“Being an office professional isn’t just about scheduling meetings, answering the telephone and arranging tea,” says Ragni Chethram, senior management assistant in the Department of Institutional Advancement. “It requires you to be a logical thinker, creative, good at administration and helpful.” She tells us more about her role at UP.

Every 6 September, Administrative Professionals Day is commemorated. We caught up with Ragni Chethram, senior management assistant in the University of Pretoria’s (UP) Department of Institutional Advancement, to find out more about her career and her role at UP.

Tell us about yourself and about your role at UP.
I grew up in Shallcross, a small suburb in KwaZulu-Natal, and am one of four children. I studied office administration and my first job was as a secretary at a unit funded by the Rockefeller Foundation at what was formerly called the University of Durban-Westville (UDW). I worked my way up, and nine years later, become the personal assistant (PA) to the Registrar. In 2004, UDW merged and was renamed the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN).

I resigned from UKZN in 2014 and joined UP as the PA for the dean of the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences. In 2015, I moved to the Rectorate to be the executive assistant to the Vice-Principal of Institutional Planning. In 2019, I joined the Department of Institutional Advancement as the senior management assistant to the director of the Department of Institutional Planning.

I am responsible for corporate gifts, hiring branding material and for the daily maintenance of the building while ensuring that the director’s office runs smoothly. Two staff members report to me and together we try to ensure that all requests are attended to. I am the secretariat to the Senate Inaugural Lectures Academic Review Committee, so I have to ensure that all abstracts are approved in time for inaugural lectures. I am also the administrator that processes the applications for filming and photography on UP’s campuses. Occasionally, I assist with copywriting and event planning. Last year I assisted with the MACE cocktail event that was hosted by UP and a few other events during the year.

What made you choose this career path, and what challenges did you overcome in pursuing it?

After completing matric, I was in a huge dilemma as I didn’t have funding to study at a university or technical college. I became aware of the financial aid options only after I’d started my first job at UDW; I was so upset that I hadn’t been correctly advised at high school.

I grew up in a poor household, where further education was not encouraged. It’s taken for granted that one has to find work and contribute to the family. Thankfully, my mum would have none of that and ensured that we studied after matric, irrespective of the field we chose. She believed that as long as you studied, it would contribute to a better future. My parents arranged for me to meet with the principal of a private college and because he had payment options in place at his institution, I ended up studying secretarial office administration. Therefore, I believe that my career found me. Over the years, I have had the opportunity to change my career path, however, because I enjoy what I do, I choose to remain in the field and try to perfect my skills.

Being an office professional requires a wide variety of talents. It requires you to be a logical thinker, creative, good at administration and helpful. The profession has evolved a lot over the years. It is not just about scheduling meetings, answering the telephone and arranging tea. Every day, there are new challenges, and no two days are alike. The skills I acquired over the years help me to help others. I try to make sure that the day runs smoothly for everyone by being prepared and prioritising my workday. We don’t always get it right, but so far, there’s been more good days than bad ones.

In your experience, what obstacles do women face in the academic or professional sphere, and how can these challenges be addressed?

I think one of the common problems is being undermined and undervalued. Even in the 21^st century, women are still trying to prove themselves to their peers.

What initiatives or programmes do you think the university should implement to create a more inclusive and supportive environment?

An initiative where men and women speak to one another – where there is an open platform for people to openly discuss their problems and expose cultural appropriation.

How can we promote a work-life balance and address the challenges women may face in balancing academic/professional responsibilities with personal and family commitments?

Over the years, I’ve realised that acceptance and acknowledgement is very important. Once we’ve made a career choice, we have to accept and acknowledge the responsibilities that come with it. Your career choice is your own and therefore you have to take full responsibility for it. If you are unhappy in your job, you will lead a very miserable life. We cannot hold anyone else responsible for our life choices. You have a choice to make it work or to change it.

Also, it is very important to separate work from home. Although it is difficult, try to keep work problems at work; in that same breath, try not to bring your home problems to work. The occasional chatter in the staff lounge is acceptable; however, I believe the discussions should be limited and work and home life should be kept separate as far as possible.

We are very lucky at UP to have a wellness programme. I think staff should take advantage of the opportunity that the University provides. I can attest to the service that is provided as I have used the counselling services; it helped me through a very difficult time in my life.

What message would you like to send to young women aspiring to pursue higher education or careers in academia?

Don’t let anything stand in the way of pursuing your dreams. Financial aid is available for all, irrespective of your financial standing. Read as much as you can, learn the lessons, but don’t get lost in the fantasy. Respect yourself and don’t forget your roots. There is no substitute for hard work. Remember, influencers prepare before posting – you only see the end result.