Original Careers - OriginalSteps.com

Details: Written by OriginalSteps; Category: Original Careers; Published: 18 May 2010; Last Updated: 06 January 2016

Photographer at Mail & Guardian Oupa Nkosi talks about his career path along with a little place called Nkosi’s Planet!

Age: 34

Where on the planet are you currently located: Johannesburg

What exactly is your job and how did you go about achieving that career path: I’m a photographer- I studied electronics before photography. I was always fascinated by photos especially ones taken during apartheid the era. This along with the encouragement that I got from my father made me like photography.

Read more: Oupa Nkosi: Behind the lens!

Details: Written by OriginalSteps; Category: Original Careers; Published: 18 May 2010; Last Updated: 07 January 2016

Mmanaledi Mataboge: A Career as a politics reporter

Political senior reporter at Mail & Guardian, Mmanaledi Mataboge, talks about her career and life adventures!

Age: 32

Where on the planet are you currently located: Johannesburg

So what exactly is your job and how did you go about achieving that career path:

I studied Journalism at the former Technikon Northern Gauteng (now Tshwane University of Technology). I was driven by giving the disadvantaged poor a voice and for them to have access to information that matters, information that will help develop them. My career has led me from presenting my own radio show, to being the news and current affairs producer for Safm’s AM Live and Midday Live show's during the John Perlman, Nikiwe Bikitsha and Carolyn Dempster days. Then onto the eNews Channel’s launch team that produced the first News Night for Jeremy Maggs and Redi Direko to now being at M&G!

Details: Written by OriginalSteps; Category: Original Careers; Published: 13 May 2010; Last Updated: 06 January 2016

Kate Evans: Taking her career to the next level!

Current age: 29

Where are you currently situated on the planet: Back in Durban, South Africa.

Last time we spoke with you, you were in Cape Town editing a magazine or was it Durban??…fill us in on what has happened since: Initially I started editing the HIP2B2 magazine in Durban, when it was being published by Atoll Media. HIP2B2 was a brand started by Mark Shuttleworth and its key ambition was to make STEM (Science, Technology, Entrepreneurship and Maths) appealing to the youth. As such, developing media platforms was integral to communicating just how important these subjects are and why it’s worth investing time and effort into them. When the publisher was changed to New Media Publishing in Cape Town, I was given the opportunity of becoming the Communications Manager of the brand, meaning that I would oversee all media teams (magazine, television show, web and mobile) as well as the PR agency and all brand activities and initiatives.

Details: Written by OriginalSteps; Category: Original Careers; Published: 13 May 2010; Last Updated: 06 January 2016

Michael Whitehead: Global Ambitions!

Where on the planet are you currently located: Auckland, New Zealand

So what exactly is your job and how did you go about to achieve that career path:

I run a global software business from New Zealand. (FirstStep.me notes: Michael's company is called WhereScape and builds data warehouses!)
I studied commerce and computer science at Auckland University. My first role was in user support, but I soon figured out that the company viewed my role as a cost - and that if I wanted to get ahead I should move to a company where computer skills were seen as an asset. After a bit of travelling I went to work for a hardware vendor as a systems engineer, which basically meant being the technical guy that helped the sales guy make sales. It didn't take long to figure out that the sales guy called the shots, worked less and got paid more, so eventually I moved into sales. (FirstStep.me notes: A man with a plan)

Details: Written by OriginalSteps; Category: Original Careers; Published: 20 April 2010; Last Updated: 06 January 2016

David Schröder: Editing his career path forward!

Current age: 28

Where are you currently situated on the planet: Johannesburg, South Africa!

Last time we spoke with you, you were working at Penguin Books (SA) in their Editorial and Production department …fill us in on what has happened since:
I was a bit undecided as to what direction I wanted to move – either design or editorial – but I eventually focused on editorial and now have the fun job of commissioning new book projects. My days are spent researching and evaluating new book projects, approaching authors, discussing contractual terms, etc. It can be daunting but I love the free reign I have and I get to meet many interesting people.