Gradstar

“The ABSA GradStar conference 2019 left me inspired, and my hope for our nation is burning brighter than ever. Along with learning about Harnessing the Power of Trust and work-life integration, we met with business mentors, made lifelong friends and networked with the Top 100 finest future African leaders. Being recognized as one of the “10 of the Finest” students in South Africa had a profound impact on my outlook on life. I realized that I, and every person in that room, had the power and responsibility to help lead Africa to greatness. We may be young, but with the help of leading organisations we could be the leaders that help turn our continent, our home, around. My heart is ready to dream wide, to disrupt and to lead. “

“To be honest, I really did not expect to be chosen as one of the Top 10 Gradstars. I was still just appreciating and soaking in making Top 100. It was such a huge privilege and honor to be in the presence of and interacting with some of South Africa’s biggest employers. It helped me so much in different ways. I got to understand myself and most of all my confidence was boosted. Gained a number of mentors and meaningful connections. I literally feel like nothing can ever stop me now in my career. Now I know that I can achieve anything I set my mind to. Ultimately, it means I am able to serve my country and continent and be a major contributor through the work I am going to do after my studies. I am really grateful, thank you so much GradStar.”

“The euphoria of being announced as one of the Top 10 GradStar students for 2019 was indescribable and the realization that all the hard work and sacrifices leading to that exact moment was more than worth it. 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. As university students we too often get categorized based solely on who has achieved in the highest percentile, however with GradStar we were also selected on who we are and what we have the potential to achieve, with drive and ambition. It is a platform to grow and develop students into extraordinary leaders capable of having a positive influence on society, as well as introducing them to prospective employers who realize the potential they have.”

“With nearly 6000 individuals having started the journey, being among the Top 100 GradStar’s of 2019 was a truly remarkable experience. I got to connect, network and share insights, ideas, memories and laughter with South Africa’s finest talent and corporates. There is only so much one can do on their own, but with the support, encouragement and collaboration of a like-minded community, the possibilities become infinite. Being a GradStar for me, goes beyond the award ceremony, it is a community I have taken with me into the new chapters of my life. The most unexpected moment for me, was being announced as being among “10 of the finest” GradStar’s for 2019. In a room full of such extraordinary individuals, I understood that it could have been anyone, but I am grateful for the recognition and honour.”

“After I made top 100 I couldn’t believe it. I was very excited and humbled. The 4 rigorous phases of selections were challenging. The GRADSTAR AWARDS were nothing short of amazing! In fact, it was a life changing experience- I could compare it to the butterflies I felt on stage on my graduation day. I met the Top employers as anticipated and I was blown away by their integrity, work ethic, their hunger for African development and above all, their eagerness to harness young talent. I got to exchange ideas with other exceptional graduates and productive conversations with the employers. The GRADSTAR AWARDS opened my eyes to the world of work and excellence. What stood out for me was when I heard my name, I couldn’t believe it as this was like a dream. 100 phenomenal, smart and incredible minds in one roof and your name called for Top 10 – that was PRICELESS! DHL was the company that chose me for the top 10 category. They are an international shipping company and their work is mind blowing! I will forever be grateful for the award as it solidified the accumulation of my hard work, academic excellence, community service and above all, my passion to serve humanity.”

“The GradStar 2019 Awards Programme was one filled with joy, success, new experiences and overall mind blowing achievements. It enabled myself and the other fellow GradStar’s to meet possible future employers, as well as make new friends and connections with people from other universities all around South Africa. Being part of the top 100 GradStar’s for 2019 is a great honour and privilege, further being announced as part of the Top 10 is still mind blowing and it is a huge achievement for which I am eternally grateful. I would like to thank Absa, Fasken, Accenture, DHL and Epiroc for the amazing souvenirs and workshops that they held as it was both enlightening and fruitful in knowledge. It was really a great experience and I would encourage many other to take part in GradStar and you too could achieve greatness. Thank you to GradStar once again, I will cherish this memory.”

“The three days I spent at Indaba conference hotel for the GradStar 100 seminar was nothing but greatness! I got to meet super exciting, talented, intelligent and funny people, everyone was so kind, humble and sweet as if we had known each other for a long time. The GradStar seminar was really an eye opener for me to dream big and to always believe in myself and also believing in myself through others. It taught me various skills which I did not know I possessed, it taught me leadership and the importance of working together. The programs that were entrenched for us were very skilful, helpful, and mind challenging. I enjoyed the FASKEN session the most because that is where my field of study is , but I also learned a lot from the other companies that where there and other companies taught me to think outside of the box and not only to think in my field of study . So in conclusion, I really appreciated being a part of the GradStar100 it became a great honour to be part of the Top 10 of the finest and to be in the presence of so many future leaders of SA. I learned so many things that I can take with me for the rest of my life and use that to empower those around me and those that look up to me. Thank you GradStar!”

The GradStar journey has been an interesting and an unexpected journey for me. As a student, I often questioned myself, whether I was heading in the right direction. Being chosen as one of the Top 10 GradStars, by the Top employers, was a firm affirmation of this. The recognition was also a reminder to myself and others that, no matter what race or background you come from, it is possible to achieve great things when you put your mind to it. GradStar is really an amazing platform for students all over South Africa. It first provided me with the opportunity to engage with the future leaders of South Africa, that have such strong passion and drive for positive change. It also provided me an opportunity to engage with top employers and their advice was genuine and valuable. I believe that this recognition that GradStar has given me will assist me in furthering my career and motivate me to continue making the positive change that I can make in South Africa and in the world.

“Gradstar 2019 was a rewarding yet eye-opening opportunity for myself, to be exposed to a high calibre of students and professionals around South Africa. Unknown to me before – I discovered how vast the employment opportunities in South Africa were. These new employment opportunities were now positioned right in front of me during the annual Gradstar Top100 event. The emphasis placed on the ability to market one’s self will stick with me forever throughout my future careers. This soft skill can only be taught and learnt outside of the “classroom” and in the field. Marketing one’s self should always be authentic and honest, which can be noted through the excellent team of employers who support the event. I would recommend everyone and anyone to take a grasp of this opportunity. Never doubt your ability or your importance, but always remember that your degree doesn’t shape you – it positions you to shape the world around you.”

Some say that “failure is success in progress” “Most of the important things in the world have been accomplished by people who have kept on trying when there seemed to be no hope at all.” It took me 7 long years of Never stop trying. Never stop believing. Never giving up. When I was nominated for the top “10 of the finest” at the 2019 Gradstar gala, I realized something….. that this is only the beginning of my great comeback story, where many more achievements will come in my life. It made me hungrier…. and more ambitious than ever. It was an honour to interact and network with the greatest minds from all over South Africa and I hope to stand united with them in the future not just as South Africa’s leaders or Africa….. NO… but as leaders of the World. I would like to end off with a quote that has always been my beacon of hope through the darkest of times…and it goes like this: “Aim for the moon, even if you miss…..you land amongst the stars.”