Celebrating Growth: Shannon Rietmuller

As part of our Celebrating Growth series, where we focus on employees who have risen through the ranks and are a shining example of how following your dream pays off, we talk to 23-year-old Shannon Rietmuller.

Based across our sites in Cape Town, South Africa which deliver international operations, Shannon is an HR professional who after completing her HR qualifications in 2020, joined us as a customer advisor in February 2021 upon struggling to find a suitable role within her field of study during the Covid period.

Shannon held her advisor role for nine months but was soon moving on when she successfully applied for an HR administrator position – finally her step on the ladder in the specialism in which she had qualified.

She began that role in November 2021 on a three-month secondment basis, but just two months in she was made permanent. A huge milestone for her and an opportunity to put all of her learning into practice, working closely with Head of Human Resources, Monique Smit.

Those first 10 months were a huge success for Shannon as she delt with a variety of issues under the guidance of Monique. So successful, that in August this year she was promoted once again within the team to HR generalist following a successful recruitment process.

Shannon takes up the story.

“For me Sigma Connected is all about trust and opportunities. I am only a matter of weeks into my current role but to get into the HR team I know they took a chance on me – and hopefully I have gone some way to repaying those who showed faith in me.

“I am still transitioning from my old role but I am getting involved with so much and leading on a number of HR-related projects.

“Learning on the job is important to me. It not only means shadowing in a variety of meetings and handling complex paperwork and cases, but also training on our new payroll systems so I can be an expert, go-to person. It’s about covering all bases and adding to the classroom learning my qualification has given me.

“Overall, I am hugely appreciative that Sigma has given me opportunities. It shows that no matter what background or training you have, you are welcome, and the company is willing to invest in you if you work with determination.

“I don’t hesitate in saying that I see a long-term future with Sigma. I have a new-found confidence in a happy, comfortable environment. I know it’s also a culture which will continue to support, guide and hopefully one day help get my dream job as an HR manager. I don’t hesitate in recommending Sigma Connected as a place to work, as it’s a company which cares about its people and their futures.”