Human Resource professionals from leading corporates joined Grade 12 students at a non-profit school, Christel House South Africa, on Friday, 26 April 2024, for the school’s annual Speed Interview event. The unique event provides a platform for professionals to engage in mock interviews with matric students, offering invaluable feedback and guidance to equip them to better transition into the professional world. Guests represent companies that support Christel House SA through donations and partnerships, showcasing a commitment to nurturing the next generation of talent.
Students were paired with professionals based on their career interests, spanning diverse sectors. Before the event, students received comprehensive preparation and crafted their curriculum vitae, prepared cover letters, and extensively researched the companies conducting their interviews. The school’s dedicated Career Development department meticulously curated mock interview scenarios to prepare learners for their interviews.
Christel House South Africa operates under a unique educational model, focusing on character development and career readiness. Christel House aims to empower alumni to achieve upward economic mobility, foster good citizenship, and realise their full potential. Impressively, 97% of Christel House South Africa alumni are engaged in employment, further education, or both.
Linda Peterson, a Human Resources Business Partner at Allan & Gill Gray Philanthropies SA, states “In my 15 years of experience, I have never seen an event like this. I had the opportunity to interview two incredible students who are completely different. I enjoyed the interaction, and you can see the work that has been put in over the years. Christel House SA, you are doing incredible work.”
“Firstly, I would like to say thank you to everyone who made this event possible. The interviews were nerve-racking at first because it was my first time. I was being asked questions without really knowing whether my answers were right or wrong, but I was myself and after a while, I started becoming more confident in my answers. In the end, I networked with one of the individuals who interviewed me, and she offered me an internship opportunity in the future,” says Iyanda T., a Grade 12 student.
This event has been running for six consecutive years, and each year, we see its tremendous impact on our students’ confidence. Everyone remembers their first job interview and how daunting it was. By facilitating meaningful interactions between students and corporate professionals, we are making significant strides in preparing our youth from underprivileged backgrounds for success in the global workforce,” says Louise de Marillac st Julien, Career Development Manager at Christel House SA.
Christel House SA would like to express their gratitude to the following organisations who took part in the Speed Interview event: Allan & Gill Gray Philanthropies; AMDEC Group; Investec; CHEP; Roche, Estee Lauder; Steltix; MTN Foundation; Smollan; Rothko; Reutech Communications; RCI; Flash; MSC Cruises; Food Lover’s Market; FinChoice; RGA; Cape Grace, A Fairmont Managed Hotel and BlackRock.
If you are interested in providing internships, job shadow opportunities, learnerships, mentorship, vacation work, or employment opportunities for Christel House SA students, please contact their Career Development Department at 021 704 9441/2 or 084 580 4081.
