Nothing warms the heart more than seeing great things happening to great people. In this guest blog, Luphiwe Pretty Matubule shares her experience of starting out as our much-loved Office Barista to becoming an Intern in our Payfast by Network Marketing Department where she’s able to put her theoretical marketing knowledge into practice.
I was granted the opportunity to work at Network as an Office Barista in 2022 while I was studying digital marketing. A serendipitous moment connected me with someone who knew the right people and believed in my dreams, recommending me for the role. Their faith in me was a turning point and I was determined to prove that hard work and dedication could make anything possible. With this motivation, I approached each interview phase with confidence and preparation, nailing all of them and securing my position at Network.
My first day at Network
My first day at Network coincided with the office moving into a newly renovated space, complete with a brand-new feature – the barista station. Talk about timing! The office was buzzing with excitement, and I was both thrilled and a bit overwhelmed. Coming from a different background and considering this was my first actual job – it was certainly eye-opening to be surrounded by so many new faces, a diverse team of individuals all working towards common goals.
As the Office Barista, I quickly became a familiar face, serving up much-needed caffeine and friendly conversations. It was here that I learned the importance of attention to detail and customer satisfaction skills.
Life as an Office Barista
As the Office Barista, my days were filled with the aroma of freshly brewed coffee and the joy of serving my colleagues their favourite beverages. It didn’t take long for me to learn everyone’s names, preferences — double shot espresso for some, a creamy latte for others. It was a small gesture that brought a bit of happiness to their busy workdays, and I took pride in making each cup impeccable.
Beyond the coffee: pursuing digital marketing
During my breaks and after hours, I immersed myself in my studies. I sometimes joined the Payfast by Network Marketing team in their meetings where I gained valuable insights and deeper understanding of how the company operates, as well as where the Marketing team fits in the mix.
Marketing was a field that intrigued me because of my early passion for public speaking and communication. Back in school, I often found myself being nominated to represent my class or school in various competitions or assemblies, unaware then that these skills could be channelled into a marketing career.
Transitioning to Marketing Intern
Joining the Marketing team in July 2024 has been both a significant learning curve and a deeply rewarding experience. Although transitioning from theoretical knowledge to practical application has posed challenges, it has made the journey more interesting and valuable. The experience has been enriched by the supportive and helpful nature of the team, who have been there whenever I needed guidance or assistance. Reflecting on my time as a Barista, I appreciate how building relationships with the team helped ease my transition. This sense of familiarity and support has made the shift smoother and enhanced my experience.
Network has been more than simply a place of employment for me throughout this journey, it has also been a community that has invested in my personal development. During crucial times, including study leave, Network extended support that went beyond expectations. I’m committed to further developing my skills in digital marketing, particularly in content creation and social media strategy, and making a meaningful impact within the company and the broader community.
I hope my story inspires others from similar backgrounds to pursue their dreams and realise that success is achievable. Network is where passion meets opportunity, where every individual is valued and where growth is nurtured. I’m grateful for my journey so far and I’m excited for what lies ahead at this remarkable company.
