Never underestimate the transformative and empowering potential of education. This is a point made with profound passion and sage insight by PhD candidate at the University of Galway, Maggie Ntombifuthi Bingo. It is poetic that she looks out at the same Atlantic Ocean from her new home in Galway as she did when living, studying, and working in Cape Town, South Africa. We wanted to discover more about her personal, professional, and academic journey and her perspectives on higher education.
Inspiration and motivation are key
Having always had an affinity for mathematics and science from an early age, it seems natural that Maggie began her academic journey by studying for a Bachelor of Technology (BTech) in Chemical Engineering after achieving her National Diploma (ND). Although she enjoyed the qualification, some aspects did surprise her. Notably, the significant focus on mathematics as opposed to chemistry. This meant the need for solid foundational science and mathematics skills developed during invaluable primary and secondary education.
“From when I was young, I saw the impact that education could have on lives, on my family’s life. My mother had worked in higher education and pursued her degrees while working, which was both challenging and inspirational,” Maggie explains. “I was lucky to be in an environment where the value of education was emphasised, and we often had academics and professionals visiting our home.”
Maggie credits her mother for mentoring and motivating her on her academic and professional journey, constantly encouraging her to strive for more, even when things didn’t go quite to plan. After completing her BTech qualification, Maggie looked to move into industry but found limited opportunities. This did not deter her as she began volunteering for a project to help schoolchildren develop their STEM skills and later gained additional skills by working in higher education administration, teaching, and research.
Discovering your path
“While working in higher education, I was made aware of a chance to study a master’s degree in engineering. There was also a full scholarship available. With encouragement from my mother, I went for it and luckily was successful”, elaborates Maggie. “I can’t stress how important having a good supervisor is. The confidence they instil and the support they can give postgraduate students is so valuable. It can be the difference between getting your qualification and not.”
In addition, Maggie mentions the importance of university academic culture in influencing the postgraduate experience, which includes regular contact with other students in your field and opportunities to attend seminars, conferences, and talks, as well as publish research papers. As Maggie approached the completion of her master’s degree, her interest in civil engineering began to develop further, notably in the field of wastewater treatment and management. She began weighing her options between transitioning to industry or continuing towards a teaching and lecturing position in higher education. Fate, however, had other plans for Maggie.
“I was chatting with my sister one day, and she said she’d come across opportunities to study an engineering PhD abroad. She saw a post on TikTok about it,” Maggie says with a smile. “I realised this would be an excellent and once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to broaden my horizons, become a global citizen and develop my expertise. That’s when I decided to apply to the University of Galway.”
Taking that crucial step
Maggie admitted that she found the process a little nerve-wracking, but the level of support and assistance she received from the university made things much easier. Approaching her application as she would a job interview, Maggie had meticulous attention to detail and worked hard on her proposal. Proactive communication with the university and potential supervisors was important, but this works both ways.
“I appreciated the proactive communication and contact from the university. Services like the international office are invaluable in helping students. The fact that I could attend webinars and access virtual tours also helped,” elaborates Maggie. “I contacted a fellow student via social media to hear his experiences and insights of studying in Ireland. Turns out he was an international student ambassador!”
Maggie explained that this experience underlined the importance of having access to information and peers who can help you prepare for moving abroad. It can help reduce any anxiety about taking this big life step. Despite the potential challenges of moving abroad, Maggie embraced this change wholeheartedly alongside her young daughter as they moved to Galway. Maggie underlines that her motivation and determination to make the most of the experience for herself and her daughter overrode any fear.
“We must be aware of our potential and that we can achieve what may once have seemed like a dream. I want people to know that you can develop a global outlook,” Maggie underscores. “That’s not to say that it’s easy, but it’s worth taking a risk and not being fearful of change. Developing yourself allows you to share what you have learnt and help develop others.”
Maggie has settled well in Ireland, although the weather and cuisine took a little getting used to. She has become an integral part of the international student community, including a group of postgraduate students from her department who have become friends and supported her since arriving. She also credits the friendliness of the Irish people as a very positive aspect of making her feel welcome and at home.
Shaping your future
“I’ve enjoyed my time here so far, and I’m learning a lot, not only about living in Ireland but also in my field of expertise and advanced postgraduate study. I’ve even started an initiative to try and encourage fellow students to think about studying abroad and outside of the conventional box,” says Maggie. “I would love to have some more papers published and am already looking towards what my future could look like. I have a few options and ideas that I’m considering.”
While Maggie’s PhD in Civil Engineering remains her priority, she is already potentially planning a step into industry and professional practice. In addition, she wants to continue to find ways to positively contribute to the lives of future students and young people, both in South Africa and wider afield. There is little doubt that she will achieve this, as she is well on her way to becoming a notable alumnus of the University of Galway and an individual who will positively impact those whom she meets and empowers.
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