NEW BEGINNINGS

Ms Julia Tlou is First Technical Assistant at the University of Pretoria’s Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences (NAS) from 1 January 2021.

Read more about her:

What do you do at NAS?
I manage Nutrilab in the Department of Animal Science and my job entails training undergraduate and postgraduate students on methods we use for proximate analysis in the labs. I facilitate postgraduate research projects that require lab analysis. I book samples from both internal students, inter-departmental students and external clients. I do costing for lab analysis, liaise with suppliers for lab consumables, general maintenance of all equipment in the labs, analyse samples and do quality control checks as well as reports for our clients.

As a new staff member at UP, what stands out for you from UP and NAS?
What stands out for me is how much everyone is willing to offer a helping hand no matter which department the staff members are from and how driven and motivated everyone is. UP and the Faculty also provides such a healthy work environment and opportunity for growth as a person and academically is just at your fingertips.

What qualities do you think a good employee should have to be successful?
Integrity is a major thing for me for one to be a successful employee. With just that, you know the quality of your work can be trusted and a person with integrity knows how to treat others and maintain good relationships with other people as well.

What is your life philosophy? What do you believe in?
My life philosophy is being kind and compassionate with others goes a long way. Never be afraid of hard work no matter how difficult situations may seem - eventually, the universe will reward you. We do not know how strong we are until we look back at the things we conquered and never thought we would survive. I strongly believe there is excellence in everyone - we all just need to get that chance to express it to the world.

Where were you previously employed? 
I worked at Meadow Feeds Randfontein where I initially held the position of Nutritionist Intern (2017-2018), then Acting Laboratory Supervisor (2018-2019) and finally a Temporary Junior Nutritionist at the Delmas branch.