Set your goals, see the vision, make the plans, and take daily action.

I am screaming inside - I've progressed from a graduate to a permanent employee within five months!

I don't know where to start, but all I can say is that you can definitely do anything you set your mind to. It takes action, perseverance, facing your fears, and getting out of your comfort zone but in the end it's worth it!

Someone once said to me "Maybe IT isn't your passion, maybe you should find your passion elsewhere." all I can say is that I took those words and used them to prove to myself that IT is my passion and that I believed in myself and that I can do it. I knew IT was the sector for me because it's dynamic and therefore you'll always be developing and adapting along with the technology. You'll always be learning and not spending years performing the same task every day. If you enjoy learning, being challenged, and being kept on your toes, IT is the way!

I began my journey as a graduate, and I can still remember my assessment day. I told our amazing Talent Acquisition Partner that I was scared, she reassured me that everything will be okay and that I would do great - and she was right! When she called to tell me that I'd been accepted onto the graduate program I was speechless and over the moon excited. Her support and that of the HR team has never stopped, and I want to say a huge thank you for being there every step of the way to motivate me and I cannot thank you enough.

After my induction I was introduced to my team and I remember saying to myself, my team leader, and my manager that there is no way that I'm leaving, that I was going to do everything I could to become a permanent member of the team - and I did just that! That being said, it took a lot of hard work. I'm always eager to learn, and I think my fellow analysts and team leader were tired with the amount of questions I asked! but I just wanted to do better than I did the day before, I wanted to know what my mistakes were so I could learn from them and do better.

I've learned a lot over the past five months: everyone has something to teach you; never be afraid to ask questions; it takes more than just skill to advance to the next level; you need to get out of your comfort zone; be responsible and accountable; and lastly - always network in your company!  

Having a support network around you is so important. At Mimecast team members work together, support one another, improve things, and build with a resilient spirit. Here you can achieve anything you set your mind to - there are no limits! There were times when I was nervous but knowing I have great teammates, and especially my team leader who pushed me to do my best every day, I wouldn't be where I am today without them and I cannot thank them enough for believing in me when I didn't.

Even as a graduate you have access to leaders, and they also take time out of their busy schedules to join in on our team building activities and attend other events to motivate us and show their support which means a lot. I've even already met our CHRO! I was overjoyed to have the opportunity for a one-on-one talk with her while she was in Johannesburg visiting along with the HR leadership team. She is an incredible person and a true inspiration to me! She didn't hesitate to inform me that she is only a quick message away if I ever need anything.

I found some real friends at Mimecast, and a great manager. They say having a good manager at the start of your career is a blessing, and I'm truly blessed to have mine.

I cannot describe how I feel about working for Mimecast. Amazing is an understatement. I burst into tears the moment I was told that I'm a permanent employee, I was screaming inside, it felt unreal. I thought I was dreaming and then realized dreams do come true, mine was to stay as part of my team and here I am. 

All I can say is that you must go after what you want. You are capable of more than you know and if you want to live life on a new level, you have to set your goals, see the vision, make the plans, and take daily consistent action. My heart did a little skip when I signed my contract. Consistency is the key, and Mimecast is the way. I cannot wait to start my forever journey!