How does it feel to be brave?

I always thought in my life I was brave enough to face new experiences. But other “new experiences” are not as easy as one could think of. These words simply describe my whole experience of becoming a Leader in the making, Absa graduate management trainee.

On this beautiful morning I received an email which was about this exciting opportunity. I felt happy to receive the email because I always wanted to engage in such programs which has great background and proven success to previous candidates and also most of the people that I was and still looking up to were once blended through the same program

Then suddenly I started to paint pictures in my head about the benefits one gets by being the graduate management trainee of great bank like Absa. As I thought about vast learning opportunities, networking, exposure in different areas within the bank., working closely with top management and acceleration in career growth, I decided that I will be going for it.

I followed instructions, applied for the job through online portal at Empower limited. As I was proceeding with my daily duties I had now a new expectation in my mind on a new application I just made concerning the program

I started receiving feedback, I remember the first one being invitation to the timed online test (Aptitude test). I completed it on my weekend and things went smooth. On the next few days, I received another email which was to create a video of myself explaining why in my opinion I think I am the best candidate for the program. I managed to submit the video although I must admit this assessment made me try my best to set the bar so high.

Gladly the next day I received the call asking me to appear on the screening interview. I thought at first it was the final interview so I came prepared with a lot of questions to ask the recruiter. I was delighted to be one of the candidates selected for the final assessment day.

Imagine arriving at the last day of interview and meeting fifty candidates, with different talents, experiences and from diverse backgrounds. The assessment day comprised three major aspects, first, group activities which were assessing leadership skills, second, case study presentation with a banking scenario and lastly interview with top Absa management. I must admit it was the unique experience I had never before in my career life had such a vigorous assessment, and truly my brave personality was tested.

Later I was very happy to receive the call of confirmation for being a successful candidate for the program. My key takeaways are, first to believe in the Creator, bringing to stage my “A” game and being the best version of myself

Until next time,

Yours

Bryton Kimemeta