When you meet someone who’s transformed their life through sheer determination, it’s more than inspiring – it’s a reminder of what’s possible when talent meets opportunity. This is the story of our very own Entersekter, Junaid Wantza, who started in general maintenance and found his way into the world of business intelligence, proving that with curiosity, courage, and community, anything is possible.
Humble beginnings
Junaid’s first job was far from glamorous – garden upkeep, replacing bulbs, and cleaning outdoor areas. “It felt like I was stuck,” Junaid recalls. “There was no sense of progress.” Like many, he took the job out of necessity, juggling part-time gigs just to get by. When he joined Entersekt in a temporary maintenance role, he had no idea it would be the start of something much bigger.
The spark that changed everything
The turning point came when a school friend introduced him to HTML. “He said I’d find it interesting – and he was right.” That spark ignited a passion for web development. Junaid enrolled in an online course through Shaw Academy, and for the first time, learning felt structured and exciting.
Support and sacrifice
Then came COVID-19. With the world in flux, Junaid made the bold decision to apply to WeThinkCode, a non-profit software development academy that offers training to talented youth. With campuses in Johannesburg and Cape Town, South Africa, the program equips students with in-demand programming and workplace skills over a rigorous two-year curriculum.
Backed by corporate sponsors, WeThinkCode boasts a 91% graduate employment rate and plays a vital role in bridging the country’s digital skills gap. Entersekt’s partnership with WeThinkCode over the years has allowed us to contribute to the organization’s incredible success stories, like Junaid’s.
The application process was intense: Gamified memory tests, critical thinking challenges, and a one-week bootcamp. Junaid pushed through. “Entersekt stepped in as a sponsor, helping with transport and to support my family. That made all the difference.”
Learning against the odds
Balancing learning with life wasn’t easy. He didn’t have a personal laptop, so a colleague would book one for him to use after hours. “He even offered to pay for my courses. He’s been a mentor since day one.”
Many other colleagues contributed to making Junaid’s learning journey a success in various ways, like one who recommended other relevant courses to boost Junaid’s skills, and others, constantly encouraged him to keep going.
He dove into Coursera courses, learned SQL, and embraced every opportunity to grow. “I felt like I had to make the most of it. So many people believed in me.”
Breakthrough
The transition wasn’t smooth. “Working in teams, learning soft skills – it was all new. The pace was fast, and I didn’t know Python at first.” But he found support in his peers at WeThinkCode. “I’m not very social, but I made friends who helped me stay motivated.”
His brother was another pillar of strength. “He always believed in me. He told me if I played my cards right, I could make something of myself. I wanted to prove him right.”
A new chapter: Business Intelligence Analyst
Today, Junaid works as a BI Engineer, generating reports, maintaining databases, and diving into SQL and data extraction. “It’s not what I originally studied, but I love it. I get to learn about different parts of the business and even explore AI tools like [Microsoft] Copilot.”
Looking back, moving forward
What is Junaid most proud of? “That I didn’t give up. There were so many times I thought it was a waste of time. But I kept going.”
His advice to others in non-technical roles that have the goal of breaking into the tech space? “It can be overwhelming, but keep learning. Push through. Find your motivation and never give up.”
This career change has transformed Junaid’s life. “I wanted stability, to provide for my family, to own a car and a home – without debt. That’s still my dream, and now it feels within reach.”
At Entersekt, we believe in investing in potential wherever it lies. Junaid’s journey is a testament to what’s possible when curiosity meets opportunity, and we’re proud to have played a part in his transformation.