Page 38 - Graduate Recruitment Handbook 2024

| What advice would you give to younger alumni or current students who aspire to follow a similar career
path?
I would tell them to keep the faith, not lose hope, and remain resilient. That things work out eventually just
the way they are supposed to, that they should work hard but continue to be patient with themselves and give
themselves grace and appreciate the journey.

Smangele Madiya

Year of Graduation: 2023
Qualification(s): Diploma in Logistics

| What company/organization do you work for now? What is
your job title?
I work at the Engagement Office as a project assistant.
| How did you become interested in your field?
I became interested in logistics when I encountered instances of stock not being delivered to stores. This
sparked my curiosity about the supply chain process—how products move from production to distribution to
the store shelves. I was intrigued by the challenge of ensuring that customers receive the right products at the
right time, price, and quality. This curiosity led me to delve into research to understand the intricacies of logistics
and supply chain management, ultimately shaping my career path in this field.
| What skills or knowledge did you learn throughout university that you found most useful in your career?
Communication skills
Teamwork skills
Adaptability
| How relevant is your degree to your current role?
My degree in logistics is extremely relevant to my current position as a project assistant at the Engagement
Office. The academic information I obtained during my studies has been immediately applicable to the practical
issues I confront in project coordination, workflow efficiency, and resource management. Furthermore, the
problem-solving abilities and strategic planning strategies I gained have been critical in improving project
outcomes and reaching company objectives.
| What do you enjoy most about your current career position?
What I appreciate most about my present job as a project assistant in the Engagement Office is the opportunity
to work on a variety of projects that have an impact on different elements of the organisation. I love the dynamic
and fast-paced workplace, which keeps me involved and learning. Furthermore, working with various teams and
departments allows me to develop a wide grasp of the organisation and form solid professional relationships.
| What have been the biggest challenges in your career?
One of the most difficult difficulties in my career has been managing the complexity and unpredictability of
project logistics. Ensure that all aspects of a project work together flawlessly, especially when dealing with tight
timelines.

38 2024/2025 Graduate Recruitment Handbook