EDITED BY MASE NKWANA & ADE UCHE
Few early-career professionals move across public office, corporate finance and the built environment within their first three years of work – fewer still do so with a clear through-line.
I began my career at The Presidency of South Africa, transitioned into social investment at FirstRand and now operate within an enterprise development organisation in the property sector. While each environment has differed, my work has remained anchored in analysis that supports structured decision-making within complex systems.
Academic Foundation and Early Positioning
I completed a BA in Public Management and Governance and Development Studies, followed by an Honours degree in Public Administration, with a focus on governance systems, public accountability and development strategy.
From early on, I treated my studies as preparation for the working world. I built a professional CV in my first year, pursued leadership roles and actively sought exposure to institutions aligned with governance and economic development.
That foundation continues to shape my work. Public Management and Governance grounded me in how institutions function, while Development Studies informs my understanding of socio-economic challenges and impact frameworks such as the Sustainable Development Goals.
Much of what we learn only reveals its value later. Concepts that once felt abstract become practical tools when applied in real-world contexts. Over time, I’ve come to recognise how deeply my education informs the way I analyse, interpret and engage with the work I do.
Operating Inside Government
I officially started my career journey at The Presidency, where proximity to national priorities exposed me to the mechanics of decision-making at scale.
I worked within the Strategic Planning Unit, contributing to the development of Annual Performance Plans and Annual Reports. This experience introduced me to the full cycle of monitoring and evaluation – from data collection and analysis to reporting – and laid the foundation for my career in the field.
The environment demanded rigour, discretion and clarity of thought. It instilled a discipline that continues to shape how I approach my work today.
Transitioning into Corporate Finance
My move to FirstRand followed my involvement with the National Planning Commission, where I was introduced to the South African Monitoring and Evaluation Association.
This transition broadened my understanding of accountability. In corporate environments, the expectation for clarity and ownership is immediate – and performance is closely tied to how effectively you communicate your thinking.
I quickly learned that technical ability alone is not enough. The ability to articulate ideas with confidence is often what differentiates you.
The Built Environment and Enterprise Development
I now work within the property and enterprise development ecosystem, where infrastructure, entrepreneurship and capital intersect.
My role focuses on monitoring and evaluation within Enterprise and Supplier Development programmes. At its core, the work is about measuring and demonstrating impact – using data to understand challenges, inform interventions and support the growth of SMEs.
The insights generated through this work contribute to more targeted support, enabling businesses to scale sustainably and participate more meaningfully in the economy.
Adapting Without Institutional Inheritance
Moving across sectors early in my career has required accelerated learning. Each environment comes with its own unspoken rules, and understanding them requires observation, curiosity and self-correction.
As the first in my family to navigate certain professional spaces, I could not rely on inherited corporate knowledge. I built context through research, mentorship and deliberate exposure.
Early movement is often mistaken for instability. In my case, it has been intentional. Each step has been about gaining exposure to systems that shape economic participation and building a broader base of experience.
Curiosity has been a constant driver, pushing me to explore, ask questions and pursue opportunities that expand both my skill set and perspective.
Perspective for Young Women Entering Corporate Spaces
While careers are sometimes mapped out in advance, they are ultimately shaped through the discipline behind decisions made in motion. Entering high-accountability environments early requires preparation and composure. Credibility is built through consistent delivery, clarity of thought and a willingness to take ownership.
It’s also important to always remember, professional spaces do not adjust to accommodate uncertainty, you learn to rise to the standard they demand.
One piece of advice that has stayed with me is simple: believe that you belong in the room. That sense of self-worth shapes not only how you show up, but how others respond to you.
Finally, ongoing self-development remains central to my career. Confidence, self-awareness and personal growth directly influence the quality of my work, the standards I uphold and the presence I carry into every space.
