I was fascinated by the Mahlatse Kganyagofact that through the use ofsatellite technology, we canextend our eyes to have a”bird-eye view of the earth▶Continued from page 32 aspiring scientist, you would need of going to university, I was clearlypublication and 1 local Journal to take your studies very seriously not expected to be where I am. Butpublication. because studying will be part of you I am here and going far despite for the rest of your life. Your work such unpromising environment and3 important qualities that will be to study about things that are background I come from.your position requires? most probably what you are doing now… so give it your all or do it. What qualificationsSelf-motivated, attention to detail, do I need?and time management. Potential for growth - Where can your current A post-graduate degree, mostlyIn 1 sentence, describe position lead? BSc. Honours in Environmentalyour job? Sciences majoring in Remote There’s certainly an unlimited Sensing and GIS or BSc. Honours inExtracting and analysing information space for growth in this career/ Geo-Informatics or BSc. Honours infrom satellite images for the benefit industry. After completion of the Remote Sensing and GIS.of society. MSc programme, one can choose to enrol into PHD then Post-Doctoral Is continuing educationExperience vs Training? programmes. Alternatively, one can and further studies get employment as Remote Sensing important in your typeThe interesting part of being MSc Scientist/Researcher, Remote of career?student at SANSA is that I get Sensing Technologist, Remotecontribute to projects that have Sensing Lecturer, etc. in a number Definitely. Earth observation fieldsocietal impact while busy with my of research institutions, private is quite dynamic because of thestudies. Also, I get to be exposed to companies and universities. great technological advances in thea variety of opportunities, including industry. As such, requires versatileinteracting with learners, networking What challenges have individuals, with willingness towith stakeholders and attending you had to overcome? update their knowledge regularlytraining workshops in essential in order to keep abreast with latestskills needed to complete my Coming from a village, with schools developments and solve newstudies and initiate projects. lacking Science and Math teachers and teaching resources such as problems. ■Advice for grade 11 and computers, laboratories, libraries,12 learners considering etc. , uneducated parents, my friendsthis career? dropping-out and no one from the village ever went or let alone dreamtI would say, whatever your situation,plan your route and follow it. As an |SCIENCE CAREERS SA 33
Q&AWHY DID YOU CHOOSE Mpho TshisaphungoTHIS CAREER? can damage technology on earth and in WHAT DO YOU ENJOYWhile I was doing my undergraduate degree space. Just like you may want to know what MOST ABOUT YOUR JOB?(Bachelor of Science in Mathematics and the weather is going to be like in order toPhysics) at the University of Venda, I did not plan your day, there are others that need It is fascinating to see how dynamic the Sunknow what career opportunities lay ahead to know what the weather is like in space in can be on a day-to-day basis. Every day I learnfor me. It all began when I attended a space order to plan their day. something new in my quest to gain a deeperscience winter school at SANSA in Hermanus understanding of the nature of our Sun. Oneand never really left. Learning about space My job entails constantly monitoring solar thing is for sure, the sun is always full of sur-science and technology opened up a whole activity and preparing space weather fore- prises! As space weather is a fairly new field ofnew world for me, I was fascinated. During casts, warnings and alerts for government research, the work that I am doing is helpingthe winter school I engaged extensively with and private industry users. As Space Weather develop our knowledge of this field in Africathe SANSA researchers who recognised my Practitioner my main responsibility is coor- and the rest of the world. I also enjoy the op-potential and offered me an opportunity to dinating and managing the space weather portunities I get to travel around the globecontinue my studies at SANSA. I accepted centre and its activities as well as developing and learn from international space weatherand that was how my career in space weath- and maintaining relationships with space experts. Sometimes I get to visit places likeer began. weather clients. NASA and that is really amazing!WHAT FORMAL TRAINING DESCRIBE AN AVERAGE WHAT ARE THE MOSTDID YOU UNDERGO, AND DAY AT WORK? ENJOYABLE ASPECTSWHERE? OF YOUR CURRENT I begin each day making sure the space POSITION?There isn’t really any formal training in South weather information display is up and run-Africa in the field of space weather. When I ning and prepare a space weather bulletin Having the responsibility of organizing spacejoined SANSA as a Space Weather Assistant, for the day. I look at various images of the weather courses and training programmes asthey sent me to the Space Weather Services Sun to check any active regions that have the well as meetings with some very interestingin Australia for a month to be trained in this possibility of producing solar flares. The solar organisations in SA and around the world. Ifield. This gave me a lot of insight as to how wind data is also important to look at since also enjoy leading some of the internationala space weather centre operates and how to it has a direct influence on the Earth’s mag- project collaborations and making sure thatdo my duties. netic field. I check the measurements of the the work I do contributes towards achieving Earth’s magnetic field to see if there has been SANSA’s goals. WHAT EXACTLY DOES any disturbance. I also monitor radio wave YOUR JOB ENTAIL? propagation conditions for the use of high WHAT IS THE LEAST frequency (HF) communication. This allows ENJOYABLE DUTIES OFEvery now and then we experience extreme users of HF communication to know the best YOUR JOB?weather here on earth like hurricanes, tor- available time of communication.nadoes and floods. In space there is another I enjoy the overall aspect of my job. If therekind of extreme weather taking place on a is anything that I don’t enjoy, it is the papermuch larger scale known as space weather.Space is a really hostile place! Our Sun is con-stantly active and is the main driver of spaceweather, spewing out charged particles that|| SCIENCE CAREERS SA
Q&Awork that comes with the responsibilities of Being dedicated to your work plays a vital Statistics or Computer Science. Be passionatethe job. It is very important to have docu- role in this position. about what you do and you will enjoy everyments signed for approval of the work you aspect of it.are implementing in this career. Sometimes Respect: In my career, and many others, youdocuments may have to be approved by sev- are always interacting with different people TYPE OF PERSONALITY THATeral personnel for you to get the job done. from different cultures and you need to treat WOULD SUITE AND ENJOY everyone you meet with equal respect. THIS KIND OF CAREER PATH?CAREER HIGHLIGHTS TO DATE? Team Work: working as a team is what space weather forecasters do on a daily basis. To enjoy working in space weather forecast-I have represented the South African National ing you need to be observant and be able toSpace Agency at the European Space WHAT DO YOU FEEL IS analyse what you see. The skills and qualitiesWeather Week conference for the past four MORE IMPORTANT IN YOUR that you develop within the space weatheryears (2011-2014). This is a great honour to PROFESSION, EXPERIENCE forecasting community include analyticalrepresent South Africa and an opportunity to OR TRAINING? and problem solving skills as well as excellentshowcase our potential and expertise to the communication skills and a deep under-rest of the world. Another highlight was being To progress in my profession it is very im- standing of physics. It is also important toselected as a member of the South African portant to further your studies and have the have a curious and enthusiastic nature!National working group for the Scientific highest qualifications. In this way, you areCommittee on Solar-Terrestrial Physics and able to contribute more to the company’s POTENTIAL FOR GROWTH -the Committee on Space Research. decision making process. WHERE CAN YOUR CURRENT POSITION LEAD ?3 IMPORTANT QUALITIES ADVICE FOR GRADE 11 & 12THAT YOUR POSITION LEARNERS CONSIDERING There are a number of areas for progress asREQUIRES? THIS CAREER? a Space Weather Practitioner. You may want to focus more on space weather research orDedication: Space weather is a natural phe- Hard work always pays off! It is important you could move into a managerial position innomenon and extreme conditions can arise to always give your best and not to be afraid representing the space weather activities toat any time. When this happens, even on a of doing things a little differently as this government and policy makers. You can alsoSunday or during the Christmas holiday, you is how you stand out from the crowd. For become a chief specialist in a broader area ofneed to be ready to deal with the situation. learners who want to follow this career, a Space Science or an advisor. Physics course is required with Mathematics, SCIENCE CAREERS SA ||
with Oupa MalahlelaRemote SensingScientist Oupa Malahlela Why did you choose this career?|36 SCIENCE CAREERS SA I chose the career due to the increasing demand of scientists in South Africa. I have always been fascinated by nature and technology alike, and have always sought ways to integrate the two. My field allows for that integration. What training did you undergo, and where? I have obtained my Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree in Environmental Science from the University of Limpopo in 2008, and went to the University of KwaZulu-Natal to study for a Master degree in Geography specializing in remote sensing. I have accomplished internship training with the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research’s former Satellite Applications Center in 2010 to enable me to be where I am today. What does your job entail? My job entails formulating scientific problems regarding my field, processing satellite images as well as engaging with various government organs such as the Department of Water and Sanitation. I am directly involved in processing satellite images so as to derive information regarding the status of our surface water bodies (rivers, dams, lakes, ponds etc) as regards quantity and the quality of water in them. This is done on a national scale. In addition, I do reach out to school learners to explain what I do to in the office.
“You don’t need to be Einstein to be a ”scientist. The world needs you!Describe an average day? Experience vs Training? Potential for growth - Where can yourDownloading satellite images, Proper training is essential for current position lead?processing them, and manipulating the work I do. Advance coursesthem. My average day involves are critical to keep up with the This position may lead me to beintense data processing. changing global trends. Of course one of the well-known scientists in the more experienced you are the country and in the world. OtherWhat are the most the better chances are for you to than being a manager I can alsoenjoyable aspects accomplish the job with minimal be an ambassador for water issuesof your position? effort. globally.The fact that one does the work Advice for grade What qualifications do I need?equivalent to someone in America, 11 and 12 learners MSc Geography, Geo-Information,Japan, China etc. The second most considering this Remote Sensing, Environmentalimportant thing is that I deal with career? Science or related fields.binary data, which cannot go onstrike on complain beyond what I can Do not be doubtful of yourself. Do Does the Industry (andtolerate. not let your background hinder your type of position) your passion in remote sensing. that you are in, faceWhat is the least You don’t need to be Einstein to gender bias?enjoyable part be a scientist. The world needsof your job? you. Consider studying maths and No, at all. However, we lack science if you want to be a remote females in this industry. There areThe fact that one is expected to do so sensing scientist. a few females than males and wemuch with so little funding available. need females. Type of person that3 important qualities would enjoy this Is continuingthat your position kind of career? education and furtherrequires? studies important in Innovative, honest, hungry, and your type of career?Perseverance, Love, Understanding enthusiastic. If you are merely satisfied by minimum outcomes, Yes it is. If you are static, theIn 1 sentence, describe then you may find it difficult conventional knowledge becomesyour job? surviving in this field. Have an urge to do more. obsolete. ■Using satellites to monitor earth’snatural resources |SCIENCE CAREERS SA 37
with Abdul Kareem Abderoof PreharvestTechnical AdvisorWhy did you choose this career? What is the least enjoyable part of your job?From a very young age I was fascinated with plants andscience. My parents instilled a culture of passion for Sometimes, you must work with very difficult people whogrowing plants and asking why do they grow that way? As I do not understand you, especially if they want an immediategrew older I started learning the value of agriculture and the solutions to problems. It can be a frustrating to guide themimpact 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 andagriculture to develop people in our country. career highlights?What training did you undergo, I am still very young into my career and my highlights areand Where? more personal. To be able to advise and guide older peopleAfter 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 StellenboschUniversity. 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 areAs a preharvest advisor, my key responsibilities are guiding doing. It determines whether you are willing to add meaning toand assisting growers and farm managers on all aspects what you are doing. When you are passionate, you willregarding growing a blueberry crop. I advise the design and ultimately be successful in any career. Second, is humility. Byplanning of new farms and managing existing farms so that being humble you are patient, can learn and listen even if youthe crop can be sold for the highest profit mainly to the know what you are doing. This will ensure that farmers respectoverseas market. I focus on obtaining the best quality crop you and will naturally listen to you. Being humble makes youby using scientific principles to manipulate the climate, the preferred go to advisor. Lastly, you need to have goodenvironment, 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 goodrelationships 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 mytime is dedicated to grower interaction, either by doing experience vs training?physical farm visits or by constant communication. This iswhen issues for example irrigation, nutrition or pollination You need good training to gain and develop the foundationalis 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 howdo we work around it.Thereafter, my time is dedicated to advice for grade 11 and 12 learnersresearch, where I will look at new or different methods to considering this career?improve the crop and if it is profitable for the farm. Lastlymy time is spent in company meetings, planning and doing To enter agricultural science, you would have to choose theadmin correct subjects namely; Physical Sciences, Biology, Geography and Mathematics. To give you a betterWhat do you enjoy most? understanding of what you want to study, try to gain experience by doing an internship or vocational workI enjoy being able to advise, guide and learn with my during holidays. Volunteer at a local nursery who will offerfarmer’s new ways to approach not only agricultural you guidance.issues. With this information, I can give back to societynew scientific methods to help others how to farm. Thiswill enable other people to develop themselves and thisis 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 sourcesare unpolluted and safe for consumption – these are topical issues on the agendas of the highest levels of governmentsall 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, farmmanagement, environmental management and plant management eg.ANIMAL NUTRITION FRUIT INDUSTRY AGRI-BUSINESSCONSERVATION MANAGEMENT FOOD INDUSTRYFORESTRY AND WOOD PRODUCTS BIOTECHNOLOGY FARMING – CROPS, ANIMALS, VINEYARDSPLANT, ANIMAL AND HUMAN GENETICS WINEMAKING MARKETINGEXCITING PROGRAMMES IN: GENETICS PLANT PATHOLOGY AQUACULTURE (plant diseases)VITICULTURE AND OENOLOGY (fish and shellfish) SOIL SCIENCEANIMAL SCIENCES AGRICULTURAL ECONOMICS AGRONOMYFOOD SCIENCE CONSERVATION ECOLOGY (crops eg wheat and canola)HORTICULTURAL SCIENCE FORESTRY AND WOOD SCIENCE(fruit, vegetables, flowers) AND ENTOMOLOGYCONTACT 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 Abdulthis kind of career? Kareem AbderoofA person who enjoys working in nature and isinquisitive about the world around them. The “I canpersonality needs to be understanding of other people give back toand their backgrounds. Be prepared to travel and at society newtimes be for long period of times away from home. scientific methods topotential for groWth - Where help otherscan your current position lead? how to farm.”At the current company this positions next step is senior |SCIENCE CAREERS SAadvisor followed by Preharvest technical manager. Thisis when you manage the advisory team and take onlarge scale new farm developments. This position canlead into a more research and development role, inwhich I specialize in researching a specific topic.What challenges have you had toovercome?The greatest challenge I faced was learning and enteringthe agricultural environment since I do not come from anagricultural background. It was essentially like learning anew language and culture very quickly. I had to overcomemy initial fears and prove to everybody that I am capableand knowledgeable about agriculture. This can bedaunting especially if a farmer is not receptive to yourassistance and you need to convince him of what youadvising.What qualifications do i need?To be an advisor you first need to have matriculatedfrom grade 12. Thereafter complete a four-yearagricultural degree. Either specializing in soil or cropsciences.What are your career goals?I would like to be more involved in research and ruraldevelopment. With the knowledge and expertise that Ibuild I would want to be more involved in establishingnew farms for smaller upcoming communities. Thiscould lead me to working with government andorganizations that can create and alter policies thatfocuses on rural development. Ultimately, I would liketo establish my own farming businessIS CONTINUING EDUCATION ANDFURTHER STUDIES IMPORTANT INYOUR TYPE OF CAREER?With any industry, it is important to further your studies. Iparticularly would like to further my studies by either doingan MBA or specializing further in crop sciences. It isimportant to enhance your skill set by obtaining newknowledge regularly and studying further can only help yousucceed.
delivering laboratory services to South Africans training research At the core of the NHLS is next generation pathology excellence National Health Laboratory Service Supporting national health and the wellbeing of all South Africans Tel: 011 386 6000 www.nhls.ac.za
Q&A Melendhran Pillay With • Consult with medical personnel, physiciansMedical and health departments to develop diagnosticScientist programs that improve health outcomes • Apply for funding by writing research grantWhy did you choose this career? proposals • Ongoing teaching and trainingI have always been passionate about the • Supervision of specialised testingdevelopment of scientific methods and programmes, TB and HIV resistance testingmedical diagnostic assays for theinvestigation of human diseases such as Describe an average day?TB and HIV. A career as a MedicalScientist allows me to be at the forefront of • Monitoring of the Quality systems for all of thepreventative care and treatment of human specialised molecular diagnostic tests employed indiseases. the laboratory i.e both internal and external controls, calibrations, threshold values etcWhat formal qualification did you • Analyse and interpret laboratory data andhave to attain to enter into this make a reliable diagnosisfield? • Report results onto Laboratory Information System (LIS)A minimum Bachelors of Medical Sciences • Conduct research experiments(Honours) followed by a comprehensive two • Teaching and training of University students,year internship in the relevant Pathology Registrars, Medical technicians and technologistsDiscipline. Pursue a Masters in Science and • Present in Academic meetingsa Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in MedicalSciences What do you enjoy most?What does your job entail? Making an accurate patient diagnosis in the shortest possible• Develop new diagnostic tests for the time.treatment and therapeutic management ofinfectious diseases such as TB and HIV.Methods are currently being used routinelyfor disease diagnosis, for example HIVGenotyping, Line Probe Assays (TB) at theNational Health Laboratory Service• Ongoing research and development ofnovel anti-TB /HIV drugs, understanding themolecular mechanism of Multi-drugresistance and host microbe interaction
What are the most enjoyable Is continuing education andaspects of your position? further studies important in this type of career?Teaching and Training YesTranslating research findings into patient What type of personality wouldhealth care suite this career?What is the least enjoyable part of Passion to help sick people. Someoneyour job? with patience and determination.Instrument downtime which places What qualifications do I need?diagnostic testing on hold. Undergraduate and Postgraduate.In 1 sentence, describe your University Degree with majors in pure andjob? medical science.Conduct research to determine the 3 important qualities thatmolecular mechanisms of human diseases your position requires?and implementation of new diagnostic testsaimed at improving overall human health. Perseverance, attention to details and proactive thinking.Career highlights? Advice for grade 11 and 12 learnersI commenced as an Intern Medical considering this career?Scientist in the Department of MedicalMicrobiology, NHLS, Inkosi Albert Luthuli Science is the foundation for humanCentral Hospital (IALCH). Qualified as a existence.Medical Scientist with full registration with Concentrate and excel in science subject.the HPCSA. Involved with the optimisationand development of TB diagnostic tests \"A career as a(LPA) and currently HIV Genotyping Medical Scientistassays (Department of Virology, NHLS, allows me to be atIALCH). Obtained a Masters in Medical the forefront ofScience and completing Doctoral Studies preventative carein medical sciences. and treatment of human diseases\"What challenges have you had toovercome?Financial challenges while studying atUniversity, and time management.Experience Vs Training?On-going training enhances expertise anddevelops experience.
Polymer sciencepostgraduate shines on international stageMs Nonkululeko Radebe, an MSc fractionation and Fourier Transform By her third year of study, shestudent in polymer science at infrared spectroscopy’. developed an interest in polymerStellenbosch University (SU), was She says the conference in Linz science.“I realized that polymersawarded the prestigious Borealis was an amazing experience: “By are a big part of our everyday livesPoster Award at an international attending this conference, I had but very few people study them.conference on polymer analysis and direct access to people whose Polymers are in our face creams,characterization (ISPAC 2017) work I often reference. It was our cars (i.e. tires, faux leatherwhich took place in Linz, Austria, literally like having the Beyoncé, seats, and dashboard), cellphonerecently. Prof Peter Mallon, head of Erykah Badu, Hugh Masekela and covers, food packaging, soles ofthe Department of Chemistry and Kanye West of polymer our shoes and so much more. IPolymer Science at SU , says this is characterization all in one room for took an interest and subsequentlyan outstanding achievement and four days! It was also motivating to worked night and day to get ashows that the department’s know that the research done at our place in the honors group.”postgraduate students can compete department is some of the most In her honours year, shewith the best in the world. advanced and unique in the world,” approached her current studyThe International Symposium on she adds. leader, Prof Harald Pasch, aboutPolymer Analysis and the possibility of doing an MSc inCharacterisation (ISPAC) is an Ms Radebe, who matriculated from his research group. “Fortunately,international forum for the Brescia House School in he had a project for me and I didpresentation of cutting-edge Johannesburg,says she landed up not hesitate in taking thetechnologies in the field of polymer studying polymer science opportunity,” she continues.analysis and characterization. completely by chance: “When I was She plans to complete her MSc in Grade 9, my Natural Sciences thesis by the end of the year andFor her MSc project, Ms Radebe teacher advised me not to pursue then to pursue a PhD in the samecombined two highly specialized science. I ignored her advice and field.techniques, namely thermal took science anyway. It turned out But she also wants to inspire youngfield-flow fractionation (ThFFF) that I had a knack for calculating people to use science to explore theand Fourier Transform infrared bond energies. I wanted to o know challenges facing society today:spectroscopy (FTIR), to determine and understand periodic table of “One day I want to be in a positionthe structural properties of elements and I was interested in where I can put more effort intocomplex polymers in terms of their finding out ‘nerdy’ stuff like why the investing in women to study sciencemolecular weight distribution and sky is blue and why salt melts ice.” and influence deliberate systematicchemical composition distribution. changes that will allow racial and After matriculating in 2011, she gender diversity in science.”She explains: “Polymeric applied at several universities formaterials are used in many programmes ranging from law toindustries and understanding Accounting and Engineering.the structural properties of thesematerials is imperative to the “I did this because I was only 17 anddevelopment and production of very few people at that age canproducts. Furthermore, the data decide what they want to do for thecan be used for quality control rest of their lives. So I took a gamble.purposes, comparison of \"Being a graduate was the onlysupplier materials, and design of thing I was 100% sure of\"production lines. The When she was accepted for a BScabove-mentioned techniques in Chemistry and Polymer Scienceare also used to characterize at SU, she had no idea whatunknown materials and polymer polymer science was, “but itmixtures.” sounded like something cool to sayThe title of her poster was I was studying!”Multidimensional analysis ofpolymers using thermal field-flow| SCIENCE CAREERS SA
WWW.SUN.AC.ZA/SCIENCE [email protected] 021 808 3063
w ti h with Segomotso Kelefetswe CivilEngineer
Why DID yOu ChOOSE describe An AverAge dAyThIS CAREER? • early morning: administration with email catch-upA career in Civil Engineering • twice per week i do a clinic where i see patients for the morningcenters on many aspects of service • teaching of medical students: tutorialsdelivery, like provision of • teaching ward rounds with the postgraduate paediatric traineesinfrastructure, water, roads, etc. I • meetings: one or two per daychose the career because I am • once per month i visit one of the hospitals in the province to meet withmore interested in making adifference in society by serving the staff and discuss issues around: services, teaching and areas thatothers. When I see people’s lives need improvementimproved, I get fulfilled. Secondly, I • afternoon: more administration and research afternoon twice perget to see the finished project andthe purpose it was initiated. This week.confirms that needs are being met. CAREER hIghlIghTS? pOTENTIAl fOR gROWThWhAT TRAININg DID - WhERE CAN yOuRyOu uNDERgO, AND I started my professional career in CuRRENT pOSITIONWhERE? 2002 at the then Department of lEAD? Water Affairs and Forestry whereI obtained my Bachelors Degree, my department undertook a My advice is for the learner to beBSc Eng (Civil), at Wits betterment project internally and intimate with their career choice.University in 2002; and I am not through external consultants. You must start researching andfurther registered as a It was initially doubted that our knowing more about the field of yourProfessional Engineer with the team would complete the project, choice before completing Grade 11.Engineering Council of South especially as the government Do not leave any stone unturned inAfrica. department, but because we were pursuit of the knowledge of your determined and willing to work career choice. Where possibleWhAT DOES yOuR jOB hard we completed the project interact with professionals in that ENTAIl? within cost, on time and with the field. When in Grade 12, you must right quality. I was fortunate to then be sure what the profession ofI currently work as a Project complete the section I was your choice entails in detail, andEngineer, and my job entails : assigned to quicker and ended up start being that engineer or helping other colleagues with their professional whilst you’re about to1) Managing implementation of embark on a n academic journey to engineering of projects in ADVICE fOR pEOplE collect the official certification or accordance to defined scope CONSIDERINg ThIS CAREER. degree through varsity training. of services and specifications My advice is for the learner to be WhAT ARE yOuR CAREER2) Managing professional service intimate with their career choice. You gOAlS? provider to ensure delivery of must start researching and knowing the project on time and within more about the field of your choice My career goals is to start my own budget. before completing Grade 11. Do not company, where I could employ leave any stone unturned in pursuit young people and contribute3) During construction, I am of the knowledge of your career towards affording opportunities to based full time on site to choice. Where possible interact with train learners who need monitor construction and act professionals in that field. When in experiential training. as the Employer’s Grade 12, you must then be sure representative, to ensure what the profession of your choice EXPERIENCE VS. TRAINING? successful implementation of entails in detail, and start being that the project. engineer or professional whilst Yes, I think I will always be a you’re about to embark on an student. The nice thing aboutWHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST? academic journey to collect the medicine is there are changes all official certification or degree through the time so you are continuouslyI enjoy the outdoor nature of my varsity training. learning and being introduced towork as I do not like to spendmuch time in the office; I like to be new techniques and knowledge. ■where activities are taking place.I have lots of fun when doing \"As this is one of the fieldsinspections on the project or the classified as “scarce skills”,site walks with management.The joy is more on seeing the you could be employed indevelopment of a project right many sectors”from the beginning (where there’snothing) up to its completion. It’sthe refreshing side of theprofession.IN 1 SENTENCE, DESCRIBEyOuR jOB?Management of Projects to ensurethe project is completed on time,within the budget (cost), with theright quality and is fit for purpose.
With Toni Sylvester Educational PsychologistSCIENCE 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 careerI chose this career because it enables me to allowed to do. An educational psychologist choice thoroughly, do job shadowing tocapacitate 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 identifyassist 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 thereWhat training did you undergo, and EExxppeerriieenncceevsv.sT.rTairnainingi?ng? are many career options; following anwhere? academic career, leadership and Whilst newly trained management, research, working forI 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 privatecompeted a HED (Higher Education Diploma) andTesakcihllisng, eoxf pmeerdiiecanlcsetuddents: practice.with School Guidance and Counselling and psytcuhtoorliaolgs ists have theBusiness 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 etraineesNeeds), FDE Behavioural Problems) and finally wo rMkienegtinegns:voinroenomr twenotp.er day I am at the final stage of academic studiesa M.Ed. (Educational Psychology forregistration). 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 toCAPACITATE 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.
With Dr. Aneesah Dalvie Why DID yOu WhAT TRAININg DID yOu DESCRIBE AN AVERAgE DAy? ChOOSE ThIS CAREER? uNDERgO, AND WhERE? To ensure all the patients have been I was aware of my passion I started my Bachelor of Dental screened and to attend to staff / and enthusiasm to help those Surgery degree at the University of patient enquiries or problems which in need from an early age. the Western Cape. I started my first may arise on the day. Treat patient'sThis was driven by my own year in 2006 and qualified in 20l0. main complaints which areexperience of severe tooth ache. Currently, I am completing a 2-year extractions, draining of abscess,This experience made me Post Graduate Diploma in treatment of dry sockets, emergencysympathetic to patients in pain and Paediatric Dentistry. root canal treatment, and immediatecreated a strong desire to treat and denture treatment.prevent future pain and sepsis. Toachieve this, I strive to implementoptimal oral hygiene education aswell as to achieve a high level ofdental care.SupTeyrvgiesrobre- rSgeOrvriacleHReeanltdherCinengtre| SCIENCE CAREERS SA
WhAT DO yOu ENjOy MOST? 3 IMpORTANT quAlITIES ”It is important ThAT yOuR pOSITION to makeThe ability to alleviate pain and the REquIRES? yourself moresubsequent appreciation from marketable aspatients is what brings me the most Leadership skills: to have the ability the dentistrygratification. Engaging with a diverse to manage staff members in a fair and industry isgroup of individuals with different objective manner.Patience: It is heavilycultures, races and backgrounds important to possess patience with staff saturated.makes work enjoyable as it evokes members as well as patients by being Dentistry istolerance and open mindedness as a able to listen without interrupting. This constantlyclinician and an individual. Having will allow them to express themselves developingthe opportunity to educate parents and gain insight to their main complaint ”and improvingon their child's dental hygiene at an and therefore find the best possibleearly age brings me fulfillment, as I solution to any given problem. DOES ThE INDuSTRy (ANDcan make a difference. Empathy: some patients don't always yOuR TypE Of pOSITION) have access to dental care, therefore ThAT yOu ARE IN, fACE it is important to understand their gENDER BIAS? circumstances and treat them in a sympathetic manner. Yes, with regards to extractions, females are suspected of being 'weaker' which IN 1 SENTENCE, DESCRIBE results in male patients requesting male yOuR jOB? dentists to treat them. Female dentists are also said to be gentler and more My job is to extract pain and sympathetic to patients, therefore some restore happiness in order to keep people smiling. ■patients will request to be seen by a EXpERIENCE VS TRAININg: female dentist. Experience brings about confidence that was absent during training. Confidence not only comforts the patient but also improves one's ability and skill. ADVICE fOR gRADE 11 AND 12 lEARNERS CONSIDERINg ThIS CAREER? Dentistry is not a glamorous profession. It requires dedication, sacrifice, and a strong sense of character that has passion towards fellow human beings. WhAT ChAllENgES hAVE yOu hAD TO OVERCOME? Language barrier, as not every patient is English or Afrikaans speaking. Therefore, getting important messages across can be a challenge. To manage and treat unco-operative children by means of desensitization methods can become daunting. WhAT quAlIfICATIONS DO I NEED? National senior certificate: Maths, Physics Biology. |SCIENCE CAREERS SA
QA& with Mandlakazi NtoyiWhy did you choose this career? What is the least enjoyable part of your job?In my Grade 11, we had a career exhibition in our school.From the information I got my options filtered down to The nature of the products we make requires that we be ateither do a Biology course or a Chemistry course as I felt I work very early as they are based time (half-life).was better suited for them. I made a decision to go into the Therefore waking up very early for the morning shift thatChemistry field rather than Biology in my Grade 12 year, starts at 6h30am especially in Winter is least enjoyable.biology had a lot of notes to memorise whereas withchemistry I found it more technical and problem solving. career highlights?I loved that about it and chose it. Maintaining a solid performance in my workplace whilstWhat training did you undergo, furthering my studies.and Where? 3 important qualities that yourAfter finishing my matric at Oxford International High position requires?School, I enrolled for National Diploma AnalyticalChemistry at Cape Peninsula University of Technology. Integrity, dedication and be a co-operative person.I have since been trained at Good Manufacturing Processesand Asceptic Processing at the University of Stellenbosch. in 1 sentence, describe your job?What does your job entail? Hands on work that requires concentration and love for science.As a chemical technologist my job entails working withina lab using complex lab instruments in order to quantify EXPERIENCE vs TRAINING?or test the quality of the product. I mainly work in theradiopharmaceutical dispensing side and also do in Both are very important in this field. The trainingprocess quality tests. I am also involved in improving gives an overview of the whole industry whereas theand optimising of current processes and procedures. experience is very specific to the industry you in.describe an average day? advice for grade 11 and 12 learners considering this career?A day starts early in the morning. Basically checkingorders received and put into planning for manufacturing Do exceptionally well in your Mathematics and Science.and supply in collaboration with the administration work Stay focused; use all available resources to research thegroup and pharmacist. Wear personal protective field of interest as much as possible. Lastly in yourequipment. Prepare and dispense radiopharmaceutical Grade 12 year apply to your desired institution as earlyisotopes in a cleanroom. Performing in-process quality as possible.control tests. Completing all relevant quality assuranceand batch manufacturing records. WHAT ARE THE MOST ENJOYABLE ASPECTS OF YOUR POSIION?What do you enjoy most? I enjoy the satisfaction that comes with type of job I amKnowing the product has been successfully delivered doing. The mere fact that the little part I am involved in,to the hospitals because in essence that means patients in the whole system of production has a big impact onget a chance at being treated. the greater department of health of South Africa.| SCIENCE CAREERS SA
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
type of personALITY that Would enjoy Mandlakazi Ntoyithis kind of career? Chemical TechnologistSomeone with attention to detail, good communication skillsand someone who is able to reason in a pressurised “ Hands on workenvironment. that requires concentrationpotential for groWth - Where can and loveyour current position lead? for science”The potential for growth is endless. One needs to just applythemselves and always be willing to learn. My position canlead to a research and development position, production/qualitycontrol manager, regulatory affairs and many more.What challenges have you had toovercome?As much as I had background knowledge of nuclear chemistry,I had to learn the terminology of the industry (Nuclearindustry).What qualifications do i need?A National diploma Analytical Chemistry is the minimumqualification one can acquire but with the current competitivejob market a Btech Chemistry is much more desirable.What are your career goals?Continue learning the ins and outs of the pharmaceuticalindustry while furthering my studies inorder for me toeventually grow to more superior positions.DOES THE INDUSTRY (AND YOUR TYPE OFPOSITION) THAT YOU ARE IN, FACE GENDERBIAS?No it does not. I have met all genders from school andalso in the workplace.is continuing education and furtherstudies important in your type ofcareer?Very important as the industry keeps developing. The workthat we do keeps changing due to newer research and change inindustry regulations therefore one has to keep relevant bystudying further. |SCIENCE CAREERS SA
with Obed Novhe \"I am the savior of the environment from mining related impacts\"EnvironmentalGeoscientist| SCIENCE CAREERS SA
I am the savior of the environmentfrom mining related impacts. Obed Novhe Environmental GeoscientistWhy DID yOu ChOOSE ThIS WhAT IS ThE lEASTCAREER? ENjOyABlE pART Of yOuR jOB?I am very interested in how theEarth works. I love figuring out The exploring and pilotingthe intricacies of an (field-trials) of treatment solutionsever-changing planet and how it for contaminated mine water sites.affects life and how life affects it. CAREER hIghlIghTS?WhAT TRAININg DID yOuuNDERgO, AND WhERE? Involved in a national mine water management project aimed at• Honours (Mining and Environmental identification and assessment of Geology) – University of Venda. mine water pollution, as well as development of sustainable mine• Msc (Environmental Geology) – water management solutions. University of Venda. 3 IMpORTANT quAlITIES• Post Graduate Diploma (Mining and ThAT yOuR pOSITION the Environment) – Ecole des Mine REquIRES: D’Ales (Ales School of Mine) (France). Patience, creativity and a love for outdoor environment orWhAT DOES yOuR jOB nature.ENTAIl? IN 1 SENTENCE,Geochemical assessment of DESCRIBE yOuR jOB?environmental impacts associatedwith mining activities (both active I am the savior of the environmentand abandoned mines), such as from mining related impacts.contamination of water resources asa result of acid mine drainage. The ADVICE fOR gRADE 11job entails lots of fieldwork, involving AND 12 lEARNERSmine pollution site visits, on-site CONSIDERINg ThISanalyses of mine water or receiving CAREER?streams and sample collection forboth water and solid samples (such They must have passion andas rocks, soil, mine residues). excel in physical science (especially chemistry).The samples collected are analysedfor geochemical and mineralogical TypE Of pERSON ThAT WhAT ARE yOuR CAREER gOAlS?composition (for solid samples), as WOulD ENjOy ThISwell as their potential to generate kIND Of CAREER? Contribute towards sustainable mine wateracid mine drainage or leach pollutants. management solutions in a South AfricanThe data obtained from both fieldwork An outdoor enthusiast. context by developing optimised passiveand laboratory are interpreted with treatment systems to remediatethe aid of computer programs, such pOTENTIAl fOR gROWTh - contaminated mine water and also toas geochemical modelling codes, GIS, WhERE CAN yOuR CuRRENT complete my PhD.excel, multivariate statistical analysis pOSITION lEAD?tools, to understand distribution, DOES ThE INDuSTRy (ANDtransport and fate of pollutants in the Specialist Environmental Geoscientist. yOuR TypE Of pOSITION) ThATenvironment. My job also entails yOu ARE IN, fACE gENDERrecommendation and implementation WhAT ChAllENgES hAVE BIAS?of measures to mitigate or manage yOu hAD TO OVERCOME?mine water pollution, such as passivetreatment of contaminated mine water. Vandalism of pilot (field) Yes experimental sites. IS CONTINuINg EDuCATION AND WhAT quAlIfICATIONS DO fuRThER STuDIES IMpORTANT IN I NEED? yOuR TypE Of CAREER? At least Honour in Geology Yes, it is very much important in or Geochemistry. the research environment.. ■ |SCIENCE CAREERS SA
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.
Welwdith ing Inspector/ Non Destructive Technician WHY DID YOU CAREER HIGHLIGHTS? CHOOSE THIS CAREER? I have worked on every power plant in S.A including Koeberg Nuclear PowerI have a background in engineering Plant. I also flew to Mauritius to inspectand wanted to further my career. I a cruise liner and then sailed back totherefor decided to explore other South Africa.avenues within the industry. I startedmy career at Chevron refinery. THREE IMPORTANT QUALITIES THAT YOUR POSITIONWHAT TRAINING DID YOU REQUIRES?UNDERGO, AND WHERE? Integrity,honesty and patienceI studied at various institutions around S.A and qualified in liquid penetrant, magnetic EXPERIENCE VS TRAINING? testing, hardness testing, coating, wallthickness and digital radiography, all at Experience is key in this industry. Youlevel 2. need to know what you are looking at and for, in order to make the rightIN ONE SENTENCE, DESCRIBE evaluation.YOUR JOB? ADVICE FOR GRADE ELEVENI give people the assurance that things are AND TWELVE LEARNERSsafe and keep it that way. CONSIDERING THIS CAREER?WHAT DOES YOUR JOB ENTAIL? This is an excellent career to pursue,There are many different answers, but especially if you are technicallythe obvious one would be, to make sure inclined. an item or component is safe to go intomass production. TYPE OF PERSON THAT WOULD ENJOY THIS KINDDESCRIBE AN AVERAGE DAY? OF CAREER?My day could consist of normal 9 to 5 Somebody who loves a challengeoffice hours or a full 24 hour shift, and learning new things everyday.depending on how critical the job or thecomponent needing repairs are. POTENTIAL FOR GROWTH - WHERE CAN YOUR CURRENTWHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST? POSITION LEAD?I enjoy finding a flaw in a component, There is a great demand for nonknowing that I did my job correctly an destructive technicians all overaccording to code. the world.WHAT IS THE LEASTENJOYABLE PART OF YOURJOB?The least enjoyable part is havingto fail a welder that’s doing hisqualifications/codes….but that’spart of inspection.
WHAT CHALLENGES Reza OmarHAVE YOU HAD TOOVERCOME?I have failed a few courses whichtook its toll on my pocket andmorale, but the main thing wasthat I bounced back andsucceeded.WHAT QUALIFICATIONSDO I NEED? Your starting point is a level 2 in magnetic and penetrant testing, then grow from there.DOES THE INDUSTRY (ANDYOUR TYPE OF POSITION)THAT YOU ARE IN, FACEGENDER BIAS?No, not at all. I have trained andworked with many femaletechnicians.IS CONTINUINGEDUCATION AND FURTHERSTUDIES IMPORTANT INYOUR TYPE OF CAREER?Yes, most definitely. The moreyou advance within your chosencareer, the more respected youbecome across all facets of theindustry. ■
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2018 Start your future career in Industrial Engineering withWhat your future holds a Diploma from CPUTFUTURE STUDIES Do you like keeping things in check?Advanced Diploma: Industrial As an Industrial Engineer you will optimise complexEngineering processes and systems, manufacturing methods, plantPost Graduate Diploma: Industrial layout and materials handling, production control, purchasingEngineering and stock control, quality control, work standards andMasters: Industrial Engineering industrial economics.Doctorate: Industrial Engineering Your main task will be to ensure that the most effectiveFUTURE INDUSTRIES and efficient processes are used to ensure improvedEngineering productivity in industry.ManufacturingService-based IndustriesGovernmentBankingTransportFUTURE CAREERIndustrial EngineeringTechnician/ TechnologistON-THE-JOB TRAININGYou will be required to completea minimum of 6 monthsin-service training. You willalso complete compulsoryservice learning projects.Apply before30 September 2017.Visit www.cput.ac.zafor more informationon how to apply. +27 21 959 6767 www.facebook.com/cput.ac.za [email protected] @cput www.cput.ac.za @wearecputThis information is subject to change based on approval and accreditation of HEQSF aligned qualifications during 2017/8. Admission requirements may therefore differ between the creating futuresexisting qualification and the HESQF aligned qualification. Please consult the CPUT website or faculty for updated information. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy ofthe information in this pamphlet; however the University reserves the right at any time, if circumstances require to make changes to any of the published details.AT H L O N E B E L LV I L L E CAPE TOWN GEORGE GRANGER BAY M O W B R AY WELLINGTON WORCESTER
With Shirzade OsmanIndustrialEngineeringWHY DID YOU CHOOSE THIS CAREER? IN 1 SENTENCE, DESCRIBE YOUR JOB?Industrial Engineering has a unique advantage in My job entails formulating creative, yetSouth Africa in that it’s the first discipline of its kind in simple solutions through optimum meansAfrica. Due to some challenges the choice of that are reliable and economic.Industrial Engineering (IE) as a career was not anautomatic one. (IE) provides a wide range of career EXPERIENCE VS TRAINING?opportunities, blending the engineering andmanagement fields through a combination of technical 50 / 50. You cannot successfully add value toskills and business acumen. The principles behind IE yourself or an organization without both.have developed my sense of individuality,independence and autonomy in what I do, how I do it, ADVICE FOR GRADE 11 AND 12 LEARNERSand why and when I do it. It is both a culture and a skill. CONSIDERING THIS CAREER?WHAT FORMAL QUALIFICATION DID YOU If you are looking for an opportunity to applyHAVE TO ATTAIN, AND WHERE? yourself widely within the various professions in the industry, Industrial Engineering paves the wayMy introduction to the field of Industrial Engineering for that. This is a career that develops both your(IE) began with my undergraduate diploma at the personality and cognitive abilities for the future.Cape Peninsula University of Technology, which The global industry has embraced the digitalculminated in an undergraduate internship in the revolution, where a multi-skilled individual with atechnical department at the manufacturing company, far-reaching skills set has the chance to impactFabrinox. My training involved active participation society economically and socially.in front-end manufacturing processes, thecomponents and sub-assemblies department as TYPE OF PERSONALITY THAT WOULDwell as consolidating information based on client ENJOY THIS KIND OF CAREER?requirements and specifications communicated tothe design team. A person who is adept at problem-solving; is systematic in their approach; someone who hasWHAT DOES YOUR JOB ENTAIL? a passion for improvement and has the tenacityAs the head of sub-assemblies, I am responsible for to instill change in not only a system, but in themanaging a select group of client projects. My clients people within an organisation as well.range from the service, manufacturing and productionindustries to resource products that require both small 3 IMPORTANT QUALITIES THAT YOURto large scale systems engineering work. My team POSITION REQUIRES?undertakes site assessments, cost optimization,design development, construction and finalization to You must be a self-starter with the ability toensure clients’ needs are met from concept to delivery. work independently within a project management environment.WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST? Another must are strong interpersonal skills with the ability to interact with all levels ofI enjoy interacting with clients, which is a key staff and management.starting point for my projects. It is important to You must be industrious.start right. A good job specification means lesstime spent on conceptualization, fewer developmenterrors in manufacturing and rework, thus leadingto a speedier turnaround time and a happy client.| SCIENCE CAREERS SA
WHAT QUALIFICATIONS DO I NEED? Shirzade Osman A minimum BTech in IE, but preferably a Sub Assembly Manager Masters in IE. Proudly Sponsored by : DOES THE INDUSTRY (AND YOUR TYPE OF POSITION) THAT YOU ARE IN, FACE GENDER BIAS? Gender equality in engineering has come a long way over the years. Efforts to balance this inequality have been made, but despite the growing number of women entering the field there is still some underlying gender bias. My experience has taught me not to be complacent, to not accept gender bias in the work place, nor the to succumb to the pressure to constantly proof oneself even in this age of female emancipation. My advice is to keep going and never stop growing. IS CONTINUING EDUCATION AND FURTHER STUDIES IMPORTANT IN YOUR TYPE OF CAREER? In this, our fourth industrial revolution, technology is evolving at a pace faster than anticipated. Knowledge and a unique ability to think in systems is definite requirement.The first step requires taking ownership of the path you create and you can only do this by becoming knowledgeable in your field.Describe an average day?I am an early riser, unless I worked late the nightbefore. So, to stay healthy I have a cup of a honeyginger lemon drink and settle down to get thenecessary emails and paperwork out of the wayfirst thing in the morning. On some afternoon I woulddrive out to clients for industry visits, before I settledown to work out the outstanding and currentprojects in preparation for the following days run. |SCIENCE CAREERS SA
with Wendy TapleniWhy did you choose this What are the most Proudly Sponsored By:career? enjoyable aspects of your position?Funny thing is that this careerchose me. I studied Electrical When there is new software that weEngineering at Cape Peninsula can use to make our clients workUniversity of Technology and I better. We get a chance toended up being an IT support test it and find its limitations and pittechnician. I love this career falls. This also applies to hard ware.because it challenges me daily. Recently we have beenThere is always room for assembling and testing a videoimprovement. There is always a conference product. This was notnew thing to learn in Information difficult but it was like being onTechnology. holiday where you can experience something new yet familiar.What formal qualificationdid you have to attain to What is the leastenter into this field? enjoyable part of your job?Typically, you need a NationalDiploma in Information Technology My job involves working with clientsand a National Diploma in and meeting their requirements inElectrical Computer Systems. I terms of what they need, to be ablehave a National Diploma in to work. This sometimes gives us aElectrical Engineering. challenge. A client would be traveling the world and when theyWhat does your job entail? come back, they will have demands of software that they encounter onMy job consist of fixing broken their travels, which we sometimesdesktop computers and laptops. cannot have due to licenses.Some might be responsive butcorrupted and others might be Career highlights?dead. In these cases, we test eachcomponent. When we find the When I started this job I thoughtfaulty part, we either fix or replace that I would be bored and soit. We also solve software related far that has not yet happened.problems. The first challenge was the fact that I was coming from aDescribe an average day? deferent environment and at times that was my weakestA typical day can start with point. I made that my stronganything. It might be a quiet point because I had a big roomMonday morning, this is when we to learn the new concepts anddo reach on what’s new in the IT new software. I have receivedworld. This might be anything a recognition when I wasfrom new software that we can involved in the first videouse to new CPU. Out of the blue, conferencing project. Mosta user will call with a network importantly highlights is when Iconnection problem and other in was able to help delegatesspace of 2 seconds in-between from foreign country with theirwill want help with a Video software problem in a computerConferencing they want to do. that was in a foreign language.Another user would come in witha crashing laptop while you are In 1 sentence, describeabout to help the first user. your job?What qualifications do I My job is like a roller coasterneed? ride that is full of twist and turns and up and downs.ND: Information Systems.ND: Electrical Computer systems.|| SCIENCE CAREERS SA
What do you enjoy most? Type of personality that would enjoy this kind I have been doing this job for six of career? years and every time I think I have seen it all, I get a surprising If you are a person who likes a problem from a user. I mostly \"challenge after challenge\" and enjoy the teachable moments if you are a peoples person, when I encounter a new problem this can be your career of from an ordinary software or choice. computer. When this happens, I get in touch with the IT community Potential for growth - on line. Where can your current position lead?3 important qualities thatyour position requires: When I started, I worked on computers only and now I have1. You must be able to been exposed to web designing communicate clearly. This will and VC communication. I have enable you to communicate also been exposed to coding. with clients better and be able When you continue to grow your to get the information that is skills by going back to school required. and studying more, you open more doors for yourself to climb2. Time management: This will the IT ladder. help you to be able to Advice for grade 11 and learners considering this prioritize your work which will career? lead to your clients being With this career the sky is the limit. You need to dedicate and apply yourself fully, helped more quickly. This for you to be able to grow within this industry. Therefore, books alone are not requires self-discipline and going to take you to the destination you seek. Consider your personality before your work will be more you choose this career. Lastly practice and practice more. detailed –oriented. Meaning What challenges have your fault finding time will be you had to overcome? shortened. When I first started, I was not a good communicator due to shyness3. The ability to work alone and and my lack of confidence. When I with others: You are able to got over that I had to deal with fear get answers quickly buy of not knowing the answers to working with others. This client’s problems. promotes sharing of information amongst What are your career colleagues. That being said, goals? you also need to be able to work alone and that promotes I want to be an all-rounder in my confidence in yourself and field of work. Being able to do that makes it easy for one to web designing and being able to apply yourself in your work do networking and a system more. administrator. Experience vs Training? Does the Industry (and your type of position) Training for me was like a speed that you are in, face boat leaving a dock with me gender bias? trying to hold on from the back. The odds were against me and I Yes it does, due to it being had to make a choice, sink or previously known for being a swim. For a year I trained in order man’s industry for so long. Some to gain as much knowledge as I clients do not take you seriously could and lead with confidence due to you being a woman. I when attending to clients overcome that by proving myself problems. This helped me to to the client and going above gain trust with clients. and beyond what was asked of me. SCIENCE CAREERS SA ||
How will SKA1 be bettethan today's best radioAstronomers assess a telescope’s performance by looking at LOFARthree factors. These are resolution, sensitivity, and surveyspeed. With its sheer size and large number of antennas, the NetherlandsSKA will provide a giant leap in all three compared to existingradio telescopes, enabling it to revolutionise our understandingof the Universe.WITH THE SKA WITH CURRENT RADIO TELESCOPES SKA1 LOW Australiax1.2SKA1 LOW LOFAR NL xSKA1 LOW SKA1 MIDx4SKA1 MID VLA SURVEY RESOLUTION Thanks to its sensitivi Thanks to its size, the SKA will see larger area of the skysmaller details, making radio imagesless 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 SKA2Very 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 NLx135 LOFAR NL x5SKA1 MID VLAx60D VLA SENSITIVITYY 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 MeerKATsome 90 km north-west of the smallNorthern Cape town of Carnarvon, is RADIO TELESCOPEa 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 andmost sensitive radio telescope in the world, and will be located in Africa and Australia.TIMELINE FOR MeerKAT CONSTRUCTION March QUOTATION June End 2014 2016 2017First antenna 16 antenna 64 antenna array installed array ready ready to do scienceLOCAL 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 nomanufacturing and acceptance of the MeerKAT Antenna struts in the way to block or interrupt incoming electromagneticPositioner, leads a technology consortium including international signals. This ensures excellent optical performance, sensitivitypartners General Dynamics Satcom (GDSatcom, USA) and Vertex and imaging quality, as well as good rejection of unwanted radioAntennentechnik (Germany). frequency interference from orbiting satellites and terrestrial radio transmitters. It also enables the installation of multipleAt least 75% of the contract value will be spent in South Africa receiver systems in the primary and secondary focal areas, andresulting in most of the MeerKAT antenna components being provides a number of other operational advantages. »»The combined surface accuracy of the two reflectors is extremelymanufactured in South Africa. high with a deviation from the ideal shape being no more than 0.6Key local suppliers include Efficient Engineering (pedestals and mm RMS (root mean square). The main reflector surface is madeyokes); 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 turnProfiling (receiver indexer); and Stratosat (reflectors). mounted on top of a pedestal. The combined height of theMeerKAT’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, withthe main reflector, sub-reflector and all receivers, digitisers and azimuth drive and a geared azimuth bearing, which allow theother 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 preventsthe 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 a1. 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) during3. A set of associated digitisers. normal operational conditions.CONTACT US:SKA SA, 3rd Floor, The Park, Park RoadPinelands, Cape Town, 7405Tel: +27 (0) 21 506-7300www.ska.ac.za
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