Company Profile: Lake, Smit & Partners
Lake, Smit & Partners is one of South Africa’s leading private diagnostic imaging practices, with a history spanning over 50 years. Operating primarily in the KwaZulu-Natal region, they provide world-class medical imaging services, including MRI, CT scans, and Mammography. In a medical environment, IT is a critical backbone; the systems must run 24/7 to ensure that doctors can access life-saving images and data instantly. Joining their IT team means working in a sector where technical precision and system uptime directly impact patient care.
Key Responsibilities & Learning Areas
- Hardware & Software Support: Assisting with the installation, configuration, and troubleshooting of workstations, printers, and medical-specific peripherals.
- Network Maintenance: Helping monitor and maintain the local area network (LAN) and wireless access points to ensure stable connectivity across multiple branches.
- Helpdesk Management: Responding to user queries, logging tickets, and providing “first-line” technical assistance to medical and administrative staff.
- System Security: Learning to implement and monitor security patches, antivirus updates, and data backup protocols.
- Mobile & Remote Support: Given the “own transport” requirement, you will likely travel between different clinical sites to provide on-site technical interventions.
Interview Prep: Possible Questions
- “Why is IT uptime so critical in a medical diagnostic environment?”
- Tip: “In a medical setting, a down network doesn’t just mean lost productivity; it means a radiologist can’t see a scan and a patient’s diagnosis is delayed. Reliability is a matter of patient safety.”
- “What is your troubleshooting process when a user reports that ‘the internet is not working’?”
- Tip: Show a logical flow. “I check the physical connections first (cables), then the IP configuration, then the local switch, and finally the ISP status. I believe in starting with the simplest solution first.”
- “Do you have experience with A+ or N+ concepts in a real-world scenario?”
- Tip: Even if you only have the certification, mention a lab or home project. “For my N+ studies, I configured a home router with specific subnets and security protocols to simulate a small office environment.”
- “How do you handle a stressful situation where multiple users need help at the same time?”
- Tip: “I prioritize based on impact. A system-wide server issue comes before a single user’s printer issue. I stay calm by communicating clearly with the users about when they can expect a resolution.”
Career Advice for IT Interns
- The “Own Transport” Advantage: This requirement suggests you will be “the face of IT” at different sites. Use this to your advantage—build relationships with the staff at each branch. Good soft skills are what turn an internship into a permanent job.
- Learn the “Medical Tech” (PACS/RIS): In 2026, healthcare IT uses specialized systems like PACS (Picture Archiving and Communication System). Ask to learn how these integrate with the standard IT network; it is a highly specialized and lucrative niche.
- Get Your Certifications Done: If you don’t have your A+ or N+ yet, tell them you are currently studying for them. It shows initiative. If you do have them, look into Security+ or Microsoft Azure as your next step.
- Documentation is Key: In a multi-site practice, if you fix something at Branch A, document it so that the team at Branch B knows what to do next time. A well-documented fix is the sign of a professional.
APPLY NOW VIA EMAIL:
Subject Line: IT Internship
Send your CV to recruitment@lakesmit.co.za