Testimonials

   In matric I didn’t have an exact idea of what I wanted to do and knew I enjoyed science, but I wasn’t sure what my options were or how universities worked. Ingrid was kind, helpful, and informative and made me feel like I knew what I was getting myself into. 

Byron, 2022 matric, Cedar House. Now a BSc student at UCT   

  I’m lucky to have had the privilege of having a lifelong career coach. Ingrid has supported me in terms of career advice since high school. What I value about her approach is that I always felt like she was attentive to my individual needs and created a space where I could fully express myself. Sessions with Ingrid always leave me inspired and empowered.

Sesethu Jelwana, Rhodes graduate, ex Claremont High school matric and currently an intern at Nature Connect 

     My Gr 11 son saw Ingrid to help him decide what to study after matric. He walked out of the session so excited and said, “Mom, finally someone understands me and what I want to do after school!” I cannot recommend Ingrid enough. She gave my son such positive feedback, advice, extensive reading material and a variety of courses to research. He is so motivated to work hard now to get good matric results and start his university journey. Thank you, Ingrid! 

Gill, mother of Luke, 2023 grade 11, Somerset College

 My sessions with Ingrid helped me to grab opportunities with both hands, without shying away from challenges. I  now feel more confident and motivated to continue my journey of growth and career development. I cherish the knowledge and tips she shared and learnt the value of reflection and articulating myself.

Chanel van Louw, Intern, Youth and Afterschool Programme Office, Dep of Cultural Affairs and Sport, WC Government

  I initially did not get into OT and Ingrid helped me look at options and work out back up plans. Through her knowledge of how universities work she helped me to navigate my situation which was so comforting at the time. Ingrid is kind and calm and incredibly respectful and supportive, and I am so grateful for her guidance. 

Megan Barnard Third year Occupational Therapy student, UCT

I want to say a big thank you for your support and guidance last year. It provided an anchor during a particularly stressful time and gave me the structure and headspace to do a deep dive into my values and skills, and focus on creating the next chapter of my career. I particularly appreciate how you helped me to see my existing skillset in a new light, opening my mind to new possibilities and different types of work"

Mark: Mid-career client

 Thank you for connecting with Matthew. He said afterwards he felt comfortable with you and got so much out of the session. It was the first time hearing all the varsity lingo and the way things work. It is overwhelming, but the biggest takeaway for him was that he doesn't have to know NOW exactly what career to pick. It's good to have you in our corner!

Ann, mother of Matthew, Matric 2023, Westerford High School

 I was so despondent the first time I met Ingrid and had no idea where-to from university. A few minutes into our conversation, I had renewed confidence about my prospects. She not only helped improve my CV, cover letters and interview skills, but helped me to uncover my strengths and talents. She always demonstrated a strong interest in my personal and professional development, and her door has always been open. I'm so grateful to have met her.

Qobo Ningiza South Africa's first Deaf sign language dependent LLB graduate. 

Ingrid is passionate about the work she does and she gives personalized and constructive feedback. Through my interactions with her, I became more confident with job hunting. Though it was hard as an international student to secure a job, Ingrid reassured me and I ultimately landed a software engineering role for a company in Cape Town. 

Kudzai Chris Kateera, Associate Software Engineer at MOHARA

During my postgrad studies, I worked part-time in a Peer Career Support role at UCT's Careers Service where I worked  with Ingrid, (then a Senior Careers Advisor.) She coached me to improve my CV and motivational letter, which I used effectively to land good post PhD positions at various institutions. In the six years of interaction with Ingrid, she helped me discover and own my career and taught me  to translate my research skills into skills that I have used in various positions. 

Dr Lovemore Kunorozva, Postdoctoral Research Fellow in the field of Exercise Science and Sports Medicine at Stellenbosch University

 In my second year at UCT, I felt overwhelmed about career options. Ingrid helped me gain clarity by identifying my strengths and areas of development. She encouraged me to attend careers service events to see what work alumni with my degree had done. This provided the clarity I needed to pursue a Masters in Chemistry. Ingrid prepared to enter  the working world where I have transitioned from a chemist to a data scientist. She has been pivotal to my career development, and I  highly recommend her services. 

Simone Renga,  

MSc in Chemistry, Data Scientist, ExploreAI 

 I deeply appreciate Ingrid's contribution to UCT BSc students, who now all have access to a Personal Development Toolkit that she created. The toolkit comprises three module: the first helps students imagine their future in the world of work, by providing case studies of jobs that UCT BSc alumni have. The second module helps students reflect on their interests and values and recognise the  workplace skills they are gaining in their studies. The last module takes students through the process of producing a contemporary CV. The toolkit was first trialed in a first-year BSc course in 2020, with students reporting that they became more aware of the broadness of their career options, as well as what they need to do while at university to become more employable.

 Associate Professor Dale Taylor, UCT Physics department