From admin intern to PhD candidate

For Christina Mazivila, the University of Cape Town (UCT) did not start out as a place of study, but a place of work. She began as an administrative intern in 2018 and decided early on to make the most of the opportunity. Since then, she’s taken on many roles, ultimately ending up as a senior research assistant for the Climate Systems Analysis Group and a PhD candidate for the Water Research Group.

Tell us how you started out at UCT?

It’s a funny story! After completing my honours degree in geology at the University of the Free State, I could not secure a job immediately. Inspired by my closest circle, I considered teaching as an alternative, but I knew it had to be in higher education, which led me to pursue a Postgraduate Diploma in Higher Education. A year later, I landed a contract-based geology job. Unfortunately, though, it ended sooner than expected. Going back home wasn’t the best option – my father, our family’s primary breadwinner, had fallen ill during my undergraduate studies and lost his job. Determined not to be a burden, I actively searched for opportunities in and out of my field. A few months later, I came across an advertisement for an internship at UCT. It resonated with my interests: internationalisation, higher education, and more. I applied and by God’s grace got an interview. The rest is history.

What have you done since then?

Mostly administrative roles. People have their doubts about administration – they might think it’s just filing papers and sending emails, but it’s far more. I find the problem-solving aspect really exciting, navigating institutional structures and adapting to evolving academic needs; working with diverse people, too.

“My interest in water and climate risks intensified – there was no better time to embark on this journey.”

After working part-time from late 2018 to 2019, I discovered an MSc in Water Quality Engineering. With a geology background and arriving in Cape Town during the Day Zero crisis, my interest in water and climate risks intensified – there was no better time to embark on this journey.

My managers have been incredibly supportive. In many workplaces, pursuing something new might elicit an “OK, goodbye”, but not here. They recognised that I might have other aspirations, and I don’t take that for granted.

What has been your experience of working while studying?

It can be quite tough, but I try my best – I have to! I’m now working as a senior research assistant for the Climate Systems Analysis Group at UCT while also furthering my own research: I’m doing my PhD in water quality engineering. Sure, I have to start work early and end late, but I chose this, and it’s really up to me to make the most of it. I consider myself very lucky.

What do you enjoy most about what you do?

Before university, I had almost no exposure to technology. My first basic phone came in matric, and I scored below 20% on my first computer test. When told I’d have to create a model for my PhD, I was intimidated. But, after realising the value of models during my master’s, I was determined to learn. Now modelling is one of my favourite pursuits. I’m excited by the challenge of solving complex problems using models, unsure if my approach will succeed or not.

How has UCT supported you?

The fee rebate has been such a huge help. And I’ve received so much other support from the university; the systems like the library that I always have access to. And then, of course, there are the people. There are so many inspiring people here.

What’s next for you and UCT?

I’m not sure yet. I think that I am still figuring out my purpose in life. But one thing is clear: I’d love to bridge the gap between research and real-world problem solving while mentoring young people in STEM [science, technology, engineering, mathematics]. To this generation, I’d say: Always give your best, be open to explore beyond your comfort zone, and, where possible, work to build or find supportive communities. Your past doesn’t have to confine you; with the right mindset and surroundings, your future can be redefined, unlocking opportunities you never imagined.