I banked on YES and found my creative place in HR

Tell me about your work as a group specialist for people data analytics.

People data analytics supports businesses with the centralisation and streamlining of employees' data from the time they enter an organisation until their exit interview.

We gather insights to help employees and the organisation on productivity, reporting (for example, on day-to-day performance) and predictive analysis (attrition rates or assisting with recruitment planning). Through data we can do things such as ensure that work is evenly distributed.

My role helps Nedbank look at every employee as an individual, enabling us to find solutions catered to specific priorities.

You joined Nedbank after joining the YES (Youth Employment Service) programme. Tell me about it and how it contributed to becoming employed.

Initiatives such as the Youth Employment Service are an absolute necessity, given the dire need for employment and career development opportunities for young people. For me it's another great example of what can be achieved when the government and purpose-led organisations such as Nedbank work together.

The YES programme allows learners to move across different business units and gather varying working experiences.

The first few months are dedicated to understanding the organisation and training for the different roles that form part of the programme.

Thereafter we got hands-on working experience in different areas.

I joined the human resources (HR) area immediately, and within three to four months I was developing new ways of reporting for the group, proposing solutions and creating a scope of work for myself.

I, like many of my colleagues who came through the programme, have been privileged to secure contract permanent placements in Nedbank and its implementation partners, which is a win in the fight against youth unemployment.

What would people find surprising about the work you do?

My work requires creativity and innovation. Designing reports and constructing analytics in a manner that is appealing yet meets the business needs is not easy.

What makes you good at what you do?

I am a curious individual who always strives to learn more. I have a teachable spirit and am always looking to push myself to the limit.

What did you want to be as a child?

An aeronautical engineer. I was fascinated by aircraft and how they allow humans to fly.

What advice do you have for young South African graduates looking for work? 

The journey can be long and exhausting, but they should never lose hope. There are initiatives such as the YES4Youth programme that will allow them to penetrate the job market. They should not put so much pressure on themselves, and they should always believe in their capabilities. But they must remember to always put their hand up and be ready for opportunities and always put their best foot forward.

What mistake at work has taught you an important lesson?

Effective time management has been a growth area for me. I missed an important deadline once, but it taught me how to communicate effectively and manage my stakeholders' expectations.