To celebrate this year’s Freedom Day in South Africa, we spoke to one of our recently graduated QA interns turned QA graduate engineer at Entersekt.
Mandisa Nonkobongo’s success story is one of empowerment and the freedom to shine in the career of her choice. It’s also a window into what makes Entersekt an employer of choice. And today, we celebrate not only Mandisa’s journey, but the journeys to upliftment and satisfaction for many of our talented interns, graduates, and committed employees.
Mandisa Nonkobongo’s success story is one of empowerment and the freedom to shine in the career of her choice. It’s also a window into what makes Entersekt an employer of choice. And today, we celebrate not only Mandisa’s journey, but the journeys to upliftment and satisfaction for many of our talented interns, graduates, and committed employees.
1. What are some of the highlights for you upon reflecting on your one-year internship journey?
Along with obtaining my ISTQB certificate, working from home with flexible working hours as an intern stands out for me as an experience I have never had before. Then, when I joined my team (Kerberus) in August 2022 to start actual work, Entersekt showed me a sense of belonging, and with that I was able to bring my authentic self to work.
The work environment is incredibly healthy, and I always feel inspired to do my job. It is not just because I have to, but also because I value the team and everyone's contribution.
Friday staff lunches are also a highlight for me. Entersekt values its employees and loves face-to-face ceremonies where each Friday free lunch is served. I also love team buildings with my team. I’ve been able to explore beautiful spaces in the Western Cape.
Friday staff lunches are also a highlight for me. Entersekt values its employees and loves face-to-face ceremonies where each Friday free lunch is served. I also love team buildings with my team. I’ve been able to explore beautiful spaces in the Western Cape.
2. Where did you feel especially challenged during this experience, and what did you learn from it?
It was when I failed my ISTQB exams on my first attempt. I have learnt that giving up is not and will never be an option for me, especially when you are content with what you want. I strongly believe that we are all destined for greatness.
3. Are there any life skills you learnt as part of the program, and how do you believe these will help you?
Yes, I have learned a lot of life skills throughout this program, but I’d like to highlight two from many:
- Coping with stress and emotions: This would help me in creating a positive working environment or space as I spend most of my working hours interacting with my co-workers. Being part of Entersekt helped me to understand and identify my stressors in the workplace.
- Effective communication: Before joining the team in August, I attended the skills development program provided by the company to get ready for work. My communication skills have improved ever since I joined this program, and my field (QA) requires strong communication skills.
4. Do you have any advice for young people who want to enter a QA or technical career?
I would advise young people to start taking initiative. I strongly believe that initiative can get you anywhere and everywhere. When you take initiative, you show willingness to get things done and take responsibility.
QA is one of the roles where you need to be able to initiate things independently as a person. Continuous learning is a major part of being a QA engineer, and it requires you to step out of your comfort zone because that is how you learn and become the best version of yourself. Additionally, it gives you the confidence and motivation you need to unlock your full potential and continue to develop your career as a QA engineer, prove that you are ready to learn, that you can be trusted, and can do your job very well.
I didn’t know that I would end up here today. But because IT is very broad, I had an opportunity to choose from the various fields of technology… and ended up liking and enjoying what I was doing.
QA is one of the roles where you need to be able to initiate things independently as a person. Continuous learning is a major part of being a QA engineer, and it requires you to step out of your comfort zone because that is how you learn and become the best version of yourself. Additionally, it gives you the confidence and motivation you need to unlock your full potential and continue to develop your career as a QA engineer, prove that you are ready to learn, that you can be trusted, and can do your job very well.
I didn’t know that I would end up here today. But because IT is very broad, I had an opportunity to choose from the various fields of technology… and ended up liking and enjoying what I was doing.
If you would like to be part of our star-studded team, visit our careers page to browse opportunities and get a glimpse into who we are.
