It's true that time flies when you're busy and having fun. I joined Massmart at the beginning of 2007 via the Graduate Development Programme, and what a journey it has been. It's been a fruitful learning experience that has turned me into a Support Business Analyst. Having been promised a great working environment, culture, knowledge and skills, I personally haven't been disappointed. I know exactly what it means "not to work hard but to work smarter" because I am working smarter.

The greatest thing is knowing that you're surrounded by people who are dedicated to helping you through the learning curve and people who want to see each individual grow in their career. All in all I have had the best experience with Massmart and now Masscash; I have found the best platform for building a solid foundation for my career.

There is a sincere desire by the Massmart staff to help you succeed, so the process of considering the programme and starting the programme was very pressure free and positive for me.

Nkosi Moyo
Business Analyst: Masscash 2007 Massmart Graduate

I was part of the pioneer group of graduates and since I have been placed in Masscash. Masscash has been a work place that is friendly and supportive. I am a Support Business Analyst and I am moving in leaps and bounds. I have had great experiences working in Westmead, where I am based and Johannesburg on the Shield project.

Since being taken by Masscash, I have still been involved in activities and seminars to strengthen the foundation I received from the Graduate Development Programme, which shows that Massmart is still making sure I build up into a great leader and influential person in the organisation. My career path is set and I am looking forward to moving up in the ranks.

Ntozonke Mkhize
Business Analyst: Masscash 2007 Massmart Graduate

It is generally said that good things come to those who wait. I personally do not support this philosophy because I believe that you have to make it happen for yourself.

Having joined Massmart at the age of 20 years old I was given a unique opportunity to develop myself. Within a year I had completed the Massmart graduate programme and was promoted to a Sales Manager position at Makro Springfield.

In comparison to my varsity associates who have joined various other companies, Massmart has afforded me an unlimited career path. Now I am 22 years old and manage areas that turn over approximately R60 million in a year and have about 20 staff members reporting to me.

I was awarded the privilege of meeting the CEO of Massmart and discussed my future endeavors in the company.

When reflecting on my success thus far and the prospects of my future with Massmart, the best phrase that defines my journey ahead is, "The way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing-Walt Disney."

Shelton Timm
Sales Manager: Makro 2008 Massmart Graduate

When I started on the Graduate Programme, I was placed in one of the Masscash stores (Westmead Cash and Carry). I was exposed to the general operations of the store, i.e. all the different departments. This formed the foundation of my learning journey in the Masscash environment.

Seven months later I changed stores and moved to a more rural area (Nqutu Browns Cash and Carry) for the exposure of a different market in the same business model.

I have now been placed in the Trainee Manager Programme by Masscash of which I am currently busy with. In this programme I am exposed to more in-depth details of the operations of all departments of the store as preparation to be a Store Manager one day.

I believe that the learning experience that I have been through cannot get better. I am allowed to use my initiative and also receive the necessary attention for my development.

Sdu Mthombeni
Trainee Sales Manager: Masscash 2008 Massmart Graduate

I was ecstatic when I graduated in 2004. I couldn't wait to begin to climb up the corporate ladder. However, like a goldfish from the fishbowl I released into the ocean, my optimism was dampened by the harsh reality of the working world.

Being selected to part of the 2009 Graduate Development Programme was the lifeline that I needed, "My breath of fresh air".

Having successfully completed phase one of the programme, I am currently going through on-the-job training in the Retail Planning Department at the MassDiscounters Head Office in Durban.

The Graduate Development Programme has provided me with the much needed guidance and knowledge to direct and fast track my career to where I had envisioned myself to be as well as to be an asset and add value to the corporate chain that I belong too.

My university degree has prepared me academically and the Graduate Development Programme has complemented it with an insight into the exciting and every dynamic Retail Industry as well to provide a holistic approach to the industry as being part of a global village.

Vishen Ramchund
Planning Division: MassDiscounters 2009 Massmart Graduate