Motivation, Values & Company Knowledge

These questions assess personal drive, values alignment, and understanding of the organisation.

• What motivated you to apply for the Grindrod Graduate Internship Programme?
• What did you discover about Grindrod’s business when you researched the company?
• Why do you think Grindrod’s work is important to trade, logistics, and economic activity?
• Which of Grindrod’s values resonates most with you, and why?
• What are you hoping to gain from a structured graduate journey rather than entering a permanent role immediately?

Academic Background & Readiness for the Workplace

These questions assess your understanding of business fundamentals, learning ability, and readiness to contribute in a professional environment.

• How has your qualification prepared you for a professional working environment?
• How do large organisations like Grindrod create value across their operations?
• Why is collaboration important when working across different departments?
• How can graduates add value while still learning on the job?
• Why is integrity important in operational and commercial environments?
• How would you approach learning unfamiliar systems, processes, or industries?
• How do you manage responsibility and accountability as a graduate?

Behaviour, Collaboration & Accountability (STAR-Based)

These questions assess teamwork, responsibility, communication, and professional behaviour.

• Tell us about a time you contributed to a team outcome.
• Describe a situation where you had to work under pressure or meet a deadline.
• Give an example of how you responded to feedback or guidance.
• Tell us about a time you took ownership of a task or outcome.
• Describe a situation where ethical behaviour or integrity mattered.

How to Answer Using the STAR Method

This section explains how interviewers assess your ability to give structured, professional answers.

STAR Method Explained:

1. Situation – Describe the context
2. Task – Explain what was required
3. Action – Describe what you did
4. Result – Share the outcome and what you learned

Sample Graduate-Level STAR Answer:

1. Situation: During my final year, I worked on a group project analysing a business operation.
2. Task: I was responsible for coordinating research and presenting findings.
3. Action: I organised tasks, communicated clearly with my team, and met deadlines.
4. Result: The project was successful, and I strengthened my teamwork and analytical skills.

If You Have No Work Experience

Grindrod understands that many graduates may not yet have formal work experience. You can use examples from:

• University or college projects
• Case studies or simulations
• Group work or presentations
• Leadership roles or volunteering
• Part-time or casual work

Focus on how you think, learn, collaborate, and take responsibility.

Common Interview Mistakes to Avoid

• Not researching Grindrod or its business areas
• Being unable to explain how your qualification fits the programme
• Giving vague answers without examples
• Showing little interest in learning or collaboration
• Not understanding the value of ethics and integrity

Quick Interview Preparation Checklist

• Research Grindrod and its operations
• Review key concepts from your field of study
• Prepare 2–3 STAR examples
• Practice explaining your career goals clearly
• Dress professionally and arrive prepared
• Prepare one thoughtful question about the programme

Here's a list of customised interview questions grouped by qualification clusters

Logistics & Supply Chain Management

• How do logistics and supply chains support economic growth?
• Why is efficiency important in transport and logistics operations?
• How can supply chain disruptions impact business performance?
• What logistics concepts from your studies apply to Grindrod?
• How would you support coordination across the supply chain?

Industrial, Mechanical & Electrical Engineering

• How can engineering principles improve operational efficiency?
• Why is safety critical in infrastructure and operations?
• How does preventive maintenance support reliability?
• What engineering problem-solving approaches did you study?
• How can engineers add value beyond technical design?

Information Technology / Data Analytics

• How does technology support operational and strategic decision-making?
• Why is data accuracy important in large organisations?
• How can analytics improve efficiency and performance?
• What systems or tools were you exposed to during your studies?
• How would you explain data insights to non-technical stakeholders?

Finance, Accounting & Economics

• How does financial information support operational decisions?
• Why is cost control important in infrastructure-heavy businesses?
• How do economic conditions affect logistics and trade?
• What finance or accounting concepts apply to this programme?
• How would you ensure accuracy and integrity in financial work?

People & Culture (HR)

• How does HR support performance and organisational culture?
• Why is employee engagement important in large organisations?
• How can HR support leadership development?
• What people-management concepts from your studies apply here?
• Why is confidentiality important in HR roles?

Environmental Safety & Management

• Why is environmental compliance important in logistics and infrastructure?
• How can safety practices reduce operational risk?
• What environmental challenges face transport-related industries?
• How can organisations balance performance and sustainability?
• What concepts from your studies are most relevant to Grindrod?

Legal & Compliance

• Why is compliance critical in regulated industries?
• How can legal risk impact business operations?
• What role does governance play in corporate sustainability?
• How can compliance support ethical business practices?
• How would you communicate legal requirements to non-legal teams?

Business Development

• How does business development support long-term growth?
• Why are partnerships important in infrastructure-focused businesses?
• How would you identify new business opportunities?
• What commercial concepts from your studies apply here?
• How can graduates contribute to business growth initiatives?

Tips for Candidates

• Research Grindrod’s operations, values, and strategic focus areas.
• Be clear about how your qualification fits into logistics, infrastructure, or support functions.
• Prepare examples that show teamwork, integrity, and willingness to learn.
• Demonstrate curiosity about how different departments work together.
• Use the STAR method to structure confident, clear answers.
• Show professionalism, accountability, and openness to feedback.
• Prepare a thoughtful question about rotation, mentorship, or career growth at Grindrod.