Grace Madumo is a Data Engineer at CloudSmiths, a Dynamic Technologies group company. Underpinning her belief in constantly upskilling herself and expanding her skillset, she has a Master’s in IT Management from the University of Johannesburg, an ITIL Foundation Certificate and a Shaw Academy Diploma in Leadership and Management, and is a Microsoft Certified Professional. Madumo is also presently pursuing the Microsoft Azure DP-203 data engineering certification.
She says, “With more than 14 years of experience in Business Intelligence and Information Management, I've worked as an SQL/BI developer and a Database Administrator (DBA). My skills include data analysis, reporting, dashboard development, and providing excellent customer service.” She excels at Microsoft SQL Server, Oracle, and PostgreSQL, and has a wide range of certifications and skills that she’s always looking to add to and hone. She says, “I am passionate about data analysis, providing insights, and transforming technical requirements into successful designs.”
For Madumo, motivational speaker Les Brown had it right when he said, “Shoot for the moon and if you miss you will still be among the stars.”
CloudSmiths is an inclusive and diverse business that believes everyone should feel valued, regardless of their background, identity, or beliefs, and this is something that Madumo appreciates personally and professionally. She says, “My colleagues come from a wide range of backgrounds, cultures, and perspectives. This diversity is one of CloudSmiths’ greatest strengths as it drives innovation and helps us better understand and serve our diverse customer base.”
The supportive and collaborative work environment at CloudSmiths is a bonus, and for Madumo, the company’s commitment to prioritising the work-life balance is essential. “Flexible working hours and remote work choices allow me to efficiently manage both my career and personal life,” she explains. “There’s an innovative culture here, which means we’re always encouraged to think creatively and generate fresh ideas.”
Madumo is motivated by her desire to keep learning. The ever-changing field of data engineering and business intelligence makes it imperative for her to keep up with the latest technology and approaches, which aligns perfectly with the CloudSmiths culture. She says, “I get a lot of satisfaction from solving complex challenges and discovering insights that can be used to make better business decisions. Mentoring others and seeing their growth and success is also a great source of inspiration for me. The positive impact I can have on people as well as companies keeps me motivated and passionate about what I do.”
Mentorship and making time to teach those who are ready to learn is simply part of Madumo’s makeup. She says, “I aim to make my mark by continuously enhancing my technical skills, expanding my network, and taking a proactive approach to my career development,” adding, “I plan to continue mentoring junior colleagues and I aspire to officially teach courses in the future.”
Madumo encourages women to enter the IT space. She says, “Never be afraid to fail because failure leads to learning. Create a solid foundation based on a thorough mastery of basic technical abilities. This includes studying programming languages, understanding data structures, and being familiar with tools and technology related to your field of interest. Furthermore, learn from those who came before you, ask questions, and don't be afraid to put in the effort to become your greatest self. A mentor will guide you through your career, provide insights, and connect you to opportunities.”