GRADUATE HIGHLIGHT – FLINT CHAGWEDA
Graduate roles serve as a launch pad for careers, equipping young skilled workers with the necessary experiences and knowledge to succeed in their chosen fields.
At Alfred H Knight, we understand that by investing in graduates, we can also shape our future workforce, foster innovation and ensure long-term success.
We employ skilled graduates who bring fresh perspectives, enthusiasm and a thirst for knowledge to our teams and the organisation as a whole. Today, we are excited to shine a spotlight on one of our outstanding graduates, Flint Chagweda, to find out about their time with the company so far.
Full name: Flint Chagweda
Full job title: Operations and Technical Graduate
Department: Operations
WHAT DO YOU DO AT ALFRED H KNIGHT?
Currently, I am in the process of learning about the company’s activities and getting familiar with different roles.
I rotate weekly between different posts, such as mining sites, admin desk, laboratory and the sample admin and preparation rooms. I am learning about each post until I have a conclusive understanding of what they do to the extent of being able to do the work myself independently.
WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO CHOOSE OUR GRADUATE PROGRAM OVER OTHER OPPORTUNITIES?
The role offers ample growth opportunities, including international travel that allows me to work with diverse groups of people and broaden my perspectives. This exposure will undoubtedly benefit me both as an individual and as an employee of AHK.
I was also drawn to the sense of community fostered by AHK. Before accepting the position, I conducted extensive research and found that it is often described as more than just a company; it is a family.
WHAT HAVE YOU ENJOYED MOST ABOUT YOUR ROLE?
The exposure I have gained so far, getting to visit and work in over a dozen different work environments in the past 3 months, be it in the office or the mines. I can confidently say I have reached a different level of maturity in terms of people skills and workplace relations. The man I was a few months ago is not the man I am today, I feel equipped and upgraded and the best part is, my development is still ongoing!
TELL US ABOUT SOMETHING YOU’VE LEARNED SINCE STARTING THE GRADUATE PROGRAM AT AHK?
Effective communication plays a huge role in the management of large organisations, such as AHK. Communication tends to be one of the most neglected aspects in many organisations. However, during my time here, I have learned of its importance and why we should close all communication gaps we can identify.
HOW DID AHK HELP YOU, IN REGARDS TO YOUR ROLE WITHIN THE GRADUATE PROGRAM?
I have received an exceptional level of support from mentors who were incredibly enthusiastic and dedicated. As the program continues, I am unsure of what to expect in the upcoming months, but so far, Jacobo Blanco and Steev Tshipeng have proven to be outstanding mentors who inspire me to improve and succeed. Even when I struggle to understand certain concepts, they provide constructive feedback and remind me daily that the ultimate objective of my training is to become an essential member of the AHK team.
WHAT ARE YOU MOST LOOKING FORWARD TO IN YOUR FUTURE CAREER?
Applying the knowledge and people management skills that I have gained both during my training and also in my past working experience. Also, to produce results that can be transparently assessed to prove that I am a useful addition to the AHK team.
Head over to our graduates page to learn more about life and opportunities at Alfred H Knight.