Chantel Coetzee landed her “dream job" when she joined Stellenbosch University (SU) as information and communications technology (ICT) architecture practice lead. With more than 23 years' experience across business and IT architecture, Coetzee sees herself as an innovator, entrepreneur and strategic enabler.
In the month of Workers' Day, we feature some of our staff and their part in keeping the wheels turning at our institution. Coetzee told us more about her work at the University.
What is your role at Stellenbosch University?
My responsibilities include the organisation and management of the security, communication and related technological components at SU.
What does a typical day at work look like?
A typical day is usually filled with multiple meetings. I am currently balancing my time between several large SU projects. I am also designing and implementing an internal project, and establishing ICT practices. Other tasks include inviting proposals for system replacement, as well as providing ICT architecture advice to other SU initiatives and projects.
How did your education or past experiences prepare you for this job?
I completed Global Accounting Proficiency's accounting technician qualification whilst working. It was hard, but I am grateful that someone believed in me and gave me the opportunity. I started as a unit trust pricing analyst in 1998. Since then, I have been blessed with many unexpected career opportunities. When I discovered enterprise architecture, I found my passion. I had never planned to move from investment accounting to information technology. I always thought I would become a chartered management accountant.
We moved to the Western Cape at the end of 2018. I started working at SU as part of a review by Deloitte, where I was employed at the time. After the review, I was asked to consult, and when the opportunity arose, I got to join the team as the ICT architecture practice lead.
What do you enjoy most about your role and working at Stellenbosch University?
I enjoy learning about a new sector – the higher education field is extremely exciting, and the people are quite diverse. Enterprise architecture is new to SU, and I enjoy collaborating to apply this practice at the University. It is complex, vast and unique. I am doing what I love, for an institution I believe in. To sum up, I have my dream job at an amazing organisation.
The pandemic has changed the way we work and live. What keeps you motivated during these times?
Knowing that it's fine not to be fine, and talking about it with those I trust, helps me. Verbalisation is not about finding an answer, but about articulating how things are affecting you. Surprisingly, one normally finds you're not alone in your inner struggles.
What drives me is the thought that I can create and leave behind an economy that will uplift and enable entrepreneurs to make a difference in our country. And this can empower our children's children to realise their dreams.
Tell us something exciting about yourself that few people would expect?
I love calaveras (Mexican sugar skulls). I have one tattooed on my arm, and even my kitchen is decorated in this style, with a splash of hot pink. To me, they symbolise that deep down below, we are all the same. I also have a vellie collection of 11 pairs and counting.
