Melody

“I would pass a bridge under construction and, knowing full well there were crocodiles in the water below, wonder how they manage to build a bridge over the water. I had so many questions that motivated me toward construction.”

Civil engineering wasn’t always Melody Ngwane’s first career choice. She thought she’d follow one in nails and cosmetology, but her curiosity about structures and construction led her toward engineering.

In 2008, when Melody started working at Royal HaskoningDHV, no one could’ve imagined how much technology would advance. In her 14 years at the company, she was constantly exposed to different technologies and innovations on her journey from student to Civil Engineering Technologist.

 “I started my career at student level, so by the time I was registered, I was able to grow within the company and build knowledge to pursue my role. Because I was in one of the smaller offices, I was exposed to various types of projects and challenges, learning how to use existing and new technologies. That’s what excites me,” says Melody.

When were you pushed out of your comfort zone?

“At one stage, some managers left our small office and I had to reassure clients that their projects were still safe with us. The clients ended up giving me 10 and 9 satisfaction ratings.”

She notes that there were many times when self-learning played a significant role in her career. But instead of pulling her back, navigating through the challenges made her stronger, better, and more confident in her capabilities.

Sink or swim

“My first manager told me to work on a project, which I did, but he found out afterwards that I hadn’t done anything like it before. That day he told me that I was a natural, and then it made sense. In your career, you often have to teach yourself, but when you push through the challenges of self-learning, you’ll find that you learn more and more.”

Proudest moment?

“While still learning a new program, I had to produce a 3D model of town planning for one of our clients. I spent four days putting it together, and the client was so excited that I presented it to the DBSA as well.”

Melody often gets confronted with limiting beliefs and self-doubt when she faces challenges. That’s when she draws inspiration from her manager at RHDHV, who’s always there to reassure her that she has the natural ability to thrive in her work.

“I was often pushed into the sea and had to start swimming. But that’s when you see your capabilities. Challenges show me that, no matter how dire, I can adapt to situations if I put my mind to it. You’ll never know what you know until you are given the opportunity to show it.”