“I am proof that hard work, consistency, a little luck and never giving up can get you far in life,” says FLY@UP coordinator Tayla Jonker, who tells us more about her academic (and life) journey.

Tell us about yourself.

I am half-South African, half-Italian, and am the youngest of two children (both girls). I was born and raised in Benoni and came to Pretoria for the first time in 2016, when I started my studies at UP. I have an Mcom Marketing Management degree from UP, where I also work full time.

When I came to the University, I got a job as a student assistant at the Engineering Study Centre. In my master’s year, I got a student job in marketing at FLY@UP, which led me to my full-time job as a FLY@UP coordinator. I have also recently embarked on my PhD studies in Marketing Management. Be kind and have courage is my daily motto.

Why did you choose this role as a coordinator?

I initially studied towards a BSc in Biological Sciences in first year, as I didn’t know what career I’d wanted. I’d taken biology and science at school, so I thought that would be the best choice for me – but I was very wrong! I failed my first semester miserably; in fact, I was warned that if I don’t improve my marks or make serious changes I’d be excluded from the University. The next thing I knew, I was in the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences chatting to a faculty advisor and transferring there.

I’m happy I made the decisions that I needed to make to get into the world of marketing management. I have not looked back and would go so far as to say that I see myself as an academic in the field, completing my Mcom and currently my PhD. I’ve never been an A or B student at school or university. My academic recorded is far from perfect. But I am proof that hard work, consistency, a little luck and never giving up can get you far in life. It is not necessary always about IQ – EQ is a massive factor as well.

What are some of the challenges that you have faced at work?

There aren’t that many to be honest. But there are several factors to consider if you look at my situation compared to others. I’ve been working since I was 14 years old, which means I understood from a young age the importance of work, sacrifice (no weekends with friends) and the rewards of being efficient, effective, reliable and independent. I have not been unemployed since 2011. So over the years, I’ve failed at work, battled at work and been lost at work, but I’ve made my way out of it and become better because of it.

Perhaps the one challenge is that my career path has never led me to a situation where I have been an intern or really trained in my field by a fellow marketer. I have had to figure it out on my own and teach myself.

How did you navigate these challenges?

When I face a challenge, I do the following:

Speak out and up for myself.
Maintain perspective of the situation.
Respect my superiors/professionals in my field.
Remind myself that feedback must be used as building blocks to better myself.
Never take work situations personally.
Remove myself from any situation that hinders my well-being.

How are you making every day matter?

By showing up for myself. It can be something as small as making myself plunger coffee in the morning instead of an instant coffee. I’d dance in my car to my favourite song while in the parking lot. I’d smile at others – they will likely smile back.

Which UPWAY value do you identify with most: Teach, Learn, Innovate, Impact or Live? How have you successfully applied this value?

Live – just live! You don’t need to have it all figured out. You don’t need to be the smartest, thinnest, hardest worker to just live. Take chances, apply for that job, share your idea in that meeting and live your life. Live intentionally and proactively.

What should be done to support young people in the workplace?

We need to introduce flexible policies to accommodate the ever-changing world – the COVID-19 pandemic has showed us that anything is possible. In the workplace, we need to support young people by going back to basics.

Accountability is vital – so show up to work early; don’t walk in at 10am or stay in your PJs if you work from home.

Teaching young people patience and what hard work will get them is also important. We live in a world where everything is given to us instantaneously – if you want to know something, just google it on your phone. Young people don’t know the feeling of pride once they have achieved something that they have worked hard for. They need to toughen up and work for their careers; not everything can be given to you. 

I know that a one-size-fits-all approach doesn’t always work. One needs empathy and patience, but lines need to be drawn. Make us young people uncomfortable now, so that when we are more established in our careers, we can be comfortable later.

What do you do in your free time?

I love exercising in my free time, and going on trail runs and hikes. Being out in nature is the best. I also love the bush and wildlife, so what better place to live than South Africa where nature is just at our doorstep. I very recently became a first-time dog mom to a long-haired sausage dog named Peach.

My friends and family are very important to me and spending intentional time with them is key to me maintaining my sanity.

Between my job, exercise, puppy, family and studying, my plate is very full, but so is my heart. I believe that a bit of everything is what creates the balance in my life that allows me to keep on every day.

Where do you see yourself in the future?

I see myself comfortable in my career, with a PhD in the bag (hopefully) as well! Long term, I would love to open my own marketing firm and have a side hustle that is based on a passion, like a coffee shop or an online store. I’d like all of this in a happier, more stable South Africa.