Shanay Petersen, a self-described "small-town girl" from Ceres in the Western Cape, has capitalised on a Shoprite bursary to become a Product Developer at the retailer's home office in Brackenfell, Cape Town.
Petersen learned about Shoprite’s bursary programme during her grade 12 year at Charlie Hofmeyer High School and then applied while studying Culinary Arts at the Institute of Culinary Arts (ICA), located in Stellenbosch.
“I applied for a Shoprite bursary after one of my lecturers mentioned that applications were open. At that moment it just felt like fate. I applied in June 2020 and was accepted to the bursary programme later that year,” says Petersen.
Applying for the bursary was a move that changed the course of her life, as she received much-needed financial assistance - and later employment with Africa's largest retailer as part of a work-back agreement.
“Besides the financial assistance, I knew that getting the bursary would help me gain invaluable practical work experience which would accelerate my career growth. I am currently working as a Product Developer with the best team in the Fresh Foods Department at Shoprite’s Home Office.”
- Shanay Petersen, Product Developer at Shoprite
She describes the role as fast-paced and ever-changing – the team she works in is responsible for handling everything from conceptualising ideas to launching finalised products.
“Product development is an exciting industry. I need to keep updated on new developments and food trends,” says Petersen.
Applications for the Shoprite Group’s all-inclusive bursary programme are now open for the 2023 academic year. The bursaries – which includes tuition, on-campus accommodation and work-back agreements – offer high-performing students an opportunity to further their studies and then go on to work for South Africa’s largest private employer.
Registered university students with a 65% aggregate or higher are encouraged to apply by visiting the bursaries page before 31 August 2022.