Marketing & Business Intelligence Officer at DigitalGae Technologies, Onneile Kereeditse, takes us through what her job entails, the level of participation of women in the Botswana tech space, how she fell in love with tech, her career ambitions, and much more!
In your own words, please tell us who Onneile Kereeditse is
Onneile Kereeditse is a 35-year-old certified Programmer and Coder. I am currently a Marketing and Business Intelligence Officer at DigitalGae Technologies and a Chief Editor for the company's social media platforms. Onneile is also certified in Project Management Essentials as well as a certified SolarWinds Sales Expert in IT Security Specialization, Network Program, Database Specialization. I also got certified in GIBS in the Debswana Entrepreneurship Master Classes. I was given the greatest honor of being awarded a scholarship to study Coding by Muzinda Hub in conjunction with Strive Masiyiwa for 6 months and got certified in Python. Although I am academically gifted, I am an upcoming entrepreneur.
Briefly take us through your journey to a career in tech
My journey in Tech began in 2007 when I was accepted at NIIT to study Diploma in Software Engineering then progressed to obtaining my BSc Honours in Computing in the same field at Botho University. My passion for technology started in the family as we grew up behind a computer monitor watching movies, playing games, and music hence my study in this field. After my studies, I then did a couple of internships and attachments in User Support, Database Management and Systems Administration, which is where I got my experience until I got an internship in Network Operations Centre (NOC) where I am currently working and got employed in the same company where I am now into Marketing, Business Development and Intelligence of the Telecommunications Industry. I had a chance to get Certified in RADWIN PTMP Basic Operation to further my skills and knowledge in the telco field.
What inspired you to pursue a career in tech?
My inspiration in tech came from the fact that in the past women in this field were regarded as not ''best suited'' to pursue this career and this gave me motivation as a young woman to prove society wrong and I did make it into this field and so proud of myself. While offering both depth and extensiveness across this field, these courses put into perspective the relevance of Computer Science and the application of its fundamentals to the problems faced by the real world. Therefore, I can acknowledge that further development of my knowledge base of Computer Science is essential for my career. I will have a great contribution to society since I have ideas to develop many exciting projects. I recall back in the day I had come up with a tech blog and a Facebook page called TechWorld which made people aware of the latest technology trends. Although it lost traction on the way, my wish is to revive it.
Please tell us what your job entails
My role in Marketing and Business Intelligence in the telco industry involves research in market segments, bid management that is centered around technology, marketing the company's capabilities, proposal writing, and leading projects. I am also a Strategy Champion. I see to it that the company strategy is cascaded smoothly, which is a big task, challenging but eye-opening.
Women's representation in tech is still unfortunately low. As a woman in such an industry, what has been your experience?
Well for me, as women, we have grown in this field. I once went for an interview at one of the well-known telco companies in the country and the feedback was that I lack experience and that's what motivated me to work harder till I pursue a career in this field and that is where I am now and it's amazing. It has been a tough road to be in this profession, with so many failed interviews but determined as I was and as a woman wanting to grab this opportunity I never gave up.
If there have been challenges as a result of this representation gap, how have you managed to surmount them?
Being determined of course and the confidence that one carries. Also eager to adopt and learn about new technologies. I am enthusiastic. Moreover, I feel I am responsible for making a big move in this field. I think it is our responsibility to leave something of inheritance to the world and upcoming generations. This is the only way to make this world a better place and a big chance to be one day someone who is remembered for her innovations.
What do you think can be done to reduce this lack of representation?
Women should be involved more in the tech industry because we do have massive capabilities. I for one am exemplary to such.
Information Technology, which is the field you are in, is constantly changing and rapidly. How do you ensure that your skillset always remains relevant?
Programming and Coding languages change daily. New programming languages are being introduced by developers. Being relevant in this skill set is practice because technology is changing massively. Get certifications, enter Hackathons like I normally do though I never win *laughs*. The last competition I entered was the Milken Motsepe Competition which involved innovation though I never completed the competition as it required vigorous research and I didn't have ample time to
gather information for my initiative which I intend to re-enter this year. Such honesty revives the skills in someone.
What has been the proudest moment of your career so far?
The proudest moment of my career is currently where I work. The responsibilities that I have to help me to get exposed to different kinds of knowledge and skills. And I can say with pride that since I started working at DigitalGae Technologies I have grown career-wise, and my skills are "top-notch". It's an interesting environment to be in and getting to be linked to relevant people in this tech world.
What's something you know now that you wish you knew earlier in your career?
Hard work, determination, and striving for excellence pay off handsomely.
If any, what is the best advice you have received in your career?
My director always tells us "Never stop learning". Best advice ever and I always carry it with me.
Career-wise, where do you see Onneile in the next 5-10 years?
An Entrepreneur. I don't want to get into more details on this *laughs* but I am cooking up something big.
What advice can you give to young girls who are interested in pursuing a career in tech?
To be honest it's a tough career. We need to prove ourselves more often than not like girls. But we can't make it if we doubt our capabilities because we are the greatest projects we will ever work on.
Lastly, please share with our readers your contact details in case they want to get in touch with you
Email Address: okereeditse@gmail.com
Cell: 72172540
NB: Interview has been slightly edited for clarity