Monica Palesa Mofokeng’s success story is one of DaVinci’s proud contributions. She enrolled with The DaVinci Institute back in April 2022 as a Higher Certificate student. At the time, her focus was mainly on pursuing her studies. However, she would later see an opportunity to join the institute as an intern.
At The DaVinci Institute, internships are not just opportunities; they are launchpads. The institute has a unique way of absorbing talented interns into permanent roles, creating real opportunities for young people to grow their careers. By bridging academic learning with workplace experience, DaVinci plays an active role in tackling youth unemployment, ensuring that skills gained in the classroom are not only applied but also nurtured in a professional setting.
Journey From Student to Staff Member
When Mofokeng joined The DaVinci Institute in April 2022 as a Higher Certificate student, she had no idea just how much it would change both personally and professionally. From day one, Mofokeng was drawn to DaVinci’s unique approach to education, one that blends innovation, critical thinking, systems thinking, technology, and real-world application.
“As I progressed in my studies, I was offered an internship. That’s when my journey truly began to transform. I was thrown into projects across different departments, gaining hands-on experience and building relationships that still mean a lot to me today. What struck me most was that DaVinci’s values weren’t just printed in brochures, they were lived out daily, in every conversation and decision,” she shares.
Coming from the corporate world, the culture shift was refreshing. Challenges were met with creativity and empathy. Collaboration was not just encouraged; it was a way of life that she found in DaVinci.
Lessons That Shaped Monica Mofokeng
During her internship, she sharpened skills she still relies on today, including clear communication, active listening, academic writing, and modern IT knowledge. Having completed her qualification in 2011, Mofokeng had not had many opportunities to use her academic skills until DaVinci gave her the platform to relearn and adapt to a changing digital world.
“A pivotal figure in my growth was Alpheus Smit, who patiently guided us through DaVinci’s systems and operations. His mentorship deepened my understanding and made me love my work. When he unexpectedly left, I had to step up fast. With limited knowledge, I kept things running. It was daunting, but it taught me resilience, problem-solving, and self-belief,” she explains.
One defining moment was when I was asked to train my new line manager on the system. That’s when it hit me: I had mastered most administrative processes, could troubleshoot on my own, and resolve 98% of logged tickets. That confidence made my transition from intern to permanent staff in 2024 feel natural and earned.
Inside DaVinci’s Work Culture
Four things stand out about DaVinci’s culture:
- Personal and academic development go together here.
- From day one, I felt like part of a team that valued mentorship and knowledge-sharing.
- Even as an intern, my work mattered.
- New ideas are welcomed, and many of mine were put into action.
Life Now
“Today, I work across academic, operations, and marketing departments, helping ensure that everything we do has real impact. I am not just a graduate; I am part of the team shaping the institute’s future,” Mofokeng explains her journey.
Looking Forward
She wants to deepen her leadership, innovation, and human-centred design skills while staying true to values like empathy, integrity, and curiosity. She hopes to inspire others through action, just as she was inspired when she first walked through DaVinci’s doors.
“My journey from student to intern to permanent staff shows what can happen when opportunity meets dedication. At The DaVinci Institute, I didn’t just earn a qualification. I found my purpose,” she says.
