Amid the Coronavirus pandemic everyone is uncertain of what the future holds. The workplace of today and common business practices have evolved at a rapid pace and while things may have slowed down, some of the largest global companies are still committed to ensuring that they can bring the next generation of talent into the workplace. Graduate recruitment is still an important function for many of the largest organisations, especially now in a time when new perspectives and fresh ideas can energize business at a rapid pace.

The Absa Gradstar Awards, now in their 5th year are a talent recognition programme, inviting all full time students to enter and potentially be recognised by the leading employers in the country including Absa, Accenture, Fasken, Epiroc, BAT and many more.

The awards provide the opportunity for students to prove they have qualities beyond book knowledge and academic achievement. Personal characteristics, more important than ever to employers including self-awareness, curiosity, resilience, problem solving, decision making and team work are key components of the multi-stage assessments that students complete.

Every year thousands of students enter and are hopeful of firstly reaching the Top500 stage and then the Top100 Finalists. The Top 100 are all gathered in a paid for experience over 3 days where they get to engage with recruiters, are celebrated at a gala dinner and get to discuss leadership at a one day summit.

Laura Barker, MD and founder of the GradStar Awards had this to say about the awards: “We are proud to say that every year, so many young people are given the opportunity to fast track their appointments at leading organisations. By simply going online and completing the initial self-assessment students can give themselves the push towards a brighter future.”

George Mukupa from Absa comments: “Absa is honoured to be the main sponsor of the GradStar Awards. This partnership is based on a mutual understanding that Africa is blessed with abundant talent and we need to work collectively to unleash Africa’s potential. The GradStar Awards is not only about one evening of celebrating the success of students, but also building bridges between students and the corporate South Africa.  The notion of such a partnership is all about Bringing Possibilities to Life.

Entries are completely free, and are open to all full time tertiary students in South Africa. Entries close on 31 May.

SOME OF OUR SUCCESS STORIES
 

“Through GradStar I was able to form a vast network and relationship with the greatest minds of not just students from South African universities, but professionals from all industries and all sectors. The common goal was growing, connecting and developing the next set of leaders which they had seen in all 100 who were privileged enough to be a part of the programme. “

- Dineo Mogoru –- GradStar 2018 – Hired by Absa as a Trainee CIMA Accountant through the GradStar Awards Programme.

“GradStar is a growing phenomenon that anyone would want to be part of. It’s an amazing opportunity and you get to learn so much from the other entrants, the sponsors, as well as yourself. The GradStar programme identifies you, based on your leadership qualities and readiness for the workplace, and I encourage all students to take full advantage of opportunities such as this, as they will get to network and relate to top employers in their respective career fields.”

 -  Razia Adriaanse – GradStar Awards 2018 – Hired by DHL Operations and Compliance Intern through the GradStar Awards Programme.

“I am a proud GradStar ambassador and often tell students I come across about it, because I feel it’s one of the few programmes that looks at the holistic individual and how they can maximise their strengths instead of trying to put people into boxes. It allows graduates to network with top companies and allows them to have a greater chance at success!

The GradStar title will allow you to stand out and increase your chance of finding the right employer who will be dedicated to your growth and development – a definite plus in my books!”

- Yeshveer Manawar – Absa GradStar Awards 2019 – Hired by Accenture as a Strategy and Consulting Analyst – through the GradStar Awards Programme.