Kelebogile PAADİ, Nicolene BARKHUİZEN, Sonia SWANEPOEL

EXPLORING THE BUILDING BLOCKS OF AN EMPLOYEE VALUE PROPOSITION FOR GRADUATE INTERNS

This research aimed to determine the building blocks of a compelling employee value proposition that will attract graduate interns to potential employers and retain them for a career in a given organisations. A qualitative research approach was applied using semistructured interviews and a focus group to gather from Human Resource Management (HRM) practitioners (N = 25) and graduate interns (N=10) who participated in an internship programme for HRM graduates. The data was analysed by using theme/content analyses. The results of the study showed that a properly assembled employee value proposition for graduate interns should include the following: Functional components (i.e. training and development, mentorship guidance, leave and insurance); financial components (i.e. stipend, travel allowance, overtime) and psychological components (interpersonal relationships with mentors, wellness). The participants viewed stipends and opportunities for training and development as important factors that will attract and retain graduate interns to organisations. Recommendations are made.

Keywords:

Graduate interns mentorship, talent attraction, talent retention,

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