Youth in Tech: Creating the technology leaders of tomorrow

The youth play a pivotal role in the development of our country, economy and the future of technology. Driven towards creating a better future for themselves and the world at large, they can be the driving force of innovation. As a young person in tech, Moshibudi Matlala , Marketing Operations Associate at Epson South Africa, is inspired by 3 things, seeing positive results from her work, continuously improving and giving back to her family. “A lot of time is spent in the workplace and I always try to put that time to good use” she says. The passion the youth bring to the industry married with their technological prowess creates an opportunity to encourage the future leaders of the tech landscape.

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Ready for the rapid evolution of the tech industry?

We are on the cusp of many technological advancements within our society, many of them spilling over into our lives, workplaces and industries in many different forms. Young people entering the tech industry have one pivotal advantage when entering the workspace. They are digital natives, a generation brought up surrounded by technology, seamlessly integrating it into their lives. “I appreciate continuous learning and the rapid evolution of technology keeps me engaged” says Moshibudi when explaining why she chose the tech industry.

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A comprehensive learning experience

Today’s youth have grown up with technology at their fingertips, every question answered within a few clicks. Creating work environments for youth entering the tech sphere that are engaging, comprehensive, dynamic and offer a deeper understanding of the industry is vital to the creation of tech leaders of tomorrow.

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“The past 9 months at Epson have been deeply fulfilling and personal, it has not just been a job but an opportunity for personal growth and making a long-lasting impact. I've been fortunate enough to be part of a team that values innovation, creativity, adaptability and share the same passion as me for pushing boundaries where possible. Every day I strive to infuse my work with a deep sense of purpose, passion and a genuine connection to the company’s mission. The Marketing department is one that has always piqued my interest, I have learnt how important a strong foundation in business principles is in our day-to-day operations, it is more than just completing duties, but rather more about comprehending the larger business landscape.” shares Moshibudi on her experience at Epson.

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She goes on to share one of her key learnings being part of the Epson team: “Epson encourages their employees to continually learn and grow both personally and professionally. We learn the importance of seeking out new opportunities for learning and development, embracing feedback and continuously striving for improvement.”

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Leaders are not made overnight

The path to being a leader within the technology space is not an easy one. It requires hard work, tenacity and continuous learning. Moshibudi Matlala encourages young people looking to enter the tech space to “be a sponge, learn as much as possible and never hold back on asking questions, always keep in mind that every moment is an opportunity to learn from everyone around you. Secondly, just because it is not written in your job description does not mean you can’t offer to help, there is nothing wrong with adding extra knowledge to what you were employed to do. Lastly mistakes are bound to happen, it is proof that you are trying, learn from them and improve.”

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As a global technology leader committed to creating a better future, we are greatly moved by the young people within our organisation. Their passion for innovation and unique perspectives inspire us to keep investing in them. We look forward to the road ahead as we watch and support these future leaders in tech, create and shape the industry towards the next century.

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