Q&A with Jurgen John Coetzee – Namib Mills claims controller

1. What does it take to build a successful career?

It requires a combination of hard work, discipline, integrity, consistency and a willingness to learn. Employees must be willing to step outside their comfort zones, take on new challenges and continuously improve themselves. Having the right attitude, being adaptable and maintaining good relationships with colleagues and management are equally important.

2. How has your understanding of career evolved?

When I started my career in 2014, my understanding of professionalism was mainly centred around performing my duties, following instructions and completing the tasks assigned to me.

As I progressed, my understanding changed significantly. I realised that professionalism goes beyond simply doing your job. It is about taking responsibility, being accountable and never shifting blame.

Sometimes growth means acquiring new skills, gaining experience, developing confidence and becoming someone the organisation can depend on.

3. Many young professionals expect rapid career advancement. What is your perspective?

I believe ambition is important, and there is nothing wrong with wanting to grow and advance in your career. However, career growth should not be rushed.

I started as a packer and gradually worked my way through different administrative and corporate positions. Each position taught me something valuable and prepared me for the next opportunity.

Be patient and trust the process.

4. Why should employees take ownership of their responsibilities?

I believe taking ownership is one of the most important qualities an employee can demonstrate, regardless of their position or level within an organisation.

I've learned that your position does not determine the value of your contribution. Whether you are starting as a junior employee or holding a management position, your attitude towards your responsibilities makes a difference.

5. Which skills are essential?

Some of the most important skills include communication, problem-solving, time management, attention to detail, adaptability, teamwork and the ability to work independently.

In today's corporate environment, digital literacy and technological skills are also becoming increasingly important. Employees must be comfortable learning new systems, understanding business processes and adapting to technological developments.

From my own experience working in administration, logistics, customer care and finance-related environments, I've learned that understanding how different departments operate gives you a broader perspective of the business.

I would also encourage young professionals to develop emotional intelligence. Knowing how to communicate with different personalities, handle pressure and manage difficult situations is extremely valuable.

6. How can employees build trust and credibility?

Through consistent actions, not just words.

Employees must demonstrate honesty, reliability, transparency and accountability in everything they do. If you commit to completing a task, make sure you follow through. If you make a mistake, take responsibility for it instead of shifting the blame.

Communication is also important. Keeping colleagues and management informed, meeting deadlines and being willing to assist others contribute towards building strong professional relationships.

Throughout my career, particularly in customer care and claims administration, I've learned that people value someone who is reliable, approachable and willing to find solutions.

7. Why are discipline, attention to detail and accountability important?

These three qualities play a major role in professional success because they influence the quality and reliability of your work. Discipline helps you remain focused, organised and committed to achieving your objectives, even when motivation is low.

Attention to detail is particularly important because small mistakes can sometimes have significant consequences, especially when dealing with financial transactions, customer claims, administrative processes and business documentation.

Accountability means taking responsibility for your work, your decisions and your mistakes. It also means being willing to learn from those mistakes and improve.

8. Talk about continuous learning and adaptability.

I believe continuous learning is essential because the working environment is constantly evolving. Business processes, technology, customer expectations and organisational structures are always changing.

I've also experienced organisational changes and transitions, which have shown me that employees must be flexible and willing to adapt rather than resist change.

You should never reach a point in your career where you believe you know everything. There is always something new to learn, whether from formal training, colleagues, management or everyday workplace experiences.

The moment you stop learning is the moment you risk becoming irrelevant.

9. Any advice?

My advice to young Namibians is to start wherever an opportunity presents itself, even if it is not your dream position. Never look down on an entry-level position because you never know where that opportunity might lead you. Through hard work, dedication, willingness to learn and taking advantage of opportunities, I was able to progress into different administrative and corporate roles.

Be willing to learn, respect everyone regardless of their position, develop a strong work ethic and always give your best, even when you feel your efforts are not being recognised immediately.

I would also encourage young people to invest in themselves by developing their skills, improving their qualifications where possible and learning how businesses operate.

Most importantly, don't compare your journey to someone else's. Everyone has a different starting point and timeline. Stay focused, remain humble and remember that your attitude can open doors that qualifications alone cannot.

10. What is the most important career lesson you have learnt?

One of the biggest lessons I've learned is that you should never underestimate the value of starting at the bottom and working your way up.

I've learned that every experience has value, even the difficult ones. Sometimes you may not immediately understand why you are given a particular responsibility or why you are facing a certain challenge, but those experiences can prepare you for opportunities you haven't even imagined yet.

My biggest takeaway is that your career is not a race. Focus on learning, building your character, doing your job with pride and becoming better at what you do every day.

Your position may change, but the knowledge, experience, work ethic and reputation you build along the way will stay with you.

*This Q&A has been edited for length.