"We are so excited as an agency that our maiden programme with Dintle Makhubo was fruitful," says Judith Middleton, CEO of DUO Marketing + Communications. "It was a very proud moment when we permanently appointed Dintle to the DUO team."

"As an agency, we strongly believe in providing graduates with the necessary skills and assist these young professionals on their journey to become successful professionals," Middleton adds. 

The DUO Marketing + Communications team accepted applications to the graduation programme in 2018, and the successful graduate, Makhubo, started in March. The applicants were exposed to a traditional interview process and had to submit writing examples and their CV before being interviewed by the various team members.

"I breathed a sigh of relief when I received the email confirming that I was successful. I knew [that] I was selected from hundreds of applicants for this very hands-on, personalized program," says Makhubo.

Makhubo started her journey at DUO Marketing + Communications in March 2019. "I was extremely nervous and excited on my first day. I was not sure what to expect. The team took the time to guide and teach me every day," Makhubo adds.

"I was given the opportunity to work on skills that I wanted to focus on and improve, like writing, while being exposed to other skills such as digital campaign management, budgeting and more. I have grown personally too and have learnt so much about myself," she says.

Makhubo says that she grabbed the opportunity to apply for the permanent position when it was presented to her. "I have grown roots here. There is so much learning taking place all the time and I am excited to be offered a permanent position at DUO."
 
"With the success of the first programme and the positive feedback we have received from Makhubo, we have officially opened up the applications for the 2020 graduate programme. If you are hungry to learn and grow in this dynamic industry, apply now," says Middleton.

When giving advice for the next graduate, Makhubo said, "Be positive, have an open mind when starting and be willing to learn from the experience the team can offer you. Don't be afraid to try something new. Make the most of the opportunity because the time flies by so quickly."

DUO Marketing + Communications will be looking for two new graduates to join the program in January 2020, one in the Johannesburg branch and one in its Cape Town branch. Individuals are encouraged to apply here. Applications close on Tuesday, 15 October.

For more information, visit www.duomarketing.co.za. Alternatively, connect with them on Facebook or on Twitter.