Rising through the ranks: A career in radiography
Mandi du Preez's career began after she obtained an honours degree in diagnostic radiography from Unam in 2002. She started working as a radiographer for Medical Imaging in 2003.
After five years at Medical Imaging, Du Preez received an offer in August 2008 to become the branch manager of a smaller radiology department at Maerua Mall in Windhoek.
Six months later, she was promoted to branch manager of a much larger radiology department at the Roman Catholic Hospital.
“I worked as a radiographer/branch manager for about eight years, and this gave me time to hone my skills as a radiographer by getting additional training on CT and mammography,” Du Preez explained.
Then, in 2016, Medical Imaging underwent internal management changes and introduced new positions, including standards and training manager and clinical manager.
Du Preez was promoted to the clinical manager position and worked closely with the standards and training manager.
“This position gave me a lot more freedom to grow and see a different side of Medical Imaging that you’re not always part of as a branch manager or a radiographer,” she said.
Making a difference
In 2023 she enrolled in the Management Development Programme (MDP) course at Stellenbosch, and upon completing it, she was promoted to her current post as Operations Officer, working closely now with Medical Imaging HR and COO.
“It’s exciting, challenging and demanding, but this is what I prefer to do, something that gives me a reason to get up in the morning, and I know I can make a difference to help the company grow,” she said about her work.
She added: ""Finish what you started, and success will follow. Don't stop looking for something new to pursue."
She described her biggest accomplishment as completing the MDP programme in 2023, despite it also being one of the greatest challenges she has faced.
In her free time, Du Preez enjoys going to the gym, building miniature houses and spending time with her family and pets.
Her advice to the youth is to remember that no matter what life throws at you, you are strong enough not only to overcome it but also to turn it into a success – as long as you don’t give up.
After five years at Medical Imaging, Du Preez received an offer in August 2008 to become the branch manager of a smaller radiology department at Maerua Mall in Windhoek.
Six months later, she was promoted to branch manager of a much larger radiology department at the Roman Catholic Hospital.
“I worked as a radiographer/branch manager for about eight years, and this gave me time to hone my skills as a radiographer by getting additional training on CT and mammography,” Du Preez explained.
Then, in 2016, Medical Imaging underwent internal management changes and introduced new positions, including standards and training manager and clinical manager.
Du Preez was promoted to the clinical manager position and worked closely with the standards and training manager.
“This position gave me a lot more freedom to grow and see a different side of Medical Imaging that you’re not always part of as a branch manager or a radiographer,” she said.
Making a difference
In 2023 she enrolled in the Management Development Programme (MDP) course at Stellenbosch, and upon completing it, she was promoted to her current post as Operations Officer, working closely now with Medical Imaging HR and COO.
“It’s exciting, challenging and demanding, but this is what I prefer to do, something that gives me a reason to get up in the morning, and I know I can make a difference to help the company grow,” she said about her work.
She added: ""Finish what you started, and success will follow. Don't stop looking for something new to pursue."
She described her biggest accomplishment as completing the MDP programme in 2023, despite it also being one of the greatest challenges she has faced.
In her free time, Du Preez enjoys going to the gym, building miniature houses and spending time with her family and pets.
Her advice to the youth is to remember that no matter what life throws at you, you are strong enough not only to overcome it but also to turn it into a success – as long as you don’t give up.
