Grad Gallery: Natalia Dambe

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Current position:

Geographical Information Systems (GIS) Project Planner at Enertrag South Africa

Past positions:

GIS Research Assistant at Childsafe Organisation

Qualifications:

2018 Master of Philosophy in Engineering specialising in Geomatics at UCT

2016 Bachelor of Science Honours in Geographical Information Systems at UCT

2014 Bachelor of Science in Geomatics at UCT

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How did you obtain your current position?

I obtained my position at Enertrag South Africa (a renewable energy company) during the completion of my masters degree at the University of Cape Town. Enertrag South Africa advertised a position in the company’s Geomatics department in September 2018. I searched for the company online to understand their vision and what they stand for, and [from this] I knew I wanted to join the Enertrag team, so I applied and a month later they invited me for a phone interview. The interview went well and I was invited for the second in-person interview, followed by a practical interview in December 2018 where I was given a technical task to complete. Later, I was offered the position, and I reported for work in February 2019.

What do your day-to-day responsibilities look like?

My day-to-day responsibilities are mainly carrying out prefeasibility analysis studies to identify potential renewable energy site projects, carrying out feasibility studies, mapping Site Development Plans for existing projects in South Africa, and maintaining and managing our spatial database.

What value do your qualifications add to your work?

My qualification in Geomatics, specifically GIS and Remote Sensing add direct value to my day-to-day work. I apply the same functional, teamwork and management skills that I acquired at the university to my current work. For instance, I use the same GIS and database software tools that I learned during my studies to carry out my daily tasks, and I apply the same concepts such as projections, spatial data analysis and general professionalism that I acquired at the university in my daily work. My qualification created a good foundation in transitioning into my current role as a GIS Project Planner.

Try to join professional bodies and participate in workshops to widen your knowledge and network, and to keep up with new innovations and developments in the industry.

What are some of the challenges that you have faced in your career?

One of the challenges I have faced in my career is meeting mentors, particularly in the GIS profession. To address the challenge, I am currently a member of the Geo-informatics Society of South Africa (GISSA) and participate in Renewable Energy workshops, including South African Wind Energy Association workshops. These are good professional associations for networking, and I see great potential in meeting mentors, role models and staying up to date with the innovations in the industry.

Any advice for graduates currently entering your industry?

Be daring in taking up challenges and never think you are alone. You will work in teams – let yourself grow with your team. Be patient with yourself, change is not always comfortable but it is necessary, and it is fine to give oneself time to adapt to a new environment. Try to join professional bodies and participate in workshops to widen your knowledge and network, and to keep up with new innovations and developments in the industry.

What impact has COVID-19 had on your career and industry?

Despite limited movement due to curfews and regulations, and limited contact with colleagues at work, COVID-19 has also had some benefits to my career and industry. I have adjusted to working remotely and have stretched my capacity in utilising online resources to grow my career, for instance Zoom meetings, and attending various global conferences and workshops without incurring big costs.

How do you see your industry evolving in the near future?

The industry has great potential and will continue to grow considering the enormous reliance on data for solving problems, be it in government or the private sector. GIS, Remote Sensing and Geomatics professionals will always be at the core of creating, collecting, processing, managing, analysing and presenting spatial data and information to bring about informed decisions and solutions. The importance of these professionals should give hope to students pursuing these careers.