Gradstar

“I began 2023 with an overwhelming anxiety & uncertainty about my future beyond my degree. Looking out into the remaining few months of my degree, I had no idea where I was going to live, work and breathe beyond 2023. A few months later, I entered the Gradstar awards and with each milestone my anxiety & uncertainty slowly withered away. Arriving at the 2023 Gradstar Awards, I was determined to have fun and make the most of the opportunity. What I received in return was light years beyond my expectations. Gradstar exposed my to career paths I never thought of. To a way of thinking that I had never considered. To opportunities no other career programme offers. Most importantly, it exposed me to a network of friends & colleagues I would never forsake. The ultimate weeklong programme was surreal. A dose of imposter syndrome & a determination to give my best led me to Ten of the Finest. To this day I haven’t fully come to terms with it. I found myself in a room filled with age mates who inspire me & friends who express themselves with so much grace & wisdom. It is these connections and the professional equipment offered by Gradstar that makes this programme one of a kind. And although I am not a GRANDSTAR, Gradstar has prepared me to be a SUPERNOVA in whatever industry I end up in. ”

“I vividly remember the moment when my name was called as being part of the Top 10. I was still at awe with being in the Top 100 out of initially 6000 applicants, connecting with such great minds and being inspired by everyone’s story and aspirations. Yet being in the Top 10 made me beyond grateful to God, my family, friends and to everyone that made this opportunity a possibility as it changed my life in ways I can’t imagine. I was speaking to one of the Top 10 and we both said something that is so true which is: The Gradstar experience fueled the passion in us as Future Leaders and increased the hope that if this is our future Leaders then South Africa is safe in the hands of such great minds. Words cannot fully describe the experience to the fullest.”

“My name is Kelisha Pandaram, and I was recognised as one of the Top 10 Finest GradStars at the 2023 DHL GradStar Awards. It was a remarkable honour, highlighting my unwavering commitment to academic and personal excellence. This prestigious recognition affirmed my dedication to continuous growth and achievement and provided a richly diverse experience. It allowed me to interact with bright minds from various parts of the country and establish valuable connections with prominent companies. I had the opportunity to engage with like- minded peers and industry leaders, which expanded my horizons and ignited a more profound sense of inspiration for my professional journey. Collaborating and exchanging insights with fellow recipients enriched my understanding of teamwork and innovation. Being part of this esteemed group instilled in me a profound sense of pride and motivation to make impactful contributions in my field. This experience has reinforced my belief in the significance of perseverance and determination in pursuing excellence and will undoubtedly leave a lasting imprint on my career trajectory.Top 10 Finest GradStar Award Recipient: Ms. Kelisha Pandaram ”

"I cannot express enough gratitude for the incredible journey I experienced through GradStar. It was not just a competition but a transformative experience that opened doors to countless opportunities and connections. Through GradStar, I learned the importance of fostering relationships with employers and fellow students. The platform provided me with the chance to engage with industry leaders, showcase my skills, and build lasting connections that have been invaluable to my career journey. I am grateful to have found mentors who have guided me along the way, offering insights and support that have been instrumental in my growth to this point. One of the most significant opportunities that came my way was having my postgraduate education funded by Exxaro. This was a dream come true and a testament to the doors that GradStar opened for me. It allowed me to further my education and expand my skill set, setting the stage for even greater achievements. In January, I landed my dream job with the GBVF Response Fund, where I design and manage programs for multiple community-based organizations and oversee partnership management. This incredible opportunity was made possible by my outstanding profile, which included being recognized as a Top 10 GradStar. GradStar not only gave me the recognition but also provided me with a platform to showcase my abilities and stand out in the competitive job market. I am forever grateful to GradStar for the doors it has opened for me and the opportunities it has brought into my life. As I continue on my journey, I am committed to paying it forward and sharing the same opportunities that GradStar gave me with others. Thank you, GradStar, for believing in me and for being a catalyst for my success."