Thandiwe Pandala

AT work

I had the privilege and opportunity to intern in the IT department at Bob Finance. It was a great learning experience for me as I got to familiarise myself with python programming language and Postgre SQL database. As an intern I was tasked with finding a solution to bulk load/insert data from a file into a database, my experience involved a combination of learning, research, and hands-on problem-solving. I was responsible for understanding the specific requirements of the project description, exploring various tools, different technologies, and ultimately devising an efficient solution that aligns with the objectives provided to me by my mentor.

MY MENTOR, COACH AND COLLEGUES

The exceptional guidance and support provided by my mentor Mr Olaf Haase during the virtual internship undoubtedly contributed significantly to my professional growth and overall experience. My mentor made a substantial difference in my journey, providing valuable mentorship, fostering a positive learning environment, and helping to navigate the complexities of the virtual work landscape.
During the internship I was assigned Karen Muller as my coach as part of the support offered by B360 education partnerships. She was supportive during our weekly catchups and provided valuable guidance, personalized feedback, and encouragement, fostering a conducive environment for my growth and success. I had the privilege of working in a team with colleagues from economics and marketing backgrounds. It was an exciting and enriching experience, offering unique perspectives, diverse skill sets, and fresh approaches to problem-solving.

HIghlights and lowlights

My main highlight from this experience was completing my project well within the stipulated time that was allocated to me and producing a working solution that was well documented, tried and tested. Additionally, collaborating with my colleagues provided me with a unique and exciting opportunity to broaden my professional horizons, foster innovation, and build lasting connections within the wider industry. The only lowlight I experienced was the unstable network connectivity, it made some days at work a little slow and having to push forward some work. However, quickly finding alternative connection networks to better navigate the workday was mastered early on.

My future plans

I plan on evaluating potential pathways that will align with my career goals and personal aspirations, after completing my internship. I want to set myself on a rewarding and fulfilling trajectory within the IT industry as well as, further my studies by pursuing a Postgraduate degree in the field of IT.

Personal Message

I want to express my sincere gratitude to B360 education partnerships and the University of Lusaka for the humbling opportunity to take part in this virtual internship pilot programme. To the team at Bob Finance, I am grateful for the incredible opportunity to have been an intern and having worked closely with such a dedicated and knowledgeable mentor was an invaluable experience that has shaped my understanding of the IT industry in profound ways. With a heart filled with gratitude, thank you B360 education partnerships and all Stakeholders.