EPG's Graduate Programme is a gamechanger in the Property Industry
EPG's Graduate Programme is a gamechanger in the property industry with endless success stories for hard-working youngsters.
On average, 220 000 students graduate from South African universities every year. After three or four years of studying, their biggest challenge is finding a job in their field of study. "Although we are unable to appoint every graduate in the property field, we do create an opportunity to make a small difference to the lives of seven graduates every year, who are accepted into our Graduate Programme," says Irma Erasmus, Head of Human Capital at Eris Property Group (EPG). "For those graduates who are willing to work hard, there have been many success stories over the years," she continues.
Thalitha Ramusi is a great example of this. She is now a fully-fledged Development Manager at Eris; no small feat for a woman in such a male-dominated industry. She played an integral (research) role in the Property Development division during her tenure in the Graduate Programme, helping to grow a new sub-sector - student accommodation ― within the Development Division, which Eris launched in 2019. Although she is very young, she also has extensive development experience under her belt and was an invaluable member of the team that helped to develop The Marc in the Sandton CBD.
"Being a woman working in such a male-dominated industry is really challenging, but it was a challenge I was willing to take on. It is also thrilling being able to work in this industry at such a young age. Working at Eris has definitely helped to shape my character and fine tune my innovative skills. Once you find yourself in the industry you need to be assertive, be willing to learn and know exactly what it is you want to achieve in the process," says Thalitha.
The Programme also comes highly recommended from current graduates, Thembisile Lekhuleni and Florence Mbanga. Says Thembisile: "The Eris Graduate Programme has taught me about team work, time management, improved my communication and taught me how to adapt when working with different people. I really like that you get to work with experienced people who are true mentors at heart, and you can learn a lot, if you are willing." Adds Florence: "I have really enjoyed the opportunity to rotate through the various departments and form new connections. There is a lot to learn, and the staff is open to teaching and sharing their knowledge and expertise."
Current interns, such as Nkosingiphile Mabuya, cannot speak highly enough about the Programme and would definitely recommend it to future graduates. "You will get to thrive in a dynamic culture of creativity, innovation, collaboration and excellence. You become part of a team of dedicated individuals striving for excellence in everything they do and making a difference in the industry. Opportunities are diverse and skills are improved through mentorship and training. You will also have a lot of fun," she says.
The criteria used for the Eris Graduate Programme
Graduate candidates must have recently completed one of these degrees from a major university:
- BSc Property Studies (Honours)
- BSc in Quantity Surveying (Honours)
- BSc Construction Management (Honours)
- BCom Honours in Property Valuation & Management
- B-Tech in Facilities Management
- BCom Accounting (with or without Honours)
Graduates submit their CVs and go through an extensive recruitment programme. This includes an interview and a presentation to a panel, which consists of HR and previous graduates (who have grown in the business and really understand what is needed to be part of the programme).
The panel also considers things such as:
-What methodologies do the graduates use?
-Do they apply what they have learnt in a practical way?
-Do they have the determination and hard-working ethos it takes to complete the Programme?
-Would they be a good fit with the culture and values at Eris?
-Would they thrive in this highly competitive, often stressful, fast-paced industry?
Since 2008, when it started, upwards of 50 students have completed the Programme - and only seven BEE graduates are accepted every year. There are two facets to the Programme. Firstly, a registered skills programme through the Services Sector Education and Training Authority(Services SETA), which gives graduates an additional (practical) qualification. Secondly, a paid internship, where graduates spend two months in every division of the company and gain valuable on-the-job training and hands-on experience.
"The Eris Graduate Programme is the first choice of graduate programmes in the property managememt and development industry, as it really bridges the gap between university and the workplace," explains Erasmus. By doing things on a rotational basis, it exposes graduates to every facet of the business over a one-year period. It gives graduates an opportunity to demonstrate their talent and showcase themselves as prospective employees. It also allows mentors and heads of divisions to work out where a graduate's true passion lies and identify if the person is a good fit for the team. From there, the graduate might become a permanent Eris employee or be offered a fixed-term contract, but some of the graduates decide to study further within a specific property niche.
Amid competitors shutting down their graduate programmes ― due to the complexities and complications of remote learning during Covid-19... and the cost that it takes to run a programme like this ― there are numerous reasons why Eris decided to keep their Graduate Programme going. "It's the easiest and quickest way for us to identify young talented individuals. These youngsters help to keep our business innovative with their fresh ideas, and we can groom the graduates into amazing permanent Eris employees, who really live and breathe our business values. Having a diverse team - with varied talents, ideas and ages ― gives the added benefit of different perspectives and attitudes to help grow the Eris business," says Erasmus.
Concludes Erasmus: "The internship has had a positive impact on all aspects of the business. It has even fostered a culture where graduates, thanks to their drive in the workplace, inspire the older generations in the workforce to have a different outlook on day-to-day running of the company."
Intake for the 2022 Eris Graduate Programme is currently underway at various universities.
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Eris Property Group:
Website ― https://www.eris.co.za/
LinkedIn ― https://www.linkedin.com/company/erispropertygroup/
Facebook ― https://www.facebook.com/ErisPropertyGroup
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