“I matriculated in 2020 and am currently working as an electrical engineer in renewable energy. I never had a clear path set out for after I matriculated. Even as I entered my final year of high school, I struggled with having to make choices that felt as though they would affect the rest of my life. The privilege of having these choices to make is not lost on me, and I put a lot of pressure on myself to do well and have everything figured out.
I was drawn to engineering at various university open days, where I saw students’ inventions and research, and the variety that the degree offered. There was a creativity and tactility in engineering that fascinated and intrigued me. I began my degree in Electrical and Computer Engineering at UCT in 2021, having chosen the stream because of its combined electrical engineering and computer science course structure. Fields of research whose topics once seemed far out of reach to me gradually began to make sense as I encountered them throughout my courses. I discovered new passions, both academically and through various social and sports societies, and met a wide array of passionate people.
Graduating was one of my happiest memories. It was not an easy journey to get there, as things seldom are, but it was worth
it. I approached my career in much the same way as I approached tertiary education. I had a clearer idea of where my interests lay, but I still did not have a defined path in mind.
Beginning your first job is daunting: entering an environment you know little about, in a field where you have little to offer yet but everything to learn. I had a keen interest in renewable energy and at the start of this year I began working for a renewable energy developer as part of the engineering team. I have had the opportunity to work on projects in solar energy, wind energy and eFuel, which has broadened both my experience and understanding of the industry. While I am still new to the industry, my experience so far has reinforced my interest in renewable energy and the kind of work I hope to continue pursuing. Looking back now, I realise that not having a clearly defined path allowed me to remain open to opportunities and experiences that shaped both my academic interests and the direction of my career.”
