Systems Engineer

Why did you choose this line of work?
By profession I am an electrical and computer engineer. I chose this line of work because, looking at the future, I thought that the integration of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science would put me in a better position to make a contribution to and better understand the advancement of technology.

What training did you undergo?
I did a four-year Electrical and Computer Engineering degree at the University of Cape Town. I also did two weeks’ vacation work at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology. I attended a two-week mentoring programme with the Department of Science and Technology. I also attended a one-week professional development programme at the University of Cape Town. Recently, I completed a one-year graduate programme that was offered by Air Traffic and Navigation Services.

What type of personality is required?
A disciplined personality. Anyone can make a plan, but it takes discipline to execute the plan. The entrepreneur, author and motivational speaker Jim Rohn said, ‘In life we must all suffer from one of two pains: the pain of discipline or the pain of regret.’ I strongly believe that discipline is key, not only to my work, but to life in general too.

Experience vs formal training?
Experience is the best teacher. In fact, I think that experience is more important than formal training. As my lecturer used to say, ‘What I hear, I forget. What I see, I remember. What I do, I understand.’

Describe a typical day on the job
In the first hour, I prepare myself by checking my emails and calendar and reviewing any work that I was busy with. I draft a daily work schedule and then proceed with my duties, which are normally planning, problem-solving, contract evaluation, writing user-requirement statements, and research. I also socialise with colleagues, participate in employee support programmes, attend meetings, and involve myself in projects like community social investment and sustainable development programmes.

What do you enjoy most about your job?
The planning aspects, because learning to plan is the hardest thing I’ve ever done. It has always been easy to brainstorm, but coming up with a workable plan is hard. I believe that the hardest things in life are worth fighting for, since those are the things that reveal our true capability and potential. Sometimes our weaknesses are our strengths – we just don’t know it.

Your career highlight thus far?
The four years acquiring my degree; that was when I discovered things about myself that I never knew before. The experience made me more aware, and a better person. I acknowledged the mistakes that I made. I believed in the inner me and realised what a wonderful creature God had created in me.

What are your goals for the future?
My goal is be recognised as a professional engineer through registration with the Engineering Council of South Africa; to execute my work in accordance with professional guidelines; to continuously improve my professional skills through further studying and training; to give back to my community through social development programmes; to venture into business; to have a family of my own; and to serve God through all I am.

Advice for someone starting out in your industry?
Heed Winston Churchill’s words: ‘Success is not final, failure is not fatal; it is the courage to continue that counts.’

Describe your job in three words
Plan • Document • Review