tshepisosishuba In the realm of academia, few individuals embody the fusion of passion, dedication, and impact as profoundly as Dr. Thapelo ChaaCha. As the Deputy School Director and Senior Lecturer at North-West University, Dr. ChaaCha’s career is a testament to the transformative power of education and leadership. From his early aspirations to making a tangible difference in students’ lives to his current multifaceted role that spans lecturing, research, and strategic management, Dr. ChaaCha’s journey is marked by a relentless pursuit of excellence and a deep-seated commitment to knowledge sharing. His story is one of overcoming challenges, embracing lifelong learning, and continuously striving to leave a positive mark on the academic world and beyond.
Qualifications and Career Path
Educational Background
Dr. ChaaCha holds a PhD in Economics with a specialization in Human Resource Management. His rigorous academic journey has equipped him with a profound understanding of his field, enabling him to make significant contributions through both teaching and research.
Choosing the Career Path
Reflecting on his decision to pursue this career, Dr. ChaaCha shares, “I have always had a passion for this role, so it has to do with impacting someone else’s life.” As a student, he envisioned a different approach to lecturing, one that would address the needs from a student’s perspective. This vision fueled his passion to follow this career path, allowing current students to experience their academic journey differently.
Reconsidering Career Choices
When asked if he would pursue the same career again, Dr. ChaaCha responded affirmatively, stating, “Reflecting on how my career turned out, I would say to myself; ‘You made the right choice’.” However, he also expressed an interest in electrical engineering, which has always been a childhood ambition of his.
Career Advice for Younger Self
Dr. ChaaCha’s advice to his younger self emphasizes the importance of making informed decisions and pursuing one’s passions. He encourages individuals to be driven, dedicated, and aware of the demands of their chosen field.
Essential Skills
In terms of skills, Dr. ChaaCha highlights the importance of both hard and soft skills. Critical skills include interpersonal, communication, teaching, research, administrative, technology, diversity, leadership, problem-solving, curriculum development, policy knowledge, and discipline-specific knowledge. He emphasizes, “It is worth noting that you will also need to have the potential to conduct research, as it is important in the role.”
Roadmap for Graduates
For graduates or those seeking employment in his field, Dr. ChaaCha advises obtaining the necessary qualifications, beginning with an honors degree, progressing to a master’s degree, and eventually earning a PhD. He also stresses the importance of possessing the right behaviors and potential to thrive in the role, as well as gaining relevant experience.
Job Responsibilities and Industry Insights
Day-to-Day Activities
Dr. ChaaCha’s role encompasses a variety of responsibilities, including people management, financial management, meetings, lecturing, marking, addressing staff and student queries, operational and strategic team management, report submission, research supervision, conducting his own research, and stakeholder engagements.
Industry Challenges
One surprising aspect of the industry is the demanding nature of the job, despite the perceived flexibility. Dr. ChaaCha notes, “The industry is quite challenging and requires you to be driven and dedicated. It also has long hours in it; the façade of flexible work arrangements means that you are constantly working on something.”
AI and the Future of Academia
Regarding the impact of AI on his profession, Dr. ChaaCha believes his job will still exist in the next decade but may evolve. He emphasizes the need to “re-skill, up-skill, remain relevant, keep up with the trends, invest in self-development and multi-skill.”
Challenges and Rewards
Biggest Challenges
Dr. ChaaCha identifies finding a work-life balance as a significant challenge, despite the flexibility his job offers. “If you are not aware, you might end up working all the time,” he remarks.
Most Rewarding Aspect
The most rewarding aspect of Dr. ChaaCha’s job is the ability to share knowledge and witness its impact on others. “Being able to make a positive impact on someone else’s life” is a source of immense satisfaction for him.
Career Setbacks and Advantages
Dr. ChaaCha faced a career setback when he had to start a new master’s program in Human Resource Management due to challenges with his master’s in Labour Relations. However, this experience allowed him to expand his knowledge, utilize his work experience, and research a topic of personal interest. He reflects, “I am now doing something I am more passionate about and aligned with my sense of purpose.”
Work-Related Goals
One of Dr. ChaaCha’s goals for this year is to publish at least two research articles, contributing further to his field and academic community.
Personal and Financial Reflections
Childhood Aspirations
Dr. ChaaCha believes his 10-year-old self would be proud and astonished by his current achievements. Growing up shy and introverted, he has come a long way in overcoming these challenges.
Life Without Financial Constraints
If money were no object, Dr. ChaaCha would continue working, as it provides meaning to certain aspects of his life. His dedication to his profession is evident in his commitment to making a positive impact.
Financial Lessons for Youth
Dr. ChaaCha emphasizes four essential financial lessons for young people:
1. “Having access to credit does not mean you can afford it.”
2. “Do not give into societal financial pressures and expectations.”
3. “Diversify your assets, savings, and investments.”
4. “Invest in yourself.”
