When I approached the end of my MSc, I had a sad realisation. Though I was a three-time graduate, academic qualifications alone were not enough to enter the job arena. What would make my internship-slash-job hunt difficult was my lack of practical experience and skills.
Imagine my surprise when I was accepted into the Graduate Training Programme (GTP) with Shark Spotters. This opportunity felt like an answered prayer. Prior to applying for the internship, I had been unsuccessful in two entry-level job applications, one was for a research assistant position, and the other was marine technician position, both of which I had been shortlisted for. During those interviews, I lacked confidence, knowing I didn’t meet some key requirements, such as holding a skipper’s license, commercial diving certification, and relevant hands-on experience.
Being selected for the GTP was a turning point, an opportunity to gain the experience and training I had long aspired to get. The GTP journey was incredibly intriguing for someone like me, who had limited knowledge and experience with sharks and fish. My academic background is in marine genetics, with a specific focus on jellyfish population connectivity, so diving into the world of elasmobranchs was both new and exciting.
My two years in this internship were not one without its own trials and tribulations. One of the biggest personal challenges I faced was becoming a commercial diver in a very short amount of time. What made it even more demanding was that I had to learn how to swim from scratch. After weeks of training supported by Field Manager and ex-lifeguard Monwabisi Sikweyiya, what was at first a daunting thought turned out to be a fun and rewarding experience. The commercial diving training, on the other hand, was intense and physically challenging, but it helped me discover a strength and determination I didn’t know I had, while also enhancing my endurance, discipline, ability to adapt under pressure, and trust in teamwork in the unfamiliar and often unpredictable underwater environment.
The training we were promised at the start of our programme were delivered by Shark Spotters, and I successfully obtained my skippers certification amongst others. I’ve since been fortunate to support ongoing research in the False Bay area by actively applying these certifications. These opportunities have deepened my practical field experience and allowed me to meaningfully contribute to ongoing scientific efforts. These experiences were not only educational but also genuinely enjoyable, giving me a hands-on understanding of the tools and techniques used in marine research and conservation, while allowing me to build meaningful relationships and work closely with a supportive team.
Beyond all that, being part of the Shark Spotters team has been one of the most rewarding parts of my journey. It was an incredible experience to learn about the marine ecosystems of False Bay, study shark behaviour, and contribute to meaningful conservation work. I have shared reflections on my previous experiences. Read them here:
– Bridging Seas: Insights and Experiences from The 7th Southern African Shark and Ray Symposium
Written by: Bonga Govuza