Gomolemo Mohapi, from Durban, South Africa, started writing computer code in high school. Once he became proficient, he helped his peers learn how to code, too. Fast-forward a few years, and today, he writes code for Microsoft! According to Gomolemo, “I’m doing work that is quite fulfilling. It’s always been about helping people, and that remains true in my current role.”
At Microsoft, Gomolemo works as a cloud advocate, a role he describes as a “nontraditional” software engineer. Part of his job involves developing software and completing projects. But Gomolemo’s main responsibility is advocating on behalf of developer communities, ensuring their successful implementation of Microsoft products. “This means we create workshops and videos, run conferences, build end-to-end solutions and show [clients] how to best use our technologies,” he said.
What a journey it’s been for Gomolemo, who’s progressed from a student who loves to code to being paid by Microsoft for essentially the same work. “You know, it’s a surreal feeling,” he said about how far he’s come.
Tell us a little bit about yourself.
I started in the IT space in the ninth grade when I began writing code. I excelled in coding, programming, and computer science–related subjects throughout high school.
At university, though, I noticed my peers struggling with computer programming concepts I had learned in high school. I was fortunate to attend a high school that offered programming courses, since few schools in South Africa did so at that time.
I entered the IT space to help my peers by sharing my knowledge. I developed tutorials, some up to 18 pages long, and distributed them as PDFs to fellow students. I also hosted live workshops, webinars, and hackathons.
I think those efforts, along with my academic performance at the university, caught the attention of the professors who recommended me for the Community College Initiative (CCI) program.
What brought you to NOVA?
I think my passion for technology and teaching — and for sharing that passion with others — was what led me to the CCI program, which ultimately brought me to NOVA.
What were your educational goals?
I studied web design and development at NOVA’s Alexandria Campus during the 2017–18 academic year. I chose this field because I had been studying to become a software and mobile application developer back in my home country.
I wanted to broaden my knowledge in other areas of technology, though, so I chose web development. Specifically, I wanted to study IT in a country recognized globally as the IT capital, so I saw my time at NOVA as an incredible opportunity to learn from those in the industry. I believed that my experience would go beyond textbook learning, allowing me to gain insights from real-world experts.
Can you share a fun memory or anecdote about your time at NOVA?
First, being at NOVA is such a privilege. You’re in a great space and will be served by amazing people who genuinely care about your future, your wellbeing, and where you’re going.
The diversity on campus was such a learning experience for me. In life, it’s important to interact across cultural lines, so being in an environment where individuals were from different places allowed me to gain valuable insights into various lifestyles, languages, and perspectives. I learned from those experiences, which ultimately made me a better person.
What would you tell a student coming to NOVA?
I’d strongly encourage students considering NOVA to maintain a growth mindset. Continuously seek self-improvement in both your personal and your professional life. Step out of your comfort zone, because that’s the only way to grow — and NOVA is the perfect place to do that!
Take advantage of clubs and connect with professors after classes to learn from their experiences and expertise. It’ll add up in the long run, and at the end of the day, you’ll be the one who benefits.
Any final thoughts?
After returning home from NOVA, I went back to university and continued with what I had been doing before, creating programming guides and workshops for my peers. Soon after, though, I started traveling around my province because other colleges wanted me to put on workshops for their students, too! Eventually, I was doing workshops across South Africa.
Then I came across Microsoft’s Student Ambassadors program, which brings students together from all over the world who have a common passion for technology. They trained us in public speaking and how to effectively disseminate technical information. We were also mentored by Microsoft software engineers.
Through that program, I had the opportunity to participate in some incredible things; for example, I traveled to Amsterdam and was honored as one of the top 20 Microsoft Student Partners in the Europe, Middle East, and Africa region. And in my final year of university, I secured a contract with Microsoft, which later evolved into a full-time position. Even with its challenges, it’s where I’m meant to be.
CCI Program: The Community College Initiative Program (CCI) is a program sponsored by the U.S. Department of State and administered by Northern Virginia Community College in cooperation with the Community College Consortium. For further information about the CCI Program, please contact the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs at eca-press@state.gov.