Graduate Program

In an industry heavily impacted by the local pandemic and a move to a hybrid work environment, Open Box has excelled in providing a welcoming, productive and communicating experience for someone fresh out of varsity. Regardless of anyone’s location, Open Box works to ensure team synergy, strong camaraderie, and prosperous client relations. Personally, I have enjoyed the opportunity to meet like-minded people, develop industry relevant skills and begin building my own Open Box inspired brand. I am looking forward to many more years under the guidance of Open Box.

Joining Open Box as a graduate has been an overwhelmingly positive experience, marked by a dynamic environment that fosters drive and ambition. The company’s commitment to continuous growth and learning has provided me with ample opportunities to expand my knowledge base and skill set, contributing to my professional development in profound ways. My first year at Open Box has been characterized by a steep learning curve, challenging projects, and a supportive team culture, all of which have been instrumental in fueling my drive to perform, my growth within the company, and my acquisition of new knowledge and expertise.

Coming into the working world I wasn’t sure what to expect, but my experience with Open Box has been a lot less stressful than I was anticipating. The office atmosphere is relaxed, the people are friendly and always willing to help, and there is always some sort of social event to look forward to. In terms of onboarding, my experience was very efficient and hands-on. Early on in the grad program I was told that the best way to learn is with practical exposure, and within weeks I had moved on from training courses to working on projects.

Finding the right job straight out of university is often a daunting task: it feels like the culmination of many hard years of studying leading up to this decision. So naturally, I wanted to make sure I made the right one. From the get-go Open Box has been incredibly supportive and a great place to blossom. There are plenty of opportunities if you are willing to grab them, and many amazing people to help lead you in the right direction.

Back in 2013, I started what I thought would be my first Job. 11 years later, I'm happy to say that I am still at my first Job. Over the years, Open Box has allowed me to develop and grow my job into a career. I have been supported to enhance my strengths and improve on my weaknesses. Two of the biggest reasons I have stayed so long at Open Box are the people and the unique culture. The Open Box team includes some of the smartest, hardworking, and empathetic individuals I have ever come across, who are constantly pushing me to reach greater heights. The culture strikes a very good balance between working hard and playing harder together.

I began my career at Open Box Software as a graduate developer, initially uncertain if it was my true passion. Open Box provided me with the opportunity to refine my technical abilities, initially dedicating a few years to supporting what was our largest client at the time, and subsequently transitioning to project development. After gaining several years of experience in development, I realized my interests lay elsewhere. Open Box supported my shift towards business analysis, project management, and quality assurance. Having spent over a decade being at the forefront of client delivery, I've gained valuable experience in various roles within the Software Development Life Cycle, which has been instrumental in my advancement to operations and currently, a senior management position.

What initially stood out for me about Open Box was that their clients were international, which required Open Box and its employees to perform well on a global scale. This spoke to me as I wanted this kind of exposure and to develop to a level that was internationally competitive. Then in my last round of interviews, I remember walking through the doors to the Open Box building in Cape Town and being greeted by genuinely warm and friendly people who were open to conversation without knowing anything about me. I knew then that Open Box was the place that I could best grow as a graduate, that I had found my team.

Joining Open Box as a Graduate has been a truly enriching journey. The aspect I cherish most about Open Box is collaborating with a group of skilled and amiable colleagues who consistently encourage me to embrace new challenges and opportunities. The culture here is one of genuine mutual respect and teamwork, where everyone is sincerely supportive of each other's personal and professional growth.

Transitioning from online university amidst Covid restrictions and relocating to a new city made my entry into the professional world a formidable challenge. However, what stood out most was the profound sense of belonging; it felt like joining a supportive family that had my back through personal struggles and skill development. The camaraderie here not only enhanced my technical prowess through supportive mentorship but also taught me valuable life lessons, most of which cannot be found in a textbook.

Throughout my journey with Open Box, every day has been filled with opportunities to solve unique problems that have shaped me into the professional I am today. Engaging with world-leading organisations and addressing their complex needs has propelled us as a team to continuously innovate while leveraging cutting-edge technologies. I've seen Open Box grow into a company that fosters a rich learning environment, offering abundant opportunities for growth and personal development with a genuine care for people that is very rare. Surrounded by a team of passionate people, every day is a new chapter of discovery and career advancement, ensuring there’s never a dull moment for those ready to seize their future