Why Honeywell?

Joining Honeywell Group through the Honeywell Excellence Programme (HEP) was a great experience. I was excited about joining the programme which was touted to be a “mini MBA” as you are simultaneously gaining work experience. It also helped that with good performance during the HEP guaranteed permanent placement within the Group. 

As a graduate of Psychology, with a short stint at copywriting in an advertising agency, the Honeywell offer came at the right time. Going through the Honeywell Group website at the time, I found the company’s vision (to be the most admired African company in terms of our successes, practices and people)profound and compelling. I felt this was a good place for personal and career development. As a relatively fresh graduate, I knew I wanted to work in Human Resource (HR) Management, but there was also the concern of; what if I want to do something else in the future? What if I develop strong interest in another field? Will I be bored with HR in the long term and want to move on to something else or do something else in addition to it? The diverse industries the Group was involved in gave me the confidence that there will be a place for me in the Honeywell Group, regardless of my future career choices. 

Journey so far - Career Growth and Development

The programme, kicked off with a weeklong induction where all 32 participants were introduced to one another, the Honeywell Group and its businesses. At the end of the first week, we were deployed to respective Operating Companies (OpCo’s) of the Group to work and learn as employees while having bi-weekly classes. The bi-weekly classes were on a wide range of courses necessary to hone business management skills. Courses included but were not limited to, data analysis, financial analysis, entrepreneurship and innovation, business writing and etiquette. 

There was a lot of support provided to us during and post HEP. A mentorship scheme was in place to ensure that beyond your line manager, the HR Department, and the HEP faculty, you had someone who could work with you personally to navigate the world of work. During the training year; I learnt a lot and developed professionally. I had the opportunity for brief stints in Sales, Production, Internal Audit, and Finance before settling in HR and Admin, post HEP. The training continued post HEP both personal and organisation-led development. The Group reimburses the cost of professional examination relevant to the job on completion of the examination.  

Life at Honeywell Group

Honeywell Group is a family business; and this isn’t speaking to it being owned or run by members of a single family. This is more about the culture in the organisation, which is one where everyone is treated as kin. The culture here is very inclusive regardless of tribe and age. The only requirement needed to be a part of the Honeywell Group family is your capability, competence and the drive to add value. The long hours we spend at work necessitate a bonding beyond being colleagues and this is only possible because the Group has fantastic people. Being surrounded by people who can teach you and help you to improve makes the work easier. 

A day at the Group is anything but regular or boring; it’s very dynamic. There’s always something new to learn and do; you are guaranteed to go beyond your to-do list. I have gained new skills and knowledge, I have broadened my horizon from working alongside very talented and knowledgeable colleagues and with cross functional teams on different projects. I have had an extremely enriching experience. 

Advice for applicants seeking to join the Group

My advice to anyone looking to join the Honeywell Group is; by all means! Regardless of what you want to build a career in, there’s a place for you in the Honeywell Group.