My name is Awethu Flathela, and I completed my Diploma in Information Technology (Software Development) at Nelson Mandela University. From a young age, I have always been curious about technology, especially how computer systems work and how information is shared across the internet. This curiosity inspired me to choose Information Technology as my field of study.
During my time at university, I wanted to grow not only academically but also personally. Because of that, I took on roles outside the classroom and became both a Lab Assistant and a Student Leader. Being a student leader helped me overcome my shyness and social anxiety, and it allowed me to develop confidence, communication skills, and the ability to work with different people. Working as a lab assistant introduced me to real IT responsibilities, where I learned how to assist users, solve problems, and be patient when dealing with different situations. These experiences helped prepare me for the working environment.
Work Experience
*While I was still a student, my experience as a lab assistant gave me my first exposure to working in an IT-related environment. I learned how to help users, troubleshoot problems, and communicate professionally.
After completing my studies, the journey was not easy. I applied for many opportunities but did not get responses, which was sometimes discouraging. There were moments when I even thought about giving up on finding a job and starting my own small business as a website designer and developer. I managed to get a few clients, but the experience was challenging, and not everything went as expected. At one point, the process became draining, and I realized that I needed to gain more experience in a professional environment so that I could grow both personally and technically. Instead of giving up, I decided to continue improving my skills while searching for an opportunity. During this time, I developed several personal projects, including a weather predictor, a memory game, a landscaping website for a client, and my personal portfolio website where I showcase my work and technical projects.
You can view my portfolio here: https://awethuflathela.netlify.app/
I also learned data analytics tools such as Python, SQL, and Power BI, which I used to analyze data and create dashboards for visualization.
Why Diploma in Information Technology
I chose to study Information Technology because I enjoy working with computers, learning new systems, and solving technical problems. I wanted a career where I can continue learning, growing, and challenging myself. Technology is always changing, and that is one of the reasons I enjoy this field, because it gives me the opportunity to keep improving my knowledge and skills.
Internship
I got my internship through WGConnect, a company that helps graduates find work opportunities. During the waiting period, I continued learning and improving my skills so that I would be ready when the opportunity came.
After some time, I was placed at Stefanutti Stocks, where I am currently doing my IT internship. Getting this opportunity meant a lot to me because it came after a long period of applying, learning, and not giving up even when things felt uncertain.
Company
I am currently doing my internship at Stefanutti Stocks, where I am working in the IT environment and gaining real-world experience. My responsibilities include assisting with technical support, troubleshooting computer issues, and learning how IT systems are managed in a professional workplace.
This experience is helping me grow both technically and personally, and it is giving me the confidence to continue building my career in Information Technology. Every day I learn something new, and I am grateful for the opportunity to gain real industry experience.
