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Silvia’s career journey began as a
Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering student at the University of the
Witwatersrand. That is where she graduated cum laude in 1990.
She then completed her Masters degree in Civil Engineering and has also subsequently completed various finance and accounting courses at the Wits Business School.
Silvia is a Professional Engineer registered with the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA).
Silvia says what excites her about the engineering field is supplying a service to people within a dynamic and exciting environment, "you can see what you do, it’s tangible, and no two days are the same," she explains.
As a bursary recipient of the City Council of Pretoria, Silvia worked for the City Council for two years after which she joined consulting engineers, Bigen Africa as a design engineer.
She has also worked and been a shareholder in Training Management Africa on the 2 Mozal Smelter Projects in Maputo.
During her work stint in Mozambique, she was the resident engineer for the construction of one of Nelson Mandela and Graca Machel’s houses in Maputo.
After 10 years of working in South Africa as a consultant to various engineering construction companies, Silvia joined Kentz in 2012.
She says the best part about being at Kentz is working with a strong, committed and loyal business team.
Kentz has a high performance culture, where excellence is both recognised and rewarded at every level throughout the organisation.
Striving for success, Kentz employees have access to many global career development opportunities that aim to ignite a passion for learning, while supporting individuals’ growth potential within the organisation.
On the biggest challenge, Silvia says "Working in a competitive industry requires that we constantly find ways to work more efficiently and smarter."
She adds: "The challenge is in doing so whilst uniting a team, getting everyone focussed on one goal and creating an environment that allows each team member to grow to their full potential."
Silvia invests in personal growth prioritising exercise, quiet time and quality time spent with family and friends. She is a keen cyclist, enjoys travelling and is passionate about animal rights.
When asked about the challenges of working in a male-dominated industry, she responds: "The challenges are no different to that of men."
She continues: "One of the biggest challenges we all face is that of retaining balance in one’s life. It all boils down to knowing yourself and staying true to yourself in everything you do – a life long journey."
Her advice to women in male-dominated industries is: "Don’t try to fit in. Create your own definitions of success and work hard, there are no shortcuts. Love what you do or find something else to do. Follow your heart and have fun."
With Women’s Month celebrated in August, Silvia remembers how far we have come as a nation.
Despite her excellent results, she struggled to get a bursary. Looking at the amazing opportunities available today, she says this is to be celebrated.
There is no doubt what Silvia has accomplished to date is inspiring. Looking to the future, Silvia says "I hope to be in a position that when I look back, I feel I have enriched my life and I have impacted positively on those around me, but I hope I’ll still be having fun!"
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She then completed her Masters degree in Civil Engineering and has also subsequently completed various finance and accounting courses at the Wits Business School.
Silvia is a Professional Engineer registered with the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA).
Silvia says what excites her about the engineering field is supplying a service to people within a dynamic and exciting environment, "you can see what you do, it’s tangible, and no two days are the same," she explains.
As a bursary recipient of the City Council of Pretoria, Silvia worked for the City Council for two years after which she joined consulting engineers, Bigen Africa as a design engineer.
She has also worked and been a shareholder in Training Management Africa on the 2 Mozal Smelter Projects in Maputo.
During her work stint in Mozambique, she was the resident engineer for the construction of one of Nelson Mandela and Graca Machel’s houses in Maputo.
After 10 years of working in South Africa as a consultant to various engineering construction companies, Silvia joined Kentz in 2012.
She says the best part about being at Kentz is working with a strong, committed and loyal business team.
Kentz has a high performance culture, where excellence is both recognised and rewarded at every level throughout the organisation.
Striving for success, Kentz employees have access to many global career development opportunities that aim to ignite a passion for learning, while supporting individuals’ growth potential within the organisation.
On the biggest challenge, Silvia says "Working in a competitive industry requires that we constantly find ways to work more efficiently and smarter."
She adds: "The challenge is in doing so whilst uniting a team, getting everyone focussed on one goal and creating an environment that allows each team member to grow to their full potential."
Silvia invests in personal growth prioritising exercise, quiet time and quality time spent with family and friends. She is a keen cyclist, enjoys travelling and is passionate about animal rights.
When asked about the challenges of working in a male-dominated industry, she responds: "The challenges are no different to that of men."
She continues: "One of the biggest challenges we all face is that of retaining balance in one’s life. It all boils down to knowing yourself and staying true to yourself in everything you do – a life long journey."
Her advice to women in male-dominated industries is: "Don’t try to fit in. Create your own definitions of success and work hard, there are no shortcuts. Love what you do or find something else to do. Follow your heart and have fun."
With Women’s Month celebrated in August, Silvia remembers how far we have come as a nation.
Despite her excellent results, she struggled to get a bursary. Looking at the amazing opportunities available today, she says this is to be celebrated.
There is no doubt what Silvia has accomplished to date is inspiring. Looking to the future, Silvia says "I hope to be in a position that when I look back, I feel I have enriched my life and I have impacted positively on those around me, but I hope I’ll still be having fun!"
Follow Women24 on Twitter and like us on Facebook.
