A chat with Lefa Tsae, a Data Management Analytics student attachee at the Ministry of Health & Wellness about the origins of her love for tech, her view on women representation in the field, her career aspirations, and much more!
In your own words, please tell us who Lefa Tsae is
Lefa is a twenty-year-old Motswana lady. I am a third-year student pursuing a BSc (Hons) Business Intelligence and Data Analytics at Botswana Accountancy College. I’m one person who strives to maintain accuracy and consistency in task completion, individual performance, and team goal achievement using acute attention to detail. Founder of a pallet decoration business by the name Its Dee’s Decor. I am currently on a student attachment as a Data Management Analyst at the Ministry of Health & Wellness Botswana.
Briefly take us through your journey to a career in tech
I grew up fond of computers all thanks to my aunt who was a Computer Engineering student by then. I had some knowledge on the usage of computers and took a step by studying Computer Studies at Naledi Senior Secondary School. I am also into Business studies so when I completed the BGCSE Certificate I wanted to study a course which entailed Business and Computer Science. Hence my journey at Botswana Accountancy College(2019) studying BIDA! As I mentioned I am currently on a student attachment as a Data Management Analyst at the Ministry of Health & Wellness Botswana.
What inspired you to pursue a career in tech?
I am into business and studies have shown that technology is taking over the world. So being a data analyst was a good fit since it entails computer science and business studies.
Please tell us what your job entails
A data analyst's job is to take big data and use it to help companies/organizations to make better business decisions. Responsibilities include:
- Analyzing data using statistical techniques and providing reports.
- Developing and implementing databases and data collection systems.
- Acquiring data from primary and secondary sources and maintaining data systems.
- Identifying, analyzing, and interpreting trends or patterns in complex data sets. e.t.c.
We can take the whole day here just to mention what my job entails ….
Women's representation in tech is still unfortunately low. As a woman in such a field, what has been your experience?
I honestly haven’t come across any problem, except the fact that people are always surprised that a female is able to become a data analyst because in most cases there are always males in the field.
If there have been challenges as a result of this representation gap, how have you managed to surmount them?
Since they are always surprised to see such, all I do is proceed with my work and prove that even females are able to pursue a career path like this.
What do you think can be done to reduce this lack of representation?
I personally feel like technological universities and colleges should normalize hosting career days in high schools just so female students can have more knowledge in technology at large. That way they can have an interest in choosing a technological career path.
Data Management, which is the field you are in, is constantly changing and rapidly. How do you ensure that your skillset always remains relevant?
I keep learning, at this point YouTube is my best friend. I am learning how to use new applications, learning how to use statistical programming languages like R, python e.t.c not only that but also by reading and learning trends in the change of the business world at large. What's really vital though is to have the ability to apply theoretical knowledge in practical situations.
What has been the proudest moment of your career so far?
Being on a student attachment at the Ministry of Health & Wellness Botswana!
What’s something you know now that you wish you knew earlier in your career?
That I can be anything I want to be, my course entails various roles and skills therefore I can choose which career path I want to focus on as time goes on!
If any, what is the best advice you have received in your career?
A.$.A.P (Always.$trive.And.Prosper)!
Career-wise, where do you see Lefa in the next 5-10 years?
A girlie with a bag! That’s all I can say
What advice can you give to young girls who are interested in pursuing a career in tech?
“Dlala what you must! “This is a saying which means girl child get that career! do not listen to what people have to say!
Lastly, please share with our readers your contact details in case they want to get in touch with you
Lefa Diana Tsae (Linkedin)
NB: Interview has been slightly edited for clarity