Gomolemo's inquisitive nature in his formative years laid down the foundation for where he is in his career right now. His desire to serve people using the power of technology has come to fruition through his role as Fixed Broadband Services Supervisor at Mascom Wireless. In this interview, he takes us through his career beginnings, what he loves most about his job and much more!
In your own words, please tell us who Gomolemo Morebodi is
Gomolemo Morebodi is a self-driven, jolly, energetic and ambitious lad who hails from Tonota but grew up and learnt of life in Gaborone. I came to Gaborone in 2003 when my family wanted to try life outside of Francistown.
I am a family-oriented individual who is very principled at never stopping learning and carries a great ethic and attitude toward life and my career.
Briefly take us through your journey to a career in tech
I grew up a very inquisitive boy and have always wanted to serve and do stuff for people. I aspire to lead hence I did a lot of learning (through reading) in preparation for being a leader. I instead learned this is a soft skill that will one day come to my advantage.
In 2011 I went to UB and studied Computer Science to earmark my love and interest in the subject of computers and technology and following completion of my studies I joined Mascom as an intern which also yielded an opportunity of finding synergies in IT and telecom.
What inspired you to pursue a tech career?
I fell in love with tech in 2009 when I got to GSS and signed up for Computer Studies. For the most part of my life I had no access to computers and all the gadgets you could think about then (walkmans, iPods and tv games), hence my deep interests in computers and tech-related stuff. I wanted to know more about this thing that most of my peers always played around with (computers) to an extent that I earned the name “computer whiz” because of my stellar performance in the subject at school which also inspired my enrollment in BSC Computer Science at UB.
Please tell us what your job entails
I design and manage broadband (internet) products in an endeavour to solve problems. The internet has become a need and we must constantly be in pursuit of seeking solutions that will help ease and bring change to the lives of our customers.
Moreover, I mentor sales and technical officers who depend on my guidance and steership to deliver their best performance.
What is your favourite part of the work that you do?
The research and alignment of products and services relative to our customers’ needs. Every day brings a new challenge and finding.
What are the most exciting and challenging projects you have undertaken?
I have 2 in mind: Introduction of 5G technology in 2022 was the most exciting because of how dynamic the technology is and more so that it is still foreign to us here in Botswana. Then there was another in 2016 when I was just new to the company. I was thrown into the deep end because I had to manage the project which saw Mascom introduce SIP (Session Initiation Protocol) communication to our data centres.
The field you are in is constantly changing with new technologies being introduced from time to time. How do you ensure that your skillset always remains relevant?
As I mentioned before, research is at the core of my work. This industry requires one to be very agile and astute about the different opportunities that lie in problems faced by our clients. Learning never stops, and my team and I always look for the new technologies we must keep up with.
What has been the proudest moment of your career so far?
The transition from the engineering (technical) field into the business (sales) unit. In 2020 I made this shift and I was able to acclimatize swiftly in the 2 years I have been here. With my technical knowledge and background, my role is to advise and design products that will be able to run or operate on the Mascom infrastructure that I have previously worked with and administered.
What’s something you know now that you wish you knew earlier in your career?
Never rest on your laurels. Each day brings a new challenge and opportunity so it is better to upskill yourself so that you are ready to exploit these opportunities.
If any, what is the best advice you have received in your career?
That I should not make the mistake of continually being a promising beginner, rather aim to be an actual expert.
Career-wise, where do you see Gomolemo in the next 5-10 years?
I anticipate myself to have been successful in this role and subject of product management to the point that I am able to impact major company decisions as well as industry direction.
I also want to look back knowing I did my level best for my team, company and the industry at large.
What advice can you give young people interested in pursuing a career in networking?
This career path is dynamic and needs one to be agile and up for the challenge. They must not despair in the midst of these challenges. They must also desist from swapping one career ambition for another. It is unfulfilling.
Lastly, please share with our readers your contact details in case they want to get in touch with you
LinkedIn: Gomolemo Morebodi
NB: Interview has been slightly edited for clarity