1. Tell us a bit about yourself?
My name is Monica Luwes and I’m a wife, mom, daughter, and sister, I’m also a friend and a working woman. I have obtained my MCom Human Resources degree from the University of Pretoria and completed my internship as an Industrial Psychologist at Sasol.
2. What work do you do?
I lead a team of consultants and administrators to facilitate the annual cycle of activities in the Sasol Graduate Centre which includes the planning and intake of new bursars, the support and development of current bursars as well as the seamless integration with the Development Programmes on the graduation of the bursars. This role enables the effective roll-out and HR governance of the Development Program for all engineering, science, and technologist graduates in Sasol.
3. How long have you been in the industry?
I have been with Sasol since January 2006, making it a total of 17 years in the industry.
4. Has your work always been your passion? Tell us why?
Working in the Sasol Graduate Centre space is my passion. I have cried and laughed with Sasol’s bursary programme beneficiaries and there were times when I had to be hard on some of them. It’s amazing to see them develop as students and then to welcome them at Sasol when they are done with their studies. The interesting and fulfilling process of recruiting new STEM students for our bursary program is currently underway and would be beneficial for ambitious and talented students to apply.
5. Being a woman in the industry – what does it take? & What has been the most difficult challenge of your career?
Finding balance as a mom, wife, and career woman is a challenge. It’s difficult to give 100% to the different areas of my life always. There are times when one area needs more attention than the other.
6. What advice do you have for other women in your industry?
It’s important to prioritise and do want you need to do. They must not feel guilty if they aren’t always able to give certain areas of their life 100% all the time.
7. Plans for the future?
I have recently done my training for the Gallup strength finder coach and would like to finish my accreditation and see how I can include or introduce this wonderful approach into the Graduate Centre space. This is to ensure that we are able to better prepare our students and young graduates for the world of work and the demands that life brings.
