Four students from Stellenbosch University has made it into the Top 100 finalists for the 2022 DHL GradStar Awards, which recognises the most employable full-time students in the country. The students are Melt Hugo, Giséle Lavita, Keaton Harris, and Jacobus George van Dyk.

After receiving thousands of entries from students all over the country, the Top 100 finalists The 2022 DHL GradStar Awards have been announced and according to DHL GradStar is “the only programme of its kind where thousands of students enter in order to be recognised by the top employers in the land". The GradStar Awards are now in its seventh year and is sponsored by DHL, and also supported by top employers such as Epiroc, Fasken, Absa, FutureFit Academy, and Golden Key Honours Society.

Over the past two years, now more than ever, students have recognised that their need to be noticed by employers in order to secure employment for the future. 

“During this time of COVID, employers need to stay relevant and visible to the workforce of the future, and through the GradStar Programme we have found a way to bridge the gap between the university and the world of work. We are happy to be back to a live event and wish all of the Top 100 all the best for the remainder of the competition," said Laura Barker, Founder of the GradStar Awards and CEO of BlackBark Productions.

Dr Eric Albertini, founder of 3C Leadership has been instrumental in developing the judging framework for the GradStar Awards. Speaking during a live webinar to announce the Top 100, he observed that he had found the calibre of entries to be extremely high and that the finalists had all shown the qualities and attributes of a successful future employee. 

“We are thrilled to be associated with the GradStar programme as we believe there is no better investment to make than in the future leaders of this great country of ours and it is without question that the top 100 GradStar selected students fit into that category," said Paul Clegg from DHL.

The Top 100 Finalists will engage in a full day of workshops with the Sponsor Employers on 1  December 2022, after which a “10 of the Finest" will be selected by the sponsors and announced at a live gala dinner on the same evening.

Students can download the GradStar App from all app stores in order to network with other students and be matched with employers looking for your skill set.