Penetrating the Stem bubble
NORTH RIDING – The 3rd Annual Stem Conference continues to bridge the gap between youth and blue-chip corporates.
On 4 October the first day of Science, Technology, Engineering, Math (Stem) Conference and Career Expo kicked off. High school learners and first-year tertiary students from all over Johannesburg made their way to learn more about how to penetrate the Stem bubble at the Ticketpro Dome in North Riding.
The conference was held at a time where South Africa faced a shortage of skills in the Stem landscape and where ‘it has become critical to close the gap and minimise the need to import skills at great cost to companies’, according to the event website.
Cindy Simangele Mamba was one of the panellists at the Stem Conference and has been involved in the Investec graduate programme for the last few months. Mamba spoke to being a part of the Stem professional landscape where pure maths or maths core was not one of her subjects in high school.
“I wanted to make sure students were aware that if you have a passion for what you want, you can achieve it. All you need is passion and drive.”
Mamba spoke about her experience where she knew she wanted to be in the information technology industry, despite her subject choices. The current Master’s in Information Technology student elaborated that she had to engage in a great deal of self-study in order to get to where she is, which included coding. This was because her undergrad was more theoretical, however, she wished to venture into the practical aspect of her field as well.
At a time where matric learners are weeks away from their finals, they are encouraged to pursue their dreams despite obstacles. They are also encouraged to seek the information they are in need of by any means necessary to ensure their dreams are realised.
Mamba encouraged anyone who would like to know more about her journey through education to subscribe to her new YouTube channel entitled Cybher. Mamba documented her studies as they happen and has created a platform for those interested to learn and explore her specialisation information security by her side.
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