Women In Tech: Sibongile Mailula

Tell us a little bit about yourself.

I’m a Solutions Architect, Software Engineer and Technologist at heart with over 12 years of experience in IT. My wealth of knowledge and experience in software development, IT systems engineering, and solutions design was acquired from solving business problems and delivering Enterprise IT systems in South Africa’s leading financial services companies. I have perfected these skills whilst solving business problems and delivering technology products and services for Life Insurance, Health Insurance, Retail Banking as well as Loyalty and Rewards programmes.

Walk us through your career journey and how you got into IT.

Growing up in a small mining town, I had an interest in engineering. Whilst my initial focus was on electrical and mining engineering, my mind was made up when I heard of Computer Systems Engineering. From then on I knew I wanted to go into IT and applied to study Computer Systems Engineering after matriculating. Whilst I knew I wanted to study IT, I didn’t exactly know what in IT I would specialise in and the course was a great choice as it exposed me to different fields in IT. Computer Systems Engineering entailed different aspects of computer systems such as electrical engineering, hardware programming, software programming, networking, analysis and database administration.

After graduating from tertiary, I started my working career in a one-year internship programme as a Software Developer. During my time as an intern, I learned to develop a small Management Information System (MIS). I also learned various technologies used to build IT systems. Working under guidance from senior developers, I developed front-end, business logic and data warehouse components of the system. Within three months of starting the internship programme, I did so well and made such a good impression that I was offered a full-time job as a Software Developer.

In the new role, I took full responsibility of the end to end development and deployment of the MIS. I made sure I used the opportunity to learn as much as I could. This allowed me to learn more on the business side of the company, operations of the business, products and services offered and our clients. It was at this stage that I learned to code in Java programming language and developing applications that were enterprise wide. I enjoyed writing code and I knew right then that this is what I wanted to continue doing. It was challenging and overwhelming at times, but every challenge brought reward with every accomplished task and the growth I needed. I worked hard, put in extra hours, asked questions, did my own studying and research. The more experience I gained the more I became confident in working on more tasks and bigger capabilities with less guidance from my seniors.

Later on I got an opportunity to join a team in another business unit to work on building greenfield applications to replace legacy applications. I got to learn to design and develop applications from scratch in a new environment. From the beginning stage to the final product. It was not easy but it was worth every late night, early morning and sweat. I gained so much valuable experience, knowledge and growth.

I transitioned into a Senior Developer and my responsibilities expanded. On top of developing and deploying applications, I also provided support to junior Software Developers, Quality Assurance team and new team members. I also defined architectural software principles, ensured team members followed the right development standards and adhered to the defined architectural software principles. I conducted code reviews and engaged with stakeholders to present new solutions.

I’m currently a Solutions Architect. I engage with business stakeholders and transform their requirements into technical solutions. I design the architecture of the solution and guide the development team in implementing the solution. As a Solutions Architect, I lead the delivery of the complete software solution.

When did you know you wanted to be in IT?

Matric, growing up in a mining town, I had an interest in engineering and whilst my initial focus was in electrical and mining engineering, during my matric I did more research on the different career paths and when I learned about IT, my mind was made.

What is your typical day like at work?

My typical day involves engagement with business stakeholders to understand their requirements. Performing technical investigations on frameworks, tools and architectural patterns. Designing and defining the software solution architecture. Determining the technology stack that will be used to deliver the solution. Conducting design sessions. Daily check-in with the development team. Providing support to the development team, writing code and conducting code reviews. I am also responsible for providing progress update and feedback to business stakeholders.

What are your wins?

Building a Management Information System (MIS) at the beginning of my career with little to no experience.

Being part of a team that:

· built greenfield insurance systems that replaced legacy systems.

· designed, built and replaced an off the shelf pharmaceutical system.

· designed and built an automated communication system.

· Achieving my long-term goal of being a Solutions Architect.

What do you know now that you wish you knew when you were younger?

Self-doubt can make an achievable goal seem unachievable. I wish I knew that I’m more capable than I let myself believe because believing in yourself goes a long way in achieving and owning your success.

What is your motto in life?

Philippians 4:13 “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

What do I hope to leave behind as my legacy?

Knowledge and wisdom that will inspire the next generation.