Portfolio Manager & Investment Analyst Pharmacist

YOUR MONEY MATTERS

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE THIS PROFESSION? I enjoyed maths and accounting during my high school years and had a natural affinity for the commerce subjects. This influenced my subject choices and also guided my thinking when I decided what to study at university. I was also fortunate to have a relative who worked in this industry and had numerous conversations with her about her career and the industry. She is still my mentor to this day.

WHAT TRAINING DID YOU HAVE TO DO TO GET WHERE YOU ARE TODAY? I completed my Bachelor of Business Science in Finance (Honours) at the University of Cape Town, and have also done various training courses throughout the years, while working. This included training on softer skills (e.g. presentation skills) as well as a regulatory exam covering legislation which we are expected to comply with at all times. WOULD YOU SAY EXPERIENCE IS AS IMPORTANT AS FORMAL TRAINING? Yes, experience is definitely as fundamental as training in this industry. While having formal training or education is hugely important, on-the-job experience is extremely beneficial and this is invaluable, especially when trying to come up with solutions to some of the complex problems that we’re often faced with.

WHICH ASPECTS ARE YOU LEAST ENTHUSIASTIC ABOUT? Due to the competing demands that I have to deal with, it can feel like there aren’t enough hours in a day, at times. Juggling multiple priorities at once is the norm, and this can mean working long hours, which can be quite taxing on a person if it goes on for sustained periods.

WHAT’S BEEN THE HIGHLIGHT OF YOUR CAREER TO DATE? My greatest highlight was being promoted to portfolio manager earlier this year, because this was recognition of the hard work that I have put in since I started my career. I’m extremely proud to be one of the black female portfolio managers in an industry that definitely needs to be more transformed.

WHAT ARE YOUR GOALS FOR THE FUTURE? In the short to medium term, I want to excel in my new role, and to ensure that I deliver on the promises that we’ve made to our clients, who have entrusted us with managing and growing their money. There’s always room for improvement, so staying on top of my game and continuously learning is of utmost importance to me. THINA MANGA PORTFOLIO MANAGER & INVESTMENT ANALYST

FUTUREGROWTH ASSET MANAGEMENT

opportunities that come your way, no matter how far out of your comfort zone they may take you. As the popular saying goes, “Growth begins at the end of your comfort zone”.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO SOMEONE STARTING A CAREER IN THE FIELD OF ASSET MANAGEMENT? I believe in the importance of hard work and the impact on one’s life that this can have when coupled with grabbing DESCRIBE YOUR JOB IN THREE WORDS Challenging. Rewarding. Ethical

www.futuregrowth.co.za

Futuregrowth Asset Management is a licensed discretionary financial services provider.

THE BEST MEDICINE

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE THIS PROFESSION? I followed in my father’s footsteps; he is also a pharmacist. I have always been inspired by him. I also wanted to be in an industry where I can both help people and incorporate science.

WHAT TRAINING DID YOU UNDERGO? I studied a 4-year degree at UWC, which is the only university where you can study pharmacy in the Western Cape. I then did my internship year at Bishop Lavis Clinic. After that, I completed my training with a community service year, where you work in a government facility for a year. It is a 6-year journey to become a fully registered pharmacist.

DESCRIBE A TYPICAL DAY ON THE JOB A responsible pharmacist is one that operates as both a pharmacist and the manager of the pharmacy, so I promote health advice to customers, dispense medication that doctors prescribe, help customers receive over-the-counter medication based on their symptoms, give advice to people to encourage them to live a healthy lifestyle. Behind the scenes, there are admin issues I handle to allow the pharmacy to run optimally.

WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT YOUR WORK? Interacting with people and empowering people to understand their body and health better.

WHAT DON’T YOU LIKE? There is a certain scope of practice I have to abide to as a pharmacist, but sometimes you encounter people who need extra help that you simply don’t have the capacity for (like serious injuries).

WHAT HURDLES HAVE YOU HAD TO OVERCOME? Breaking stereotypes! Since I am very young to be working at this level, many people assume I am not a pharmacist. Breaking stereotypes allows others to see that professionals come in all shapes and sizes.

WHAT’S BEEN THE HIGHLIGHT OF YOUR CAREER TO DATE? When my internship project won first place in the Western Cape. My project highlighted a disease that was overlooked and somewhat neglected in the public sector, and ultimately allowed this disease to be managed better.

WHAT ARE YOUR FUTURE GOALS? I would love to further my studies and do a Master’s Degree in Clinical Pharmacy.

IS THERE A TYPE OF PERSONALITY BEST SUITED TO THIS WORK? I think you should be a positive and confident person. KYNA IZALLY RESPONSIBLE PHARMACIST

MEDISPHERE PHARMACY

Your work entails speaking to patients/customers all day, so you should be someone who loves working with people.

ADVICE FOR NEWCOMERS? It gets better! Pharmacy can be very intimidating when you start out, but once you get the hang of things, you will see how amazing this profession truly is. There may be many challenges you have to face, but always persevere and you will reap the rewards of your hard work and dedication.