My Career

SESILIA Nkoshi (SN), a reinsurance professional in her prime, chats to The Namibian’s Walter Kariko (WK) about her career and personal life.

WK: Who is Sesilia Nkoshi?

SN: Sesilia is a passionate, kind, and fun young woman from Elim in the Omusati region.

I grew up with the unwavering love, kindness, and support of my family.

Our parents encouraged our education. The only time we were exempted from chores were if we had tests and exams to study for. But otherwise, it was a childhood that equipped us with profound work ethics, something I see as a virtue.

I have obtained a B Comm honours degree in management accounting from Stellenbosch University, an advanced diploma in management accounting through the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants in the United Kingdom, I ‘ve just completed my general management post-graduate qualification at the Gordon Institute of Business Science, and I ‘m currently pursuing a diploma in insurance through the Chartered Insurance Institute in the UK.

The ability to make a difference in someone’s life gives meaning to my existence. A segment of my long-term vision is dedicated to people only.

WK: As the new deputy regional director, southern Africa, of Young Insurance Professionals (YIPs) Africa, what does your job entail?

SN: The African Association of Young Insurance Professionals (YIPs Africa) is an initiative founded and led by young insurance professionals across the African continent.

The idea was conceived by a few individuals who decided to bringing together other young professionals from across Africa to formalise their ideas through a solid organisation with representation across Africa – all working towards achieving the objectives of the association.

My core focus will be to execute the overall objectives for the southern African region.

These activities include coordinating with insurance organisations, insurance regulators and insurance companies, enhancing the image of young insurance professionals through community involvement and customer awareness efforts, promoting the attraction, retention and development of new talent and ensuring they share our passion for the continued growth and prosperity of the African insurance market, and to also offer perspective from the southern African insurance market through engagements and consultations.

WK: Walk us through your career.

SN: I have always been in the financial sector, banking and insurance. I worked for the FNB graduate programme for a year and six months. After completion of my honours, I did my articles for a year with a firm in Cape Town. I came home for my holidays and never went back.

I was offered a job in reinsurance on the second day of being home.

I must admit my career experience has been rewarding and satisfying thus far.

My wish is to always give back all the kindness and respect I have been blessed with and more.

Every aspect of the journey so far has shaped my being. I am grateful for it all, but I am also not one to settle.

Once I set my sights on something, I pray about it and put in the work.

WK: When did you join Namib­Re?

SN: In March 2017. I was headhunted from the reinsurance broker who offered me a job a year earlier. I joined the corporation for its vision.

They value mental health and a healthy lifestyle. These are so dear to me.

We also have a high-performance culture that is healthy.

WK: What part of your job do you enjoy the most?

SN: I like what I do. Being an underwriter enables me to assess risks and recommend mitigations. And generally, because I am more friendly with numbers, I enjoy reading a story through numbers or creating a story through numbers,

Insurance is about trust and good faith. It has taught me to create, nurture and maintain relationships, and the virtue of open-mindedness.

WK: What are the top skills one needs for the future – especially in the insurance sector?

SN: Communication, analytical skills, customer centricity and perspective. Overall, having a plan or knowing how to plan is the ultimate skill. Identify what you want, why you want it and how to get it.

Do not let your thoughts limit what you can do, sometimes all you really need to do is show up.

WK: What advice would you give to a young Sesilia just stepping out of university?