My career success with Ruusa Nandago

SELLING products to a non-existent customer base is a nightmare for some entities, but for others, understanding market dynamics, customer needs and capitalising on the ever-changing wants is key to business survival. Walter Kariko (WK) of sat down with Ruusa Nandago (RN), the market research manager at FNB Namibia and also the face of the housing price index, to talk about her career.

RN: My role is to conduct and present research for the various divisions of the FirstRand Group. This includes research related to products, competitor analysis, developments in the banking sector, and developments in the domestic and global economy in which banks operate. I am also responsible for running various surveys, the FNB house price index and the FNB rental index.

RN: I initially studied for a degree in financial mathematics, and had economics as one of my elective modules. I had never taken economics as a subject at school, but I loved it so much at university level that I decided to major in economics and pursue it further. I was fortunate enough to be awarded a scholarship through the FirstRand bursary programme to pursue my honour’s degree in economics, and later to work for the bank.

RN: What I enjoy the most about my job is that it allows me to learn something new every day, while at the same time producing knowledge for others. Research is the ability to engage a topic or theme that you may not necessarily have encountered before, and to produce insights from it. I also have the opportunity to meet several industry experts from whom I can learn.

RN: My post-graduate studies in economics taught me several important skills that I use in my current role. Qualitative and quantitative research is an integral part of post-graduate studies, and the core of my current position. Furthermore, my studies taught me to substantiate and defend my arguments either in writing or through presentations, which has helped me in my current role.

RN: MCom (economics) (cum laude) and a BComHons (economics) (cum laude) from Stellenbosch University.

RN: I would encourage more people to study economics as it is one of the few fields that place an equal focus on the ability to write well and the ability to do mathematics and statistics. These are core skills which are required to be a good researcher, but can also be easily transferred to other areas of work. Attending various conferences and public lectures also provides a good opportunity to network with other individuals in this field.

RN: I enjoy exercising and doing workouts at least four times a week. I occasionally participate in city runs, and like going hiking. Additionally, I enjoy reading books on feminist literature, lazying on Netflix, or grabbing a few bites with friends.

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