Intern, intern, intern! It is critical to get a sense of what is out there and what speaks to you

In what way does your qualification relate to your work, whether directly or indirectly?

All the majors I took, anthropology, media and writing, endowed me with the skills of critical thinking, research, writing and deep engagement with even the most uncomfortable or seemingly obscure of subject matter. I fell in love with exploration and it is this love of exploration that guides my continual seeking of better ways to deliver content, ideas and approaches. This has served me well in the development of curricula in my line of work, in speaking engagements, in coaching and in advising my clients. I also often say that the choice to study in the humanities was, in my case, accompanied by a slight inferiority complex because I was often looked down upon for my choice of study. We were the kids that supposedly did nothing else but hang out on the Jammie stairs. This meant that I always had to prove that I understood fields that were outside of my own in order to make it into the room. This has been a great gift because it makes me versatile even as I am anchored in my love for the humanities.

What are the key skills that have been useful in your career journey so far?

Critical thinking, curiosity, research, writing, fieldwork, storytelling, reading a lot of material, speaking.

What are your day-to-day activities?

• I design curricula for training and facilitation purposes in the field of leadership development
• I write and deliver keynote address on various local and international platforms
• I coach clients on a one-on-one or group basis
• I advise on a board and advisory committees
• I remind people of their highest power, being and doing what they came to the earth to be and do

How did your extra-curricular involvement while at UCT add value (transferable skills) to what you offer the world of work?

I had very little. I am an introvert and have very limited energy. And so I focused on studying so that I could get the grades that would get me the scholarships I needed to continue my studies. I was sub-warden, a peer-counsellor and the head of receptionists in my residence. I also volunteered for causes that moved me. And that was as much as I could do.

Do you have any advice for a new graduate entering the world of work ( e.g. how to develop skills while at university?)

• Learn how to make a case for your skills because it is not always obvious how industry can benefit from our skills
• Intern, intern, intern! It is critical to get a sense of what is out there and what speaks to you
• Soft skills matter, no matter what anyone tells you, so use what you have learnt to differentiate yourself from the pack
• Join any scholarship, leadership or mentorship opportunities that you can while at university - the tools they give are essential
• Know your personality - some of us are great multitaskers and some of us not. Do what allows you to excel. If that means being only a part of one society or only volunteering for one cause so that you can focus on your studies, so be it. University is not a popularity contest