Cheyenne Ferndale is a model of perseverance whose motto might as well be, ‘if at first you don’t succeed, bang on that door until it opens’.
After completing her matric and applying for learnerships at Metropolitan Holdings on several occasions without success, she decided to improve her chances with a qualification from False Bay TVET College and enrolled in the National N Diploma programme, Business Management N4–N6. This year, with the support of the College Work Integrated Learning Department, she finally got her foot in the door at her company of choice and is now completing her practical work element at Momentum.
Working from home because of COVID-19 restrictions, 24-year-old Cheyenne’s days are filled completing claim assessments and payment authorisations for Momentum. She’s also required to provide training support to newly appointed interns, which has awoken her interest in skills development and training. She now intends to study towards a National Diploma in Human Resources.
Cheyenne has a simple but effective approach to the world of work – always do your best, even when no one is watching. Her work ethic has already paid off. She was named Employee of the Month after only a month in her position. Her manager, Ms Leonie Links, was lavish in her praise of the False Bay TVET College alumna.
“Cheyenne Ferndale, you have proved that lack of experience in a job doesn’t really matter when you have a strong urge for excellence and perfection. You joined the team on 1 March 2021 and have already been exposed to processing Early Retirement Claims, Loans and Surrenders with training scheduled on Section 14 Transfer to commence [soon]. Your productivity is on par with current experienced staff and your quality of work is excellent. Thank you for the value you are adding to our team, keep up the good work. I am excited to see your journey unfold.”
Cheyenne is equally lavish in her praise of False Bay TVET College. As a resident of Mitchell’s Plain, studying at that campus was convenient and affordable and Cheyenne says she would recommend that anyone looking to better themselves should apply at the College.
When not working, English football-loving Cheyenne watches her favourite teams or helps out at Family Food Drive, the community organisation her family runs that provides basic necessities to less fortunate residents.
She says contact with these community members makes her a more empathetic communicator, which can only benefit her in her career in the insurance industry.
