Hezrone Mujawo

Master’s graduate and current DEng student Hezrone Mujawo shares his engineering journey and offers tips on work-study balance

Hezrone Mujawo, a 40-year-old South African with an Advanced Diploma of Industrial Automation and a Master of Engineering (Industrial Automation) from the Engineering Institute of Technology (EIT), is pursuing a Doctor of Engineering (DEng) degree. In this article, he shares his journey into engineering, offers tips on balancing work and studying, and provides solid advice for first-year EIT students.

When did you realize you had an interest in engineering?

As an individual looking to improve my career and personal life, I wanted to develop my skills in Industrial Automation. However, I needed help finding a suitable institute in South Africa that would allow me to study while continuing to work. So, I searched online and discovered EIT, which offered an Advanced Diploma of Industrial Automation Engineering with online classes and labs.

I was impressed with the professional setup, practical labs, and availability of software. After enrolling and experiencing the program, I became enamored with EIT’s education system and professional tutors. This led me to await the introduction of a BSC degree eagerly and ultimately cemented my interest in engineering.

Watch his video interview here.

What program are you currently enrolled in at EIT?

I have applied and been accepted for the DEng program, which started on 3 February. I am excited to continue my education with EIT and become a well-rounded engineer. I have had a great experience with EIT, from my Advanced Diploma of Industrial Automation Engineering to completing a Master of Engineering (Industrial Automation). I look forward to seeing what the Doctor of Engineering program offers.

How did you choose your area of engineering?

Initially, I wanted to study medicine after finishing high school but I couldn’t get into medical school due to lower grades. I sought advice from seniors and decided to pursue an apprenticeship to become an instrumentation and control systems technician. During that time, I realized the growing importance of digitalization in the industry and began researching programs to stay relevant.

EIT’s Advanced Diploma in Industrial Automation Engineering caught my attention, and I found that their courses were aligned with current industry trends. The knowledge I gained from the program has given me an edge over my colleagues. I am now moving into consulting, where the material and knowledge I gained from EIT are precious.

Are you currently working, and how do you balance your studies and personal life?

Yes, I am currently working. Balancing my studies and personal life has been easier because my studies complement my work and vice versa. I plan my study time and reserve at least three hours daily for family time after work. I then dedicate around four hours each day to my schoolwork, except on weekends when I might need to reserve more time for studying. The key is that my work and studies complement each other, which allows me to maintain a good work-life balance and have time for my family.

How do you stay motivated during your time with EIT?

I can stay motivated during my time with EIT due to the excellent support and resources provided by the institution. The tutors and LSOs are beneficial and always available to answer any questions. The presentation material and interface are high quality, and the classes are interactive, creating two-way communication between the students and the tutor. With the availability of help and support, studying becomes bearable and exciting. The overall learning experience is gratifying because I can apply everything I have learned in my job, giving me an advantage over my colleagues.

Why do you believe engineers play an essential role in the world?

Engineers are essential in almost every aspect of the world we live in. From the food we consume, the transportation we use, and the medicine we take, to the aerospace industry, all of these products require design work and engineering expertise. Engineers are responsible for conceptualizing ideas and researching to make them a reality. Without engineering, the world would not be able to sustain itself. Therefore, engineers play a vital role in ensuring society’s continued development and advancement.

Are you happy with EIT, and why?

Yes, I am delighted with EIT. Their curriculum is not just theoretical but also defined and structured so that practicality and industry application is well-defined and easily applicable to any field of individual studies. The tutors are experts in their field, and the study material is industry-aligned. Overall, I believe that the education provided by EIT is in line with industry standards and even exceeds them.

Do you have a favorite engineering joke that you like to tell?

One of my all-time favorites is three men discussing God and his profession in a bar. The first man says God must be a mechanical engineer because of the joints in the human body; the second man says God must be an electrical engineer because of the nervous system, and the third man says God has to be a civil engineer because who else would run a waste disposal pipeline through a perfect recreational area.

What advice would you give to a first-year EIT student?

My advice would be to stick to a healthy study schedule and follow all the instructions given by your LSO and tutors. Take advantage of all the libraries and resources that EIT offers because a wealth of information can be applied to your job. EIT is more than just an institution; it’s a pathway to becoming who you aspire to be and the steps to achieve that are laid out for you. It’s essential to be curious, seek out more information, and ask questions when in doubt because we learn from each other.