do you need the right attitude and if Yes, previously the whole Dentistry you are committed to assisting profession was dominated by White, males people work at it and you will however over the years this has changed. receive the rewards. The saying is Our classes now are 50/50 or even more \"Attitude will give you Altitude\". females. ■ WhAT ChAllENgES hAVE yOu hAD TO OVERCOME? |SCIENCE CAREERS SA Sometimes people expect the impossible. With aging comes certain natural changes and some people expect you to restore them to what they looked like when they were 20 years old. However, with good explanations they understand the limitations of the specialty. WhAT quAlIfICATIONS DO I NEED? The same as the qualification to enter Dentistry as that is the only way to become a Prosthodontist.
with Abdul Kareem Abderoof Preharvest Technical Advisor Why did you choose this career? What is the least enjoyable part of your job? From a very young age I was fascinated with plants and science. My parents instilled a culture of passion for Sometimes, you must work with very difficult people who growing plants and asking why do they grow that way? As I do not understand you, especially if they want an immediate grew older I started learning the value of agriculture and the solutions to problems. It can be a frustrating to guide them impact it can have in changing people’s lives. After high when they have a set viewpoint. At other times, school, I then decided that I wanted to study agricultural administrative work can become time consuming. sciences. So, that in the future I can use science and agriculture to develop people in our country. career highlights? What training did you undergo, I am still very young into my career and my highlights are and Where? more personal. To be able to advise and guide older people After matriculating from high school, I completed a four year who have been in farming for years, when I myself do not come from a farming background. Bachelor of Science degree in Agriculture at Stellenbosch University. I specialised in Soil and Crop Sciences. 3 important qualities that your position requires? What does your job entail? As with any career, you need to have passion for what you are As a preharvest advisor, my key responsibilities are guiding doing. It determines whether you are willing to add meaning to and assisting growers and farm managers on all aspects what you are doing. When you are passionate, you will regarding growing a blueberry crop. I advise the design and ultimately be successful in any career. Second, is humility. By planning of new farms and managing existing farms so that being humble you are patient, can learn and listen even if you the crop can be sold for the highest profit mainly to the know what you are doing. This will ensure that farmers respect overseas market. I focus on obtaining the best quality crop you and will naturally listen to you. Being humble makes you by using scientific principles to manipulate the climate, the preferred go to advisor. Lastly, you need to have good environment, nutrition and genetics of crops. This is done communication skills, as you speak to various people. by researching and doing trials and experiments. Another This will ensure efficiency. key responsibility is to develop and sustain good relationships between various parties in 1 sentence, describe your job? describe an average day? To assist farmers in obtaining the best crop using technical experience and scientific knowledge. Fortunately, there is no average day for me. Most of my time is dedicated to grower interaction, either by doing experience vs training? physical farm visits or by constant communication. This is when issues for example irrigation, nutrition or pollination You need good training to gain and develop the foundational is discussed. This is to address any problems the grower is knowledge on which you build by using experience. currently facing like the current drought situation and how do we work around it.Thereafter, my time is dedicated to advice for grade 11 and 12 learners research, where I will look at new or different methods to considering this career? improve the crop and if it is profitable for the farm. Lastly my time is spent in company meetings, planning and doing To enter agricultural science, you would have to choose the admin correct subjects namely; Physical Sciences, Biology, Geography and Mathematics. To give you a better What do you enjoy most? understanding of what you want to study, try to gain experience by doing an internship or vocational work I enjoy being able to advise, guide and learn with my during holidays. Volunteer at a local nursery who will offer farmer’s new ways to approach not only agricultural you guidance. issues. With this information, I can give back to society new scientific methods to help others how to farm. This will enable other people to develop themselves and this is very gratifying for me. | SCIENCE CAREERS SA
WANT TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE? Conserving the environment, supplying food for rapidly growing populations and ensuring that food and food sources are unpolluted and safe for consumption – these are topical issues on the agendas of the highest levels of governments all around the world. You can be at the forefront of the solutions to benefit the human race and the earth for genera- tions to come. DIVERSE CAREER OPTIONS! Careers in food production, conservation, processing and marketing, research, teaching, consultation, guidance, farm management, environmental management and plant management eg. ANIMAL NUTRITION FRUIT INDUSTRY AGRI-BUSINESS CONSERVATION MANAGEMENT FOOD INDUSTRY FORESTRY AND WOOD PRODUCTS BIOTECHNOLOGY FARMING – CROPS, ANIMALS, VINEYARDS PLANT, ANIMAL AND HUMAN GENETICS WINEMAKING MARKETING EXCITING PROGRAMMES IN: GENETICS PLANT PATHOLOGY AQUACULTURE (plant diseases) VITICULTURE AND OENOLOGY (fish and shellfish) SOIL SCIENCE ANIMAL SCIENCES AGRICULTURAL ECONOMICS AGRONOMY FOOD SCIENCE CONSERVATION ECOLOGY (crops eg wheat and canola) HORTICULTURAL SCIENCE FORESTRY AND WOOD SCIENCE (fruit, vegetables, flowers) AND ENTOMOLOGY CONTACT US ASK YOUR QUESTIONS : tel: 021 808 2978 | fax: 021 808 2001 | email: [email protected] | website: www.sun.ac.za/agric
type of person that Would enjoy Abdul this kind of career? Kareem Abderoof A person who enjoys working in nature and is inquisitive about the world around them. The “I can personality needs to be understanding of other people give back to and their backgrounds. Be prepared to travel and at society new times be for long period of times away from home. scientific methods to potential for groWth - Where help others can your current position lead? how to farm.” At the current company this positions next step is senior |SCIENCE CAREERS SA advisor followed by Preharvest technical manager. This is when you manage the advisory team and take on large scale new farm developments. This position can lead into a more research and development role, in which I specialize in researching a specific topic. What challenges have you had to overcome? The greatest challenge I faced was learning and entering the agricultural environment since I do not come from an agricultural background. It was essentially like learning a new language and culture very quickly. I had to overcome my initial fears and prove to everybody that I am capable and knowledgeable about agriculture. This can be daunting especially if a farmer is not receptive to your assistance and you need to convince him of what you advising. What qualifications do i need? To be an advisor you first need to have matriculated from grade 12. Thereafter complete a four-year agricultural degree. Either specializing in soil or crop sciences. What are your career goals? I would like to be more involved in research and rural development. With the knowledge and expertise that I build I would want to be more involved in establishing new farms for smaller upcoming communities. This could lead me to working with government and organizations that can create and alter policies that focuses on rural development. Ultimately, I would like to establish my own farming business IS CONTINUING EDUCATION AND FURTHER STUDIES IMPORTANT IN YOUR TYPE OF CAREER? With any industry, it is important to further your studies. I particularly would like to further my studies by either doing an MBA or specializing further in crop sciences. It is important to enhance your skill set by obtaining new knowledge regularly and studying further can only help you succeed.
WWW.SUN.AC.ZA/SCIENCE [email protected] 021 808 3063
w ti h with Segomotso Kelefetswe Civil Engineer
Why DID yOu ChOOSE describe An AverAge dAy ThIS CAREER? Depending upon the project they could be designing structures A career in Civil Engineering such as prestressed girder units, cast-in-place bent caps or centers on many aspects of service drilled shafts; checking another engineer's design (QC/QA is a delivery, like provision of very important part of our process); checking plan details or infrastructure, water, roads, etc. I developing quantities. We also design and detail retaining chose the career because I am walls, detention pond walls, culverts, overhead sign structures more interested in making a and other miscellaneous structures. difference in society by serving others. When I see people’s lives CAREER hIghlIghTS? pOTENTIAl fOR gROWTh improved, I get fulfilled. Secondly, I - WhERE CAN yOuR get to see the finished project and I started my professional career in CuRRENT pOSITION the purpose it was initiated. This 2002 at the then Department of lEAD? confirms that needs are being met. Water Affairs and Forestry where my department undertook a My advice is for the learner to be WhAT TRAININg DID betterment project internally and intimate with their career choice. yOu uNDERgO, AND not through external consultants. You must start researching and WhERE? It was initially doubted that our knowing more about the field of your team would complete the project, choice before completing Grade 11. I obtained my Bachelors Degree, especially as the government Do not leave any stone unturned in BSc Eng (Civil), at Wits department, but because we were pursuit of the knowledge of your University in 2002; and I am determined and willing to work career choice. Where possible further registered as a hard we completed the project interact with professionals in that Professional Engineer with the within cost, on time and with the field. When in Grade 12, you must Engineering Council of South right quality. I was fortunate to then be sure what the profession of Africa. complete the section I was your choice entails in detail, and assigned to quicker and ended up start being that engineer or WhAT DOES yOuR jOB helping other colleagues with their professional whilst you’re about to ENTAIl? embark on a n academic journey to ADVICE fOR pEOplE collect the official certification or I currently work as a Project CONSIDERINg ThIS CAREER. degree through varsity training. Engineer, and my job entails : My advice is for the learner to be WhAT ARE yOuR CAREER 1) Managing implementation of intimate with their career choice. You gOAlS? engineering of projects in must start researching and knowing accordance to defined scope more about the field of your choice My career goals is to start my own of services and specifications before completing Grade 11. Do not company, where I could employ leave any stone unturned in pursuit young people and contribute 2) Managing professional service of the knowledge of your career towards affording opportunities to provider to ensure delivery of choice. Where possible interact with train learners who need the project on time and within professionals in that field. When in experiential training. budget. Grade 12, you must then be sure what the profession of your choice EXPERIENCE VS. TRAINING? 3) During construction, I am entails in detail, and start being that based full time on site to engineer or professional whilst Yes, I think I will always be a monitor construction and act you’re about to embark on an student. The nice thing about as the Employer’s academic journey to collect the medicine is there are changes all representative, to ensure official certification or degree through the time so you are continuously successful implementation of varsity training. learning and being introduced to the project. new techniques and knowledge. ■ WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST? \"As this is one of the fields I enjoy the outdoor nature of my classified as “scarce skills”, work as I do not like to spend much time in the office; I like to be you could be employed in where activities are taking place. many sectors” I have lots of fun when doing inspections on the project or the site walks with management. The joy is more on seeing the development of a project right from the beginning (where there’s nothing) up to its completion. It’s the refreshing side of the profession. IN 1 SENTENCE, DESCRIBE yOuR jOB? Management of Projects to ensure the project is completed on time, within the budget (cost), with the right quality and is fit for purpose.
WHY WITS? WITS HAS A GLOBAL FOOTPRINT Over 5 160 000 Amongst Wits alumni are illustrious alumni FACULTIES artists, lawyers, politicians, business leaders, accountants and scientists who reflect the significant difference that our graduates make in the world today. Wits is the only South African university to be ranked in the Global University Commerce, Law & Employability Ranking published by Times Higher Education. According to Management this survey, Wits has the most employable graduates on the African continent. Wits is also ranked FIRST in South Africa by the Centre for World University Rankings 2017. The only globally • Wits has a culture of academic Engineering & the ranked university in excellence, ground breaking research Built Environment Johannesburg, the and civic engagement economic heartland Health Sciences of the continent. • Wits is the largest producer of medical specialists and sub/super-specialists in Humanities Vibrant sports southern Africa culture Science • Wits has a diverse student population over 30 active clubs and offers an holistic student 5 high performance experience sports codes • Wits has a host of facilities including counselling and careers development, A solid history of nearly residences and a free bus service 100 years • Wits is the benchmark for disabled student facilities and programmes • At Wits, safety is taken very seriously, with 24 hour security personnel available on patrol, or for personal escorts Be part of a winning University YOUR DESTINY AWAITS ... www.wits.ac.za/applications www.wits.ac.za/askwits
With Toni Sylvester Educational Psychologist SCIENCE CAREERS SA
Q&A What does your job entail? Advice for people considering this career. Why did you choose this career? As an Educational Psychologist my scope of practice guides me as to what I am legally Work hard, research your future career I chose this career because it enables me to allowed to do. An educational psychologist choice thoroughly, do job shadowing to capacitate and empower others. I am able works mainly within a development and learn more about the profession. to make individuals see their potential and learning environment and has to identify assist them in achieving their goals. and diagnose barriers to learning, carry out Type of person that would enjoy psychological and therapeutic interventions this kind of career? and work closely with other professionals should they need to refer. The social, The person who would enjoy this career emotional and cognitive aspects involved in teaching are examined and the findings are would be someone who is dynamic and applied to improve the learning process. They are also expected to do research and responsible and non-judgemental. work in advocacy and policy development. They are expected do training and supervise Potential for growth - Where can and can be called upon to provide expert your current position lead? evidence. As an Educational psychologist there What training did you undergo, and EExxppeerriieenncceevsv.sT.rTairnainingi?ng? are many career options; following an where? academic career, leadership and Whilst newly trained management, research, working for I completed a BA with majors in Psychology, educational psychologists government, school psychologist, Education and Criminology. After a few years I have the latest information community organisations or private competed a HED (Higher Education Diploma) andTesakcihllisng, eoxf pmeerdiiecanlcsetuddents: practice. with School Guidance and Counselling and psytcuhtoorliaolgs ists have the Business Economics as my teaching subjects. advTaenatcahgineg owfarmd aronuyndms owriteh the What are your career goals? This was followed by a B.Ed. Honours (Special yeaprsosotgfraedxupaotespuareediantrtihc etrainees Needs), FDE Behavioural Problems) and finally wo rMkienegtinegns:voinroenomr twenotp.er day I am at the final stage of academic studies a M.Ed. (Educational Psychology for registration). Once per month I visit one of the being enrolled for a PHD which I would Eduhcoastpiiotanlsailnpthseycprhoovilnocgeitsotsmeet I CHOSE are wreitqhuthireesdtatffoabndedsisucpuessrvisissueesd like to finish by 2017. I would like to make by aarmouonrde: seexrvpiceersi,etenaccehding and THIS eduacraeatisotnhaatlnpeseydcimhporloovgeimset nt a positive contribution to the profession. duriAnftgertnhoeoinr: tmraoirneiandgm.inistration CAREER Supaenrdvriessieoanrcihsaafterrenqoounirtewmiceenpter Does the Industry (and your type of throwuegehk.out your career. position) that you are in, face gender bias? BECAUSE IT What do you enjoy most? ENABLES ME Educational psychology does not call for \"The diversity and interaction TO with others. The work of an specific gender. The profession is open to CAPACITATE educational psychologist is varied and this is what I enjoy. Working anyone who qualifies. It has been seen as a AND with learners, parents and EMPOWER teachers and also community female dominated profession but we do outreach.\" OTHERS have representation from other genders. 3 important qualities that your position requires Is continuing Insight education and Patience further studies Empathy important in your In 1 sentence, describe your job? type of career? The job of an educational psychologist is a Educational Psychology is a challenging, diverse, engaging and fulfilling dynamic career, one has to stay occupation interacting with teachers ,learners abreast of new developments in in schools to promote teaching and learning. the field. You also have to be well versed with advocacy and policy changes which could have a direct effect on your scope of practice. It is important to attend workshops and training in a specific field so that you can become a specialist in that area of the work. Research in your area of interest, conference attendance, presentations and offering workshops are important as you will be adding to your own knowledge and become a specialist in your field. Registration with the HPCSA also compels you to attend continuous professional development (CPD) training.
Want to be a scientist in modern fields? iThemba LABS offers students fabulous opportunities to grow a career in science through: • Training programmes in selected fields of science, engineering and technology, focusing on research projects that utilise accelerated ion beams as primary research tools. • Research projects for postgraduate students to pursue applied or basic research in the fundamental studies of nuclear structure and phenomena, application of ion beams with associated analytical techniques in materials science and nano-technology, radiation biology and particle therapy, and the production of accelerator-based radionuclides for medical applications. • Internship opportunities, ranging from six months to two years, as well as vocational training for one to two months. • Undergraduate bursaries. Our limited number of bursaries covers tuition fees in the fields of mechanical engineering, electrical and electronic engineering, mechatronics engineering, computer science and radiation biology. To apply, you must have completed your first year of study and achieved an average pass-grade of at least 60%. Contact us: T: +27 (0)21 843 1000 E: [email protected] www.tlabs.ac.za
With OLMA TSAKANI MAKONTO “I am a surface Why did you choose this What is the least and career? enjoyable part of your job? groundwater I grew up in a village where there private were always water shortages. I Traveling, exploring the country‘s decided to do hydrology so I water resources. investigator” could help solve the water problem in my community. Career highlights? What formal qualification Producing hydrogeological maps did you have to attain to using ArcGIS Softwares. enter into this field? In 1 sentence, describe I have an honors degree in your job? hydrology and water resources and Masters degree in hydrogeology. I am a surface and groundwater private investigator. What does your job entail? What do you enjoy most? A lot of field work to collect hydrologic and hydrogeologic data - groundwater I enjoy exploring the underground exploring (searching for water below water. Protecting the water the subsurface), doing pump tests ( to resources from contamination / determine the potential of the aquifer pollution. to yield water),aquifer characterisation, Surface and ground water sample 3 important qualities that collections to assess the water quality, your position requires: stream flow measurements to determine the rate at which water flow Ability to work in a team, ability to in the stream and water balance work under pressure (hard worker), studies. and analytical skills. Note: Aquifers are rocks which can Type of personality that contain water found underground. would enjoy this kind Surface water is water from rivers, of career? streams, lakes, etc. Groundwater is water from boreholes. Hard worker. A person who is not lazy to think and analyse Describe an average day. things. My average day depends on Potential for growth whether I am in the office or doing -Where can your fieldwork. If I am working in the current position lead? office, I do a lot of research. I write a report using the field data I had You can become a specialist collected. I also attend meetings. scientist in hydrogeology. What qualifications do Advice for grade 11 and I need? learners considering this career? BSC in geology or hydrology, but honours or masters in They must not let their passion hydrogeology. for protecting water resources fade away. What are the most enjoyable aspects of your What challenges have position? you had to overcome? Research, discovering new things The fear of walking in which could possibly lead to the bush thinking I will solutions to water pollution. meet snakes. Traveling, doing field work and writing scientific reports.
OLMA TSAKANI MAKONTO What are your career goals? I am planning to do my PHD in hydrogeology. Does the Industry (and your type of position) that you are in, face gender bias? NO, both males and females are suitable for this career. Is continuing education and further studies important in your type of career? Yes, as a researcher, it is highly recommended to study.
How will SKA1 be bette than today's best radio Astronomers assess a telescope’s performance by looking at LOFAR three factors. These are resolution, sensitivity, and survey speed. With its sheer size and large number of antennas, the Netherlands SKA will provide a giant leap in all three compared to existing radio telescopes, enabling it to revolutionise our understanding of the Universe. WITH THE SKA WITH CURRENT RADIO TELESCOPES SKA1 LOW Australia x1.2SKA1 LOW LOFAR NL xSKA1 LOW SKA1 MID x4SKA1 MID VLA SURVEY RESOLUTION Thanks to its sensitivi Thanks to its size, the SKA will see larger area of the sky smaller details, making radio images less blurry, like reading glasses help be able to observe m given time and so m distinguish smaller letters.
er telescopes? VLA The Square Kilometre Array (SKA) will be the world’s largest radio telescope. It will be built in two phases - SKA1 and SKA2 Very Large Array, USA - starting in 2018, with SKA1 representing a fraction of the full SKA. SKA1 will include two instruments - SKA1 MID and SKA1 LOW - observing the Universe at different frequencies. SKA1 MID WITH THE SKA WITH CURRENT RADIO TELESCOPES South Africa x8SKA1 LOW LOFAR NL x135 LOFAR NL x5SKA1 MID VLA x60D VLA SENSITIVITY Y SPEED Thanks to its many antennas, the SKA ty and ability to see a will see fainter details, like a at once, the SKA will more of the sky in a long-exposure photograph at night map the sky faster. reveals details the eye can't see.
The South African MeerKAT radio SOUTH AFRICA’S telescope, currently being built MeerKAT some 90 km north-west of the small Northern Cape town of Carnarvon, is RADIO TELESCOPE a precursor to the Square Kilometre Array (SKA) telescope and will be integrated into the mid-frequency component of SKA Phase 1. The SKA Project is an international enterprise to build the largest and most sensitive radio telescope in the world, and will be located in Africa and Australia. TIMELINE FOR MeerKAT CONSTRUCTION March QUOTATION June End 2014 2016 2017 First antenna 16 antenna 64 antenna array installed array ready ready to do science LOCAL PARTICIPATION IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF MeerKAT »»The antenna positioner is made up of the 13.5 m effective diameter main reflector, and a 3.8 m diameter sub-reflector. In this design, Stratosat Datacom (Pty) Ltd, the contractor for the design, referred to as an ‘Offset Gregorian’ optical layout, there are no manufacturing and acceptance of the MeerKAT Antenna struts in the way to block or interrupt incoming electromagnetic Positioner, leads a technology consortium including international signals. This ensures excellent optical performance, sensitivity partners General Dynamics Satcom (GDSatcom, USA) and Vertex and imaging quality, as well as good rejection of unwanted radio Antennentechnik (Germany). frequency interference from orbiting satellites and terrestrial radio transmitters. It also enables the installation of multiple At least 75% of the contract value will be spent in South Africa receiver systems in the primary and secondary focal areas, and resulting in most of the MeerKAT antenna components being provides a number of other operational advantages. »»The combined surface accuracy of the two reflectors is extremely manufactured in South Africa. high with a deviation from the ideal shape being no more than 0.6 Key local suppliers include Efficient Engineering (pedestals and mm RMS (root mean square). The main reflector surface is made yokes); Titanus slew Rings (azimuth bearing), Tricom Structures and up of 40 aluminium panels mounted on a steel support framework. Namaqua Engineering (back-up structure), Westarcor Engineering »»This framework is mounted on top of a yoke, which is in turn Profiling (receiver indexer); and Stratosat (reflectors). mounted on top of a pedestal. The combined height of the MeerKAT’s MAKE-UP pedestal and yoke is just over 8 m. The height of the total structure is 19.5 m, and it weighs 42 tons. »»The pedestal houses the antenna’s pointing control system. »»The MeerKAT telescope will be an array of 64 interlinked »»Mounted at the top of the pedestal, beneath the yoke, are an receptors (a receptor is the complete antenna structure, with the main reflector, sub-reflector and all receivers, digitisers and azimuth drive and a geared azimuth bearing, which allow the other electronics installed). main and sub-reflectors, together with the receiver indexer, to »»The configuration (placement) of the receptors is determined by be rotated horizontally. The yoke houses the azimuth wrap, which guides all the cables when the antenna is rotated, and prevents the science objectives of the telescope. »»48 of the receptors are concentrated in the core area which is them from becoming entangled or damaged. The structure allows an observation elevation range from 15 to 88 degrees, and an approximately 1 km in diameter. azimuth range from -185 degrees to +275 degrees, where north is at zero degrees. »»The longest distance between any two receptors (the so-called maximum baseline) is 8 km. »»The steerable antenna positioner can point the main reflector »»Each MeerKAT receptor consists of three main components: very accurately, to within 5 arcseconds (1.4 thousandths of a 1. The antenna positioner, which is a steerable dish on a pedestal; degree) under low-wind and night-time observing conditions, 2. A set of radio receivers; and to within 25 arcseconds (7 thousandths of a degree) during 3. A set of associated digitisers. normal operational conditions. CONTACT US: SKA SA, 3rd Floor, The Park, Park Road Pinelands, Cape Town, 7405 Tel: +27 (0) 21 506-7300 www.ska.ac.za
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