Interview With Chief Administrator in Enterprise and Supplier Development Nandipha Ngcobo
Tell us about yourself:
I am Nandipha
Ngcobo, currently 23 years of age. I matriculated in 2018 at Dr. A.D Lazarus
Secondary School, I did my undergraduate Bachelor's in Administration and
majored in Supply Chain Management in UKZN 2019 and finished my degree in 2021.
I completed my BCom Honours in Supply Chain management in 2022. I am currently
doing my Master of Commerce in Supply Chain Management.
Apart from my
degree's, I have also obtained a 1. Foundation mathematics in Howard College 2.
Microsoft Excel intermediate 3. Microsoft
PowerPoint Advanced 4. white
belt in Lean Six Sigma 5. Emotional
intelligence certificate.
I started the
workspace as a cashier at Shell Garage in 2019 and formally started my career
in 2022 at Transnet Port Terminal as a Young Professional in SCM (procurement).
After 1 year and six months got appointed as a Chief Administrator in
Enterprise and Supplier Development. Apart from my role, I'm also a Brand
Ambassador at TPT (Transnet Port Terminal). I would like to believe that I am a
very influential young individual. I am all about growth and empowerment as a
person. Back in high school, I used to be an orator and a motivational speaker
at school, it is something that has always been part of me.
What made you go into Supply Chain Management?
My motivation to
be in SCM is based on the economic impact it has. SCM informs worldwide
economies which leads to economic growth, job creation, and poverty
alleviation. Furthermore, SCM in a state-owned enterprise encourages the
transformation of previously disadvantaged communities across the country and
mostly where we operate or do business.
Did you experience any hurdles in your university years and if so, how did you overcome them?
Yes, I did
experience some difficulties during my university years, the most difficulty I
have experienced was balancing my academics and working at Shell as I was a
full-time student. Moreover, the modules required a lot of understanding and time, and
some were quite difficult but I went back to my drawing board, learnt how to
implement time management, joined study groups with other students on campus,
watched videos on YouTube as extra learning and sought for guidance or clarity
from my lectures when I was not understanding something.
What would you say to a penultimate high schooler who is not sure about what career to pursue?
Our young
learners need to seek career guidance and spend time researching about too
careers like SCM which will not be extinct anytime soon as it drives the
economy.
What do you love the most about your job? And what is a typical day like for you at work?
What I like about my job is exposure to
different projects, different businesses, and entrepreneurship. There is always
a new thing to learn and growth depends on your level of ambition. A typical
day at work is looking to new challenges and solving problems as well as
positive engagements with colleagues.
How do you create a good work and personal life balance for yourself as this is quite a demanding career?
The principle of work-life balance is time
management; therefore, it is important to always ensure that when it is time
for work, I perform accordingly and ensure that I make time for myself. Time
for resting ensures that my performance at work is at its peak.
When you started working was it exactly as you expected or were there surprises?
In
every opportunity that presents itself, there will be individual expectations
but once on the ground, you learn that there are realities that you get to
understand, and the expectations automatically align. If it is difficult to
align, then it could be that you are not a perfect fit therefore it is
important to adjust or look for other opportunities because the environment
will not change for you.
Employment opportunities are scarce nowadays; SA has reached unbelievable statistics of youth unemployment- what would you tell a graduate who is actively looking for a job in their respective field?
Indeed
employment is scarce in SA and my advice is that because we are all aware of
this challenge it then it is important for graduates to take this risk when
they choose their careers as many are going to become obsolete even before
graduates begin. Technology such as AI has encroached and is enabling economies
and cutting jobs and graduates must ensure that during their career guidance,
they are informed about world economic trends that shape the future so that
they choose careers that will be sustainable. Graduates should also be open to
multi-skilling so that they can have options including entrepreneurial
opportunities.
Additionally:
For graduates navigating today's job market,
the landscape may seem daunting, but tactics can enhance employment prospects.
Broaden your search beyond traditional channels, exploring online platforms,
networking events, and industry-specific forums. Tailor resumes and cover
letters to each application, highlighting relevant skills and experiences.
Consider volunteer opportunities for practical experience and networking.
Utilize online resources for job search advice and interview preparation.
Invest in ongoing learning and skill development, some short courses are
offered for free by credible institutions. Network via platforms like LinkedIn
and follow job posting pages. Stay resilient and maintain a positive attitude,
knowing perseverance often leads to success. Setbacks are temporary, each
rejection an opportunity to learn. By remaining adaptable, proactive, and
optimistic, you'll increase your chances of securing a fulfilling job aligned
with your career aspirations.
The SAVarsity team would like to send a heartfelt thank you to Ms. Nandipha Ngcobo for this eye-opening interview, we're looking forward to witnessing more growth and prosperity from her as a young woman in corporate. To contact Nandipha, do check her out on LinkedIn (@Nandipha Ngcobo) as well as on Instagram (@nandiie.melanin).
