Career Profile: Sandra Sekor

MEMBER PROFILE, SEPTEMBER 2019

This month’s profile is all about IAM Fellow, Sandra Sekor.

1) Tell us a little about your career. 

I began work in 1984 after finishing secretarial school and passing out as a Stenographer Secretary. Life was difficult and fun too with manual typewriters and soon the introduction of electric typewriters.  It taught me to type accurately because it was possible to correct/delete any typographical errors.

2) How did your career start and where have your career taken you?
I began life as a Stenographer Secretary and came to Pitman’s College in the UK to do the Private Secretary’s Diploma. I went on to do a Post-Graduate Diploma and then a Masters. I held various roles in the Public Service, such as Administrative Manager, Board Secretary and Learning & Development Manager. The work environment is so different now and I think it is even easier. The computer age and technology has reduced a lot of stress in the work environment.

3) What are the  challenges you find in your workplace?

Working in the public service comes with its challenges, especially if you have a boss who does not believe in rewarding hard work. In my country, everything has become politized. Institutional memory is not recognized anymore. However, I have been lucky to have good bosses who compensate adequately.

4) What are the challenges you find in your role?  

My role is a new one and so it has taken me about five months to adjust. There was a lot of reading and re-adjusting, but I have settled now.

5) What is the best advice you could give to someone in a similar role and how to progress?

Work hard and be focused. A little patience and tolerance will go a long way.

6) What do you think the most important things are for people to develop in the current market? 

Diligence and integrity are essential.

7) What do you feel your best achievements are?

I am patient and tolerant. Having humility and being honest are virtues that are essential.