Mamosa Makaya, a public engagement specialist at the U.S Embassy, says pursuing a master’s degree in strategic communication at the University of Pretoria (UP) provided her the much-needed knowledge to advance her career and supplement her interests in people management, brand and resource management.  Having worked in the higher education sector, she believes in the power of education in alleviating social ills “My hope is to see a growth in the number of educated young people and a positive shift in the economy where there are enough resources for all, if not a surplus,” she says.

Read more about her interests below.

Q: Briefly summarise your studies (including the qualifications you obtained) and your professional career, with special mention of specific highlights/milestones.

I graduated with an MPhil in Strategic Communication Management from UP in 2020. I am a communications manager with over 20 years of experience in the higher education and diplomatic spheres. My career highlights include leading exciting brand development programmes, creating partnerships with key stakeholders across Southern Africa, travelling and working with dynamic peers all around the world. I currently work at the US Embassy as a public engagement specialist, managing U.S. government flagship academic and professional exchange programmes, and stakeholder engagement.

Q: To what extent did your studies at UP benefit you in your career and contribute to your success?

My studies at UP were exactly what I needed at that point in my career. The knowledge acquired sharpened my strategic management skills while strengthening my research and presentation of academic work. My MPhil dissertation was published as an article in an academic journal. My research partner and supervisor were the co-authors of the paper. This is my best academic achievement so far.

Q: Why did you choose your particular degree course/major(s) and did it meet your expectations…or, in hindsight, should you have opted for something else?

Prior to my studies at UP, I already held a Postgraduate Diploma in Management. Pursuing a master’s qualification was the next best step on my academic and professional path. I also had a solid career of over ten years in communications as a communications manager. The MPhil aligned well with my interests because I enjoy managing programmes, people and resources. This was therefore the best programme to solidify professional interests with a senior academic qualification.

Q: As a UP and EMS alumna what makes you proud to be associated with UP?

My study programme at UP in the EMS Faculty was seamless – right from registration to graduation. I was part of the class of 2020, which means I was among those who were academically affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Many adjustments had to be made to ensure we had a normal academic year, albeit all online. This to me, was an incredible feat that EMS achieved despite the disruption from COVID. I had a great supervisor who was very supportive and pushed us to do our best until the end.

Q: Given your academic experience at UP, what advice can you pass on to current students?

Trust that you are in the right hands, come with a clear vision of your career path, and make as many friends as you can.

Q: AI (ChatGPT-4/Generative AI/LLM) is expected to have a significant impact on both tertiary education and the workplace. What is your take on the advantages/disadvantages of AI for students and employees/employers?

Being a master’s degree student during the COVID-19 pandemic means I certainly believe in the power of AI. The advantages of being on top of technology as an academic institution are endless. My master’s programme is a testament to the power of AI, and the improved technologies that are to be introduced to the academic space can only make UP more competitive. It is through AI that institutions, companies, and entrepreneurs can remain competitive in the future world of business.

Q: Going forward, what are your professional/business/personal goals? What is your ultimate ‘dream job’?

I am passionate about working with people, managing programmes, and making the world a connected and intertwined space. Working for the US Embassy has given me the ability to fulfil my career goals. I am currently on the path to success and enjoy it every day. I want to be able to share this with other women,  mentor young leaders in the communication space, and perhaps in the future, contribute to academia through writing and research.

Q: Which business/trade-related publications (magazines/newspapers/blogs, etc) do you enjoy reading?

I keep myself updated with higher education news, IOL online news and interesting news that pops up on my timeline. 

Q: What/who really inspires and motivates you personally?

I am inspired and motivated by all the 100m and 200m sprinters in the world. I love sports and will encourage anyone to take up even one sport in their lifetime, this keeps you motivated and positive in life.

Q: If you could have a face-to-face meeting with an inspiring person – in any domain – who sets an example in transforming the world and inspiring others to do the same, who would it be and what would you like to discuss?

I would like to meet Richard Branson. As a successful entrepreneur who has navigated failure and risen above it, creating an international brand, which I admire and enjoy, I would like to pick his brain for some tips on how to have tenacity and stay powerful in your personal and work life.

Q: Tell us more about yourself, including your likes/dislikes; strengths/weaknesses, business/life philosophy.

I love the great outdoors, looking for adventure and having new experiences. I enjoy quiet times with my family and taking a moment to appreciate nature every day. I don’t like noise or the disturbance of peace and quiet. As an ambivert, I am outgoing, but I also enjoy solitude.

Q: How do you handle stress/failure?

I try to find a life lesson in each occurrence, and any positive take-aways that I can find, knowing that life happens!

Q: If you could make a contribution to solving one/some of our societal problems, what would you like to tackle and why?

One of the social ills I would like to tackle is the lack of adequate educational opportunities amongst adults through an adult education centre. Due to life circumstances, there are people in our communities – both men and women – who would benefit from learning a language, using a computer, improving their matric results, or learning any new skill, through night school or short courses. I believe some academics and professionals would be happy to volunteer a few hours to teach and help adults on their education journey, and to better their lives. I would be glad to work with other professionals to make this happen.

Q: What are your hopes and aspirations for South Africa and its people?

My hope is to see growth in the number of educated young people and a positive shift in the economy where there are enough resources for all if not a surplus. I’d like to see a new crop of youth who take pride in themselves and their families. It is through the bravery of our youth that we enter new spaces and become part of a dynamic world. My wish is to see young people in South Africa learn more about the rest of the world and navigate spaces with great purpose and a winning attitude.