The Vodacom Discover Graduate Programme, Internship Programme, and Bursary Programme provide incredible opportunities for graduates to kickstart their careers with one of the leading companies in the industry. These programmes offer a blend of professional development, practical experience, and mentorship that equip graduates with the skills and knowledge needed to excel. In this article, we feature insights from Daelyn Naidoo and Lauren Pentasaib, two participants in the Discover Graduate Programme, who share their educational backgrounds, motivations, and experiences. Their journeys highlight the benefits of these programmes and inspire future graduates to consider applying.
Daelyn's Journey with the Vodacom Discover Graduate Programme
Can you tell us a bit about your educational background and how you discovered the Vodacom Discover Graduate Programme?
I hold an undergraduate degree and an honours degree in Mechanical Engineering. I heard about the Vodacom Discover Graduate Programme through a university future career day, where I came across a Vodacom Early careers brochure which gave me insights about the programme and its benefits for recent graduates.
What motivated you to apply for the Discover Graduate Programme at Vodacom?
I was motivated to apply for the Discover Graduate Programme at Vodacom because of the company's reputation for innovation and leadership in the telecommunications industry. Additionally, the opportunity to rotate through different departments and gain a broad understanding of the business operations was highly appealing to me.
How has your experience been so far in the Discover Graduate Programme?
My experience in the Discover Graduate Programme has been incredibly rewarding. I've had the chance to work on a variety of projects so far, collaborate with experienced colleagues, and develop a deeper understanding of the inner workings of a huge commercial company.
What projects or tasks have you been involved in that you found particularly interesting or challenging?
Working as a Business Analyst in Customer Operations with TOBI Assist has been fascinating, as it involves leveraging intelligent technology to improve customer support processes. This has been a totally new space for me, but I have noticed certain overlaps with the engineering field and my team allows me to explore this.
How has the programme helped you grow professionally and personally?
The programme has significantly contributed to my professional and personal growth. Professionally, I've gained valuable skills in business analytics, project management, and customer operations. These are skills I required to go along with my technical background, this helps make me a more well-rounded professional. Personally, I've developed better communication and teamwork abilities, and I've learned to adapt quickly to new changes in the company.
How would you describe the mentorship and support you’ve received from your colleagues and supervisors?
The mentorship and support I've received from my colleagues and supervisors have been exceptional. Some colleagues have been in the Vodacom family for over 20 years, their experience is priceless, and I tend to lean on their expertise. I probably ask too many questions but they’re always willing to answer or they just haven’t asked me to stop yet (Lol). I am so grateful for their generosity with their time and knowledge, providing guidance and constructive feedback that has helped me navigate my role and responsibilities effectively and made me feel part of the team immediately.
How would you describe the company culture at Vodacom?
The company culture within the Vodacom family is dynamic and inclusive. There is a strong emphasis on innovation, continuous improvement, and collaboration, which creates an environment where everyone feels valued and empowered to contribute their best always.
What aspects of the working environment at Vodacom do you appreciate the most?
I appreciate the collaborative atmosphere and the emphasis on professional development. The company provides ample opportunities for learning and growth, and there is a genuine focus on employee well-being and work-life balance.
Where do you see yourself in the next five years within Vodacom or the telecommunications industry?
In the next five years, I see myself taking on a leadership or specialist role within Vodacom, possibly in the customer operations or other spaces. The aim is to contribute to the company's strategic goals and continue to drive innovation and efficiency within my team.
What advice would you give to future graduates who are considering applying for the Discover Graduate Programme?
My advice to future graduates is to fully embrace the opportunity and remain open to learning from every experience. If you’re accepted into the Discover Graduate Programme, seize the chance to explore various facets of the business. Take full advantage of the rotational assignments, seek mentorship, and actively engage with your colleagues. Always stay curious and proactive in pursuing new challenges and opportunities for growth.
If your application isn't successful, remember this saying: “Don’t let success get to your head and don’t let failure get to your heart.” Stay focused, motivated, and continue striving to reach your potential.
Lauren's Journey with the Vodacom Discover Graduate Programme
Can you tell us a bit about your educational background and how you discovered the Vodacom Discover Graduate Programme?
I matriculated from Northlands Girls High School in 2018 with 8 distinctions and first in grade during matric final exams. This put me in a favourable position to apply for bursaries. I was awarded the Vodacom Bursary and graduated from the University of KwaZulu Natal with an Honour’s Degree in Computer Engineering. I heard about the Vodacom Graduate Programme through the Vodacom Work Readiness programme that all bursars attended.
What motivated you to apply for the Discover Graduate Programme at Vodacom?
Vodacom has always been an attractive company to me. I feel Vodacom is at the forefront of cutting-edge technology and as a computer engineer, I want to work for a company that is innovative and is a leader in the telecommunications/technology industry of South Africa.
How has your experience been so far in the Discover Graduate Programme?
My experience in the Graduate Programme has been such a rewarding experience. Transitioning from the academic environment to the professional world can be daunting, however, the support from outstanding mentors, colleagues, and managers in both my internship and now permanent role has greatly facilitated this shift. I have learnt so much in such a short time. Apart from my regular daily role, the training we receive as graduates has been extremely valuable. I am looking forward to what the future holds in the Graduate Programme.
What projects or tasks have you been involved in that you found particularly interesting or challenging?
One of the most engaging aspects of my role in Business Development within the Huawei Cloud team, which encompasses the responsibilities of solution architecture, is witnessing and facilitating the lifecycle of a company’s transition to a cloud environment. This process is particularly fascinating as it involves a comprehensive overview from the initial assessment of the existing IT infrastructure to the final stages of cloud integration and optimisation. Each business is different, making it particularly interesting to observe how cloud integration uniquely impacts their strategies and operational dynamics. Additionally, given Vodacom's expertise in providing multi-cloud solutions, my position within Huawei, coupled with my certifications in AWS and Microsoft, uniquely equips me to understand and assist in facilitating the solutions we offer to our customers.
How has the programme helped you grow professionally and personally?
The programme has been instrumental in my professional development, bridging the gap between academic theory and practical real-world applications. It has enriched my technical acumen while simultaneously enhancing my soft skills, such as leadership, teamwork, and communication. Personally, it has improved my confidence and resilience tremendously, preparing me for a successful career in such a dynamic industry.
How would you describe the mentorship and support you’ve received from your colleagues and supervisors?
My colleagues and line managers in both my internship and graduate programme have been exceptional. They were always supportive, providing guidance and feedback that has been crucial to my professional development. Their expertise and encouragement have been pivotal in helping me navigate any challenges and seize opportunities within Vodacom.
How would you describe the company culture at Vodacom?
Vodacom's culture is centred around innovation, inclusivity, and well-being. Vodacom has a strong focus on employee’s mental health, and you’re not just seen as a number. We have Spirit Days every quarter which is a day full of team building and fun activities. Vodacom fosters a supportive and engaging environment and really does prioritise the mental well-being of employees.
What aspects of the working environment at Vodacom do you appreciate the most?
The recognition of Vodacom as a Top Employer is greatly reflected in its exemplary working environment. I particularly value the company’s commitment to fostering a culture of innovation and excellence. The supportive atmosphere, complemented by advanced technological resources and flexible work arrangements, empowers us to perform at our best. Additionally, the company’s proactive approach to employee development and well-being significantly enhances our professional and personal growth, making it a truly remarkable place to work.
Where do you see yourself in the next five years within Vodacom or the telecommunications industry?
In the next five years, I aim to advance within the Cloud, Hosting, Applications and Security team at Vodacom, aspiring to take on a leadership role where I can influence and expand our technological capabilities. My goal is to drive innovation in CHAS propositions, in areas that are pivotal to the future of technology companies.
What advice would you give to future graduates who are considering applying for the Discover Graduate Programme?
I strongly encourage future graduates to apply for this programme. My advice would be to approach the opportunity with enthusiasm and openness to learning. The Discover Graduate Programme offers a strong foundation for building a fulfilling career in telecommunications and technology, and the experience is truly invaluable.
The Vodacom Discover Graduate Programme, Internship Programme, and Bursary Programme offer exceptional opportunities for graduates to start their careers with a leading telecommunications company. The experiences shared by Daelyn and Lauren highlight the professional and personal growth, mentorship, and supportive company culture that these programmes provide. If you are a recent graduate looking to embark on a rewarding career, consider applying to one of these programmes and take the first step towards a bright future in the telecommunications and technology industry.
