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Meet Sibusiso Skosana: Electrical Engineer @ Schneider Electric

CP= Career Planet
SS= Sibusiso Skosana

CP: What is your position?
SS: Product manager (Installation systems) at Schneider Electrical

CP: What do you LOVE most about your job?
SS: The fact that it stretches one in all directions; it is technical, creative and requires effective communication.

CP: When you were at school, what type of career did you think you would follow?
SS: I was hoping to be a medical doctor (Cardiothoracic surgeon), but after further consideration, I opted to go technical.

CP: When, where & what did you study?
SS: I studied at Tshwane University of Technology and completed S4 – Electrical Engineering (Heavy current) in 2001.

CP: How long was it before you found employment in the field that you studied for?
SS: I got my first job as a technician when I was completing my S4. This was for a company that repaired uninterrupted power supplies in Pretoria.

CP: What other jobs have you had?
SS: I was in Project Management for about 2 years with a company that manufactures combustion systems; I was promoted to branch manager and worked in that capacity for another 2 years. I then took up a project management post at another company for about 2 years.

CP: What do you like most about working at Schneider Electric?
SS: We are a young team and complement each other; we are always trying to implement fresh ideas and find new ways of tackling problems.

CP: Please tell us about a typical working day.
SS: I start by doing a stock evaluation report, and then comparing it with the order intake and invoiced figures. This would normally tell me if there is abottleneck on the system and if there needs to be some action taken. I then check if there are product related issues which need urgent attention.
On some days I will do customer visits and training on some products. Other days involve net meetings with our colleagues in France.
Realistically one cannot draw up a sequence of events as it normally quite unpredictable.

CP: What are the main tools that you use daily?
SS: Absolutely not a microscope…just a laptop and my brain (hard drive).

CP: What made you decide to choose the job that you are doing?
SS: It is because I have been involved in projects for a big part of my working career. This job now gives me an opportunity to be involved in the strategic management of the business.

CP: Does your job involve managing other people?
SS: No.

CP: What, if anything, is the downside of your job?
SS: Factors outside of my control. The smooth flowing of my job relies on external factors like the call centre and the logistics department. If things go wrong there, then it poses a serious problem to the customer service and satisfaction.

CP: Do you work office hours or flexi-time?
SS: Flexi-time.

CP: Do you work in a relaxed or a formal environment?
SS: The environment is quite relaxed. But the pressure is always high.

CP: What is the dress code for your job?
SS: Smart Casual.

CP: What can one expect to earn in this career ?
SS: In the electrical engineering field, one can easily start at about R84K per year and go up to R500K, depending on the experience in the field and the level of education.

CP: Does your job include travelling?
SS: Yes, moderate though!

CP: Describe the kind of person that you think most suits this type of work.
SS: The ideal person must be a systematic person with a drive and passion to get things done. That person should also be keen to try and look for easier ways of doing things in order to save time. Being a practical person is also essential.

CP: Do you have any tips for people thinking about this career?
SS: Sure, maths and science as school subjects are a must. Be prepared to work hard - the hours can sometimes be awkward but the field is quite fulfilling.

CP: Do you have hobbies?
SS: I produce music and also like fiddling with recording hardware and software!

CP: Any advice for those thinking of following a similar professional route?
SS: Be open minded and always clear on where you would like to go!