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Pioneering positive change in the university
Unisa's Talent Management unit in Human Resources is piloting an Academic Career Building Programme (ACBP), which seeks to assist aspiring academics from the support departments within the university.
Dakalo Monyai with her parents, Khorombi Monyai and Munyadziwa Monyai
The ACBP programme strives for continuity and sustainability in the university. It also aims to encourage career growth by aligning candidates' qualifications with their career aspirations. Qualifying candidates receive an opportunity for mentorship in all the academic key performance areas, namely teaching and learning, research, community engagement and academic citizenship.
Dakalo Monyai, considered a pioneer of the programme, and her mentor, Sello Mokoele, Lecturer in the Department of Operations Management in the College of Economic and Management Sciences, share their experiences of this new programme.
Monyai, works in the Directorate of Student Assessment Administration and is participating in the ACBP programme to transition from her current role as an Assessment Advisor to an academic one.
Dakalo Monyai is conferred her master's degree
Q: Who is Dakalo Monyai?
A: I am a proud Unisa alumnus. Over the years, I have obtained three qualifications, my highest being a Master of Business Leadership. I am a go-getter in spirit and at heart. Outside of work, I enjoy keeping active and fit by spending time at the gym.
Q: Why do you choose to work at Unisa?
A: I have worked in the teaching and learning environment for the past twelve years. Within the twelve years, I have moved around in four different departments, and I have been fortunate enough always to join a strong team that is as optimistic as I am. One of the reasons I choose to work at Unisa is my love of engaging with students and impacting their lives. I, therefore, feel that my skills are particularly well-suited to be part of the Unisa family.
Q: What are your career aspirations and how did you get to participate in the talent management programme?
A: I would like one day to look at where I started, be proud of my hard work and perseverance; moreover, and be happy that it paid off. I have always been an academic at heart; hence, I am a PhD candidate. For the past few years, I have been developing my skills and experience as a researcher and would like to transfer them to those in need. This is why I got to be part of the programme.
Q: How did you become part of the ACBP?
A: Since I was already in the Talent Management Programme and continuously displaying my sedulous character, I was selected to be part of the group to participate in the piloting of the new initiative, which supports aspiring academics from the support departments at Unisa. That, for me, was a game-changer career-wise.
Q: What are your expectations from the programme?
A: I expect the programme to widen my knowledge since I will put more time into academic activities. I also hope the programme will open doors for me. Do not get me wrong; I appreciate my current role, but I am ready for new challenges.
Q: Where do you see yourself in future?
A: My short-term goals have always been to complete my studies and settle down in an academic institution, which brings me to my long-term goals. Now that I have achieved my short-term goals, I need to work towards growing my career within Unisa. I see myself as being entrusted with the responsibilities of being a lecturer or a module leader shortly. Until such time, I will continue to develop myself.
A willingness to learn
Sello Mokoele, Monyai's mentor in the Department of Operations Management, appreciates her open-minded personality. He says: "She is willing to explore and learn more in both her discipline as a practitioner and as a professional in the academic field." Mokoele adds: "Monyai is a go-getter and an enthusiastic person who demonstrates a willingness to grow and empower herself." Moreover, Mokoele says that Monyai has a results-oriented mindset.
Asked what advice he would give to candidates who would like to participate in the programme, Mokoele says: "This is such an empowering opportunity which cannot be missed." He adds: "Monyai is one candidate in the programme who is pioneering positive change at the university."
* By Dzivhu Mundalamo, Talent Management, Human Resources
Publish date: 2022/10/28
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