Modipadi Karabo Thobejane is 24 years old and lives in South Africa. She completed her Bachelor of Honours degree in Construction Project Management at the University of Johannesburg this year, and her Bachelor of Engineering Technology in Civil Engineering in 2022. Modipadi currently works as a Graduate Civil Engineer for EOH Roads and Highways.
Please tell us a bit about yourself!
I am a dedicated civil engineer with a profound passion for sustainability, striving to design and implement innovative, eco-friendly solutions in my projects. At the same time, I am an active advocate for education to empower future generations with the knowledge and skills needed to create a more sustainable world. In my free time, I enjoy volunteering, reading, hiking, sightseeing and sports.
Which scholarship(s) have you received?
I have been a recipient of the WomEng Southern African Fellowship. Through WomEng, I gained insights into navigating the engineering field as a woman, overcoming challenges, and developing leadership skills. Their guidance was pivotal in my educational pursuits and subsequent career advancement.
Simultaneously, Africademics provided me with mentorship that empowered me with scholarship search strategies and essential application skills. This support was crucial in securing educational opportunities that have significantly shaped my professional path. Overall, both of these experiences have been invaluable in enhancing my personal and professional growth.
How did you experience the Africademics Scholarship Ambassador Programme?
My motivation to become an Africademics Scholarship Ambassador stems from my own experience as an Africademics mentee, where I gained valuable insights from my mentor. I am driven by a strong commitment to share knowledge, and to give back so that others can benefit from the same opportunities that were extended to me. I also want to support educational initiatives, aligning with my advocacy for Sustainable Development Goal 4, which aims to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all.
My personal highlight from the 2023 Ambassador Programme was the profound realization of the transformative power of collaboration and mentorship in driving positive change. I learned that by working together, sharing knowledge, and supporting one another, we can amplify our impact and create meaningful initiatives that align with our shared goals and values.
As a Scholarship Mentor, my experience has been both rewarding and insightful. I had the privilege of mentoring a very dedicated and motivated mentee. Throughout our mentorship, we focused on enhancing his scholarship application materials, specifically working on CV and motivation letter improvements. Our sessions have enabled my mentee to refine his application documents, increasing his competitiveness in scholarship opportunities. I’m proud of his dedication and progress in his scholarship search journey!
Why would you recommend the Scholarship Ambassador Programme to others?
I would wholeheartedly encourage students and scholars to join the Africademics Scholarship Ambassador Programme. This programme offers a unique avenue for personal and professional development, fostering connections with like-minded individuals, and enabling you to give back and make a significant impact. Through mentorship, advocacy, and collaboration, you can expand your knowledge and skills while actively contributing to promoting education and scholarship opportunities.
Participating in this program is not only an opportunity to enrich your own journey but also to inspire and empower others. It’s a deeply fulfilling and rewarding experience that allows you to be part of a community dedicated to positive change in education and scholarship access.
What are your plans for the future? Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
In 10 years, I envision a fulfilling path in both my education and career. I aim to have achieved the status of a registered Professional Engineer with the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA), reflecting my commitment to excellence in my field. On the academic front, I aspire to hold a Ph.D. in Civil Engineering, pushing the boundaries of knowledge and contributing to innovative solutions in the field.
Beyond my professional and academic pursuits, I see myself deeply engaged in my passion for education and advocacy. I hope to have successfully established an NGO dedicated to ensuring equal and quality education for underprivileged communities. This organization would allow me to make a tangible impact on improving educational opportunities for those who need it most, aligning with my commitment to Sustainable Development Goal 4.
In summary, my vision for the next decade includes personal and professional growth as a registered engineer and a Ph.D. holder, as well as a meaningful contribution to society through my NGO’s work in promoting equitable education.
How can Africademics community members get in touch with you?
You are welcome to contact me on Instagram, LinkedIn or via the Africademics online learning platform.
