“UP provides a supportive and enriching environment to develop my skills, expand my knowledge and enhance my career prospects,” says Samantha Rabie, postgraduate coordinator in the Department of Business Management. She chats about her likes, loves and more.

“I’m dedicated to providing support to postgraduate students, fostering a nurturing environment for their academic growth and contributing to the University’s continued success,” says postgraduate coordinator in the Department of Business Management Samantha Rabie, who tells us more about her position at UP.

Where did you work before joining UP?

I began my career at Water for Africa as a personal assistant, and worked there for eight years. During that time, I contributed to the organisation’s mission of providing clean and accessible water to communities in need. I supported the executive team and ensured that the operations ran smoothly. My responsibilities included administrative duties and the compilation of tender documents for various projects. Over the course of eight years, I witnessed the growth and impact of Water for Africa first-hand. I also witnessed the transformative power of providing clean water to communities, fuelling my passion for making a positive difference.

 I then spent two and a half years at Alexander Forbes Financial Services, where I worked as an administrator specialising in pension and provident funds. In this role, I was responsible for administrative tasks, which allowed me to develop a strong understanding of the financial services industry.

After that, I moved on to Jasco Enterprises, where I worked as a tender administrator for two and a half years. In this position, I was involved in the professional compilation of tenders, and compliance with legal, technical and black economic empowerment requirements. My time at Jasco refined my administrative abilities further and provided me with insights into the procurement and tender processes.

These experiences shaped my professional growth, honed my skills in administration and finance, and equipped me with the expertise to contribute effectively to the team at UP.

 What attracted you to UP?

 Joining UP allowed me to be a part of an institution that values excellence in education and fosters a culture of intellectual growth. It provides a supportive and enriching environment to develop my skills further, expand my knowledge and enhance my career prospects. That is why I completed my master’s degree here.

What does your role as a postgraduate coordinator entail?

I support and enhance the postgraduate programmes within the Department of Business Management. Having been at UP for a decade, I have had the privilege of contributing to the academic development and growth of the institution. One of my key responsibilities is processing new applications and coordinating departmental programmes. This involves reviewing and evaluating incoming applications, ensuring that eligibility requirements are met and overseeing the smooth enrolment of new postgraduate students.

Additionally, I play a role in coordinating the various programmes offered by the department, ensuring proper scheduling and facilitating students’ progress throughout their academic journey. I’m also involved in marketing the Business Management programmes on social media platforms. Through strategic promotion and engagement, I help raise awareness about our programmes, attract prospective students and highlight the unique offerings of the department.

Community engagement forms an integral part of my role. I collaborate with the Mamelodi Business Hub, a community initiative of the Department of Business Management. Through this engagement, we foster connections with the local community, support entrepreneurship initiatives and contribute to socioeconomic development.

I am dedicated to providing excellent support to postgraduate students, fostering a nurturing environment for their academic growth and contributing to the University’s continued success.

What do you enjoy most about your job and why?

I most enjoy my job when I have the chance to connect with and meet new people. Building relationships and establishing connections with colleagues, clients and stakeholders is fulfilling and enriching. Interacting with diverse individuals allows for an exchange of ideas, perspectives and experiences, which broadens one's horizons and stimulates personal and professional growth.

I get great satisfaction out of my job because it allows me to make a meaningful difference. Whether it's assisting clients in achieving their goals, tackling complex problems or positively impacting people's lives, creating tangible and meaningful outcomes is rewarding. Additionally, I enjoy the continuous learning and personal growth opportunities that come with my job. The dynamic nature of the work and the ever-evolving industry keep me engaged and intellectually stimulated. Each day brings new challenges and opportunities to expand my knowledge and skill set, allowing me to develop professionally and personally.

What is your least favourite part of the job?

The part I like the least is dealing with last-minute requests and difficult clients. I’ve learnt that one has to choose his/her words carefully and understand your client’s perspective, ask clients to be specific, acknowledge their complaints, focus on the solution, set boundaries with difficult clients, communicate everything in writing and part ways.

What do you do in your free time?

 I’m very involved with my postgraduate studies, though sometimes I volunteer at an animal shelter. I continuously focus on my studies. To borrow a quote from Malcolm X: “Education is the passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today.”

What are your likes and dislikes?

I enjoy cooking and spending time with my family.

I dislike being micro-managed. It annoys employees. It makes some managers lose sight of the big picture, damages employee trust, and leads to burnout among managers and teams. It can also cause employees to become dependent on micro-management and increase employee turnover.

June is Youth Month – what is your advice to youth?

I would like to advise youth to think before they act, find an adult mentor early, do not be a follower, be humble all the time, establish a set of values, and maintain emotional stability. Failure is not an option. It’s not about falling but refusing to get up.

Favourites:

Sport: Rugby

Food: Spicy food

Movies: Action movies

Actors: Vin Diesel and Liam Neeson

Musician: Whitney Houston

All-time hero: My dad