Careers Guide 2016

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UTS BUSINESS SOCIETY

CAREERS GUIDE 2016


COPYRIGHTS Editor and UTS BSOC Careers Director: Careers Team:

Designer: Photographer: Talent:

Print: Mailing Address:

UTS Business Society Office Copyright

Julia Krapeshlis Claire Tocchet Diyomira (Dee) De Silva Jonathan Lam Lauren Grasso William Tan Alvin Zhong Judy Zhu Claire Tocchet Diyomira (Dee) De Silva Julia Krapeshlis Lauren Grasso William Tan UTS Printing Services UTS Business Society C/O UTS Union Info Desk Level 3, 15 Broadway (Building 1) PO Box 3210 | Broadway NSW 2007 UTS Haymarkets Campus CB05A.01.10 Š UTS Business Society This publication is copyright. Except where permitted under the Copyright Act 1968 (Cth), no part of this publication may be reproduced or stored by any process, electronic or otherwise, without the specific written permission of the UTS Business Society


CONTENTS INTRODUCTIONS MESSAGE FROM CAREERS DIRECTOR MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT MESSAGE FROM THE DEAN

CONSULTING YOUR FUTURE : IN CONSULTING WHAT IS CONSULTING ? CONSULTING PROFILE

ECONOMICS YOUR FUTURE : IN ECONOMICS PROFILE OF AN ECONOMICS STUDENT PROFILE OF AN ECONOMICS GRADUATE

YOUR FUTURE THE CIRCLE OF CAREER SUCCESS 4 DISCOVER DECISION MAKING 5 BUILD YOUR PROFESSIONAL 6 IDENTITY SHARE YOUR PASSION JOB SEARCH : UNCOVERING THE HIDDEN MARKET APPLYING COVER LETTERS RESUMES SECURE THE JOB UTS ACCOMPLISH BUSINESS ETIQUETTE SALARY NEGOTIATION ENTREPENEURSHIP

ACCOUNTING 8 YOUR FUTURE : IN ACCOUNTING 9 PROFILE OF A CADET 11 PROFILE OF AN ACCOUNTING GRAD 12 LEADERSHIP TRACK 13 PROFILE OF AN ACCOUNTING PARTNER 14 16 17 18 19 22 24 25 26

MARKETING YOUR FUTURE : IN 43 MARKETING 44 PROFILE OF A MARKETING 49 INTERN PROFILE OF A MARKETING EMPLOYEE PROFILE OF A MARKETING GRAD

36 39 41

FINANCE YOUR FUTURE : IN FINANCE 52 PROFILE OF A FINANCE INTERN PROFILE OF A FINANCE GRAD 54

60 66 71

56 58

HUMAN RESOURCES YOUR FUTURE : IN HUMAN 73 RESOURCES 76 PROFILE OF A PEOPLE & CULTURE ADVISOR 78 PROFILE IN HUMAN RESOURCES TIPS FROM AN HR CONSULTANT

29 31

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS THANK YOU TO UTS BUSINESS 80 SCHOOL THANK YOU TO SPONSORS 82 THANK YOU TO CAREERS TEAM 83 87

88 89 90


MESSAGE FROM THE CAREERS DIRECTOR It is with great pleasure that I welcome you to the careers guide, which has been an invaluable tool for business students throughout its years of publication. This year we hope to enhance not only our reach, but also improve the skills-based tips and diverse career opportunities to which our readers are exposed to.

Exploring the many choices available in the business industry can be an overwhelming process, and it is our aim that this Guide may help to guide you down the most suitable path. In creating this year’s Guide, we have particularly sought to grow the variety of firms which we collaborate with and have placed an emphasis on student, graduate and employee profiles. We hope that both of these initiatives help you to learn from their first-hand experiences and identify a career path which you best align with. This guide offers value to students in any year of their degree, as it provides you with internship or graduate opportunities, information on upcoming sponsor events, and guidance and advice from our UTS Careers Service and industry professionals. The production of this guide could not have been achieved without the unwavering commitment of my Careers team, and I would like to extend my sincerest thanks to William Tan, Lauren Grasso, Diyomira (Dee) De Silva, Jonathan Lam and Claire Tocchet for their passionate ideas and enthusiasm in compiling the guide. I would also like to thank our wonderful designer Alvin Zhong, who has worked tirelessly on what is an original and brilliantly-designed guide. Finally, a thank you to our contributors for their submissions – we look forward to hearing of the forward-thinking UTS students you come across in the recruitment process. From personal experience, I know that it is never too early to start – because opportunities really are endless. My advice to you would be to seek internships and graduate roles as soon as possible, because the more exposure you have, the greater your ability to think innovatively in an ever-changing industry. On behalf of the team, we are delighted to present you the 2016 Bsoc Careers Guide, and hope it will provide you great insight into the opportunities that will launch your future career. Kind regards, Julia Krapeshlis Careers Director, UTS Business Society

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MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT On behalf of the UTS Business Society, we would like to thank you for investing your time in reading our 2016 Careers Guide. Not only will you be provided with a great deal of information regarding the job opportunities available through studying Business at UTS, this guide also contains a great deal of information tailored towards each respective major. A greater understanding of each major’s attributes and the job opportunities available are a true indication of how your Business degree can take you far. In addition, this guide provides an in-depth understanding of the importance of building soft skills such as networking, key interviewing tips and advice for graduate applications. The Business Society hopes to further expand its outreach and to have a greater professional image throughout this year. Not only has our Society broadened the variety of our sponsors, our Careers team have also organised innovative events to target specific skills. With hard-working and focussed Directors across all seven portfolios as well as a dedicated General Committee and fellow officers; we hope to further improve the lives of business students. We are working hard this year to provide academic support to our first year students, greater volunteering opportunities, varied sporting events and more social gatherings. Through our Society’s seven portfolios, we hope to encourage further networking and connections between students so as to further prepare them for their working careers in the future. The articles found throughout this guide are of real students here at UTS speaking out of pure experience. I do believe that people are often too quick to speak, yet often fail to take time to listen. So please listen and learn from others, whether they be your lecturers of your fellow students. I would like to extend my appreciation to our Careers Director, Julia Krapeshlis, in addition to her incredibly supportive team: Claire Tocchet, Diyomira Dee De Silva, Johnathan Lam, William Tan and Lauren Grasso. I personally, as well as the Society as a whole, would not be able to develop if it were not for our Careers team. Take note of what they have prepared for you and learn from the stories and experiences of people covered in this guide. Kind regards, Matthew Thompson President, UTS Business Society

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MESSAGE FROM THE DEAN It’s a year since UTS Business School moved into the Frank Gehry-designed Dr Chau Chak Wing Building. As well as providing state-ofthe-art spaces for our students, educators and researchers, this very ‘different’ building symbolises the different style of education we offer here at the University of Technology Sydney. We arm graduates not just with the professional qualifications they need but also with the skills to be creative problem solvers and critical thinkers, with the ability to not just find a job but also to create their own should they so wish. Our innovative program development includes Australia’s first MBA in Entrepreneurship, while undergraduates with business ideas can explore entrepreneurship and innovation inside The Hatchery. UTS is uniquely positioned in Australia’s most vibrant and well recognised start up precinct, with world class incubators and coworking spaces. The marriage of our research and our teaching is an important part of what we do, too – it means our students stay in touch with the latest thinking in their fields. So we were gratified with the results of the recently released 2015 Excellence in Research review. This official report rates us as first equal in Australia for research in Economics and fourth equal in Australia for research in Commerce and Management. We hope that, as graduates of UTS Business School, you share our pride in such achievements. Congratulations to the UTS Business Society for preparing this Careers Guide to help students make important career decisions. As you step into your futures as leaders of industries and communities we encourage you to stay in touch with us and with your fellow graduates as part of the UTS Business School alumni network. We also hope that we will be able to welcome you back one day to share your stories of success, and perhaps to continue your journey of life-long learning. Best Regards, Professor Roy Green Dean, UTS Business School

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YOUR FUTURE


BSOC CAREERS GUIDE

YOUR FUTURE

CAREER SUCCESS

THE CIRCLE OF CAREER SUCCESS

UTS : CAREERS

UTS: Careers works closely with graduate recruiters and faculties to facilitate programs and events that equip UTS students with key employability skills, as well as the knowledge and confidence vital for success. We offer career consulting, helpful advice, and assistance in finding work opportunities Our career development services include work ready programs, planning resources, job search strategies and events, as well as help with resume, applications and interviews

Check out the following steps to kick start your career journey 1. DISCOVER 9. SECURE

8. APPLY

7. JOB SEARCH

2. LEARN

SMALL ACTIONS = BIG CHANGES 6. PASSION

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5. BUILD

3. SEEK OUT

4. DEVELOP


DISCOVER

YOUR FUTURE

BSOC CAREERS GUIDE

UTS : CAREERS

DISCOVER

UTS students have free access to career assessments; the following five online career assessments will help you gain increased self-awareness and lead you to increased career clarity: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

Temperament – Understand what roles would suit you Personality – Gain a good idea of what you want out of life and work Workplace Culture – Understand more about the work environments and cultures that suit you Motivation – Find out more about what drives you and how that relates to work Resilience – Understand more about your ability manage challenging situations

www.careers.uts.edu.au > Resources > Assessments Need help making sense of your reports? Book a consultation with your faculty Careers Consultant

TEMPERAMENT

PERSONALITY

CULTURE

MOTIVATION

RESILIENCE

LEARN & SEEK OUT

Understanding what skills and attributes are needed for the career you want and developing them, you’ll have a better chance of gaining that graduate job. While it’s sometimes overwhelming to know where to start, the following tips will help you get well on your way.

Statistics and Salary Guides joboutlook.gov.au lmip.gov.au MyFuture.edu.au Job boards

2. Learn from others Seek informed advice

Do not underestimate the value of learning from others. Here are some tips to get you started:

1. Learn Online Research your career options There is a wealth of information and resources that you can find online. Here are some of our top picks:

Industries and Professions Jobguide.com.au Careerplayer.com Graduatecareers.com.au (Career profiles) MyFuture.edu.au

Information Interviews A good way of researching or gathering information about jobs and possible careers is by interviewing people who already work in similar roles. You can interview people over the phone, Skype or face-to-face. The main purpose is to allow you to gather the most upto-date information about the qualifications, skills and experience you need to apply for particular jobs so you can use this information to tailor your resume and application letters for future job searches. Information interviews also help you to make valuable contacts in your chosen industry, and maybe gain a mentor.

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BSOC CAREERS GUIDE

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SEEK OUT UTS : CAREERS

Professional associations and industry bodies Joining professional associations and industry bodies is a great way to get involved and connected to your field of study whilst you are a student and remain that way throughout your career. Most professional organisations provide ongoing professional development, training activities for members, networking events, conferences and information sessions. Many professional associations have discounted fees for students and provide online resources, job opportunities and career advice for members: www.graduatecareers.com.au/ CareerPlanningandResources/ IndustryContacts/

Mentors Having a mentor provides you with an opportunity to learn from another person’s life lessons. A mentor can share industry skills, knowledge, expertise, advice and professional contacts, and can support you to set or clarify career goals, resolve difficult problems, and make career decisions. If you want to find a mentor, a great place to start is to think about your current network- who do you already know that you feel aligns to your career direction and that you will be able to learn from? If you do not have anyone in your current network, use other strategies to build a professional relationship that may turn into a mentor/mentee relationship such as conducting information interviews, using LinkedIn’s ‘Find Alumni’ Tool and/or by networking through professional associations and industry bodies.

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3. Learn through experience Expand your experience Use your time at university to engage in different types of activities, which will help you have a well-rounded university experience and also increase your confidence and develop your soft skills. Try to find a good balance between study, extra-curricular activities and any paid work you might be doing. Areas that give you the opportunity to expand your experience include: Internships Part-time/casual experience Extra-curricular activities (Accomplish, BUiLD, SOUL etc) Student societies or clubs Exchange/Study Abroad There are a range of opportunities UTS provides to help you expand your experience in the above areas. Drop into UTS:Careers to find out how you can be supported to gain an internship, find part-time work or get involved in one of the many extra-curricular programs on offer. UTS:Careers also has work-ready programs which aim to provide you with the key skills you need to help you succeed in the getting the job you want. For more information visit our friendly Recruitment Advisors at ‘drop-in’ Building 1, Level 4 room 13.


DECISIONS

YOUR FUTURE

BSOC CAREERS GUIDE

UTS : CAREERS

DECISION MAKING

By Helen McNairney, Careers Consultant While we make hundreds of ‘minor’ decisions everyday with ease, career decision-making is an area some people view as complex, confusing and daunting. Why do some people appear to fear or postpone decisions? Career indecision can result from not knowing how to make a decision, a lack of self-awareness (skills, values, and interests) or insufficient information regarding occupations, where to gather information or training related to a particular career. With the right process, decision-making can be approached with confidence. When faced with a decision, reflect on who and what influence your choices? For example friends, family, employment market, skills and ability can impact and influence decisions. When making a decision, reflect on these questions: “Who will need to be considered?” “How are these people important to my decision?” “Who can assist with this decision-making process?” “Are these influences relevant to my decision ‘right now’ at this point?” Can decision-making be improved? Yes. An effective career decision-making process should balance logical reasoning and imaginative thinking i.e. “What is my ability and what is possible?” The DECIDES model (Krumboltz & Hamel 1977) is an effective decision-making process: DEFINE ESTABLISH

Define the problem Establish an action plan (includes a timeframe)

CLARIFY

Clarify values

IDENTIFY

Identify alternatives

DISCOVER

Discover probable outcomes

ELIMINATE

Eliminate alternatives systematically and

START

Start action plan that leads to desired outcome.

Decision-making and action planning are important to ongoing career development. Rather than avoid making a career related decision, start with small steps and give yourself a timeframe. Begin with gathering the necessary information and speak to someone who can provide you with well-sourced and reliable information such as a Careers Consultant. Decisions are future-focused and involve some element of risk. Accept that you may never have all the information needed and there is no guarantee you are making the ‘right’ or the ‘best’ decision. However, the act of making a decision will bring you closer to greater self-awareness and redefine you as an individual. The process will build greater understanding of your preferences, skills, ability and ultimately develop your confidence. When we take control of the decision-making process and ownership of our decisions, we can explain and defend our choices.

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SHARE

YOUR FUTURE

BSOC CAREERS GUIDE

UTS : CAREERS

SHARE YOUR PASSION

By Courtney Wright, Alumni Career Coach

I love people. Spending time with people, sharing knowledge, customer service, meeting new people, collaborating, networking, presenting, leading teams; you name it, if there are people involved you’ll find me there. Looking at my career path, it’s difficult to identify a clear direction when it includes 6 industries, 5 countries and 4 continents (so far!), but a major part of the underlying pattern is people. What do helping customers find the perfect pair of jeans, managing book distribution for self-published authors, human resources, international recruitment, facilitating workshops, and career coaching have in common? The answer is people. But enough about me… what’s your passion?

As Dahl so eloquently suggests, embrace your passion with both arms and bear it in mind as you embark on your career journey. Find new ways to engage with others who have similar areas of interest: join LinkedIn groups with others in your profession, volunteer, follow thought leaders who inspire you, attend networking events, participate in clubs or student societies at UTS, find a mentor, pursue further education, write about your areas of expertise so others can learn and benefit from your experience - there are an infinite number of ways to share your passions. Identifying your passions can also help you manage uncertainty throughout your career. I worked in retail throughout my undergraduate degree, and as a 19 year old in Canada I never imagined I’d one day be living in Australia and working as a Career Coach. As well as being a people person, I’m passionate about international travel and experiencing new cultures, and these have certainly also influenced my seemingly random career path. In fact, Pryor & Bright’s Chaos Theory of Careers describes how to navigate the complexity of modern career paths and embrace uncertainty in order to enhance our careers. So choose your field of study earn your degree and decide on the direction your career will take, but stay open to new and creative possibilities which you might not have considered otherwise. As we increasingly hear about the ‘Future of Work,’ how the skills needed to stay competitive in the workplace will change and the workforce will evolve as technology continues to advance, the concept behind the Chaos Theory of Careers becomes increasingly important for all of us. That’s why you can’t lose sight of your passions, and remember to share them with others, because in the words of another wise author, Dr. Seuss: Oh, the places you’ll go!

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BSOC CAREERS GUIDE

YOUR FUTURE

JOB SEARCH: UNCOVERING THE HIDDEN MARKET Most jobseekers use websites like Seek and Indeed as their primary job search strategy. They might scan the job listings every few days; submit a handful of applications and cross their fingers for a phone call. Does this sound like you? While some people may find work by solely relying on these websites, evidence suggests that up to 80% of available jobs are never advertised. This means that jobseekers using online job boards as their main job search strategy could be missing out on valuable opportunities. Effective jobseekers will use a combination of job search strategies to tap into both “The Published Job Market” and “The Hidden Job Market”.

The Published Job Market

Job boards like ‘Seek’ and ‘Indeed’ represent only a fraction of The Published Job Market. It’s important to consider that their target markets are the general public. This means that a large portion of the advertised positions cater to people with experience or those seeking full-time positions. Explore job vacancies on www.uts.edu.au/careerhub for entrylevel roles and opportunities that may be flexible around your studies. As a Business student utilise student focussed job boards and publications like GradConnection and Graduate Opportunities, they advertise a wide range of internship and graduate programs targeting students. Speak to industry professionals,academics and UTS:Careers to find out the recommended job boards in your chosen field.

The Hidden Job Market

Most employers will agree that job boards are not the preferred way to source candidates for vacant positions. The time and money required to advertise, review applications and conduct interviews can be quite exhaustive. More importantly, employers like to hire people that they know, like and trust so they prefer to find candidates internally, through employee referrals or through word of mouth. These unadvertised positions represent The Hidden Job Market. The key to uncovering the Hidden Job Market is proactive and targeted networking. It’s important to have a clear understanding of the companies you are targeting and to develop a compelling proposition as to why they should hire you. Here are three tips to get you started:

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JOB SEARCH UTS : CAREERS


JOB SEARCH

YOUR FUTURE

BSOC CAREERS GUIDE

UTS : CAREERS 1) Develop your “elevator pitch”

Imagine you’re in the elevator with the CEO of your dream employer. You have 30 seconds to introduce yourself and explain why you would be a great hire for their company - what would you say? An elevator pitch is a short summary about your skills, interests and experience and is designed to help you communicate your personal brand in a concise way. Develop this so that you are prepared for networking opportunities with potential employers or business contacts.

2) Approach target companies

Make a list of potential employers that you would like to work for and conduct research to understand their core business, company values, size, structure and future prospects. Approach the organisations directly to discuss prospective jobs and share your elevator pitch. Try calling the human resources or recruitment team to discuss possible vacancies.

3) Build your professional network

Join professional and student associations in your chosen industry. These associations will open up opportunities for networking though events and conferences, whilst allowing you to keep up to date with your industry. LinkedIn is also an excellent tool for professional networking as it allows you to connect with industry professionals and recruiters. You can also follow your target organisations and join industry discussion groups. Ultimately, effective networking is about connecting with people who can help to develop your career prospects. In a job market where 50% of graduates secure roles outside of advertised positions, this really highlights the importance of tapping into The Hidden Job Market.

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BSOC CAREERS GUIDE

YOUR FUTURE

JOB SEARCH UTS : CAREERS

APPLY Increase your application success rate

With the right approach, applying for jobs doesn’t have to be an overwhelming experience. There isn’t a formula for job application success, however there are a number of tips and tricks which can help you prepare for and stand out during the application process.

In Your Own Words

In my past life as a Recruitment Manager at a large accounting firm, I can’t count the number of times I read portions of our own website’s “About Us” section in an application. Don’t state the obvious! Use your own words to describe the organisation and your motivations for working there. What made this employer stand out to you? How do your values align with the organisations? Why do you want this job, not others? What makes you stand out versus other candidates? This isn’t the time to be modest, but it’s also a fine line between confidence and arrogance, so tread carefully.

Need some help? Ask UTS:CAREERS

While grades play an important role, employers look for much more than that in a graduate. Recent studies show that transferable skills, like communication, interpersonal skills, problem-solving and integrity, are ranked as more important in the recruitment process than academic results. UTS:Careers can help you get employer-ready. Our programs help you prepare for the recruitment process throughout your degree. Over the course of a year, penultimate and final year students can undertake the UTS Accomplish Award where you’ll complete 8 workshops targeting skills such as resume writing, assessment centres and interview techniques, 100 hours of employment practice, and attend a networking event and a mock interview; the Award also appears on your AHEGS. Employers from a range of industries also come along every year to help students gain insight into the recruitment process; some Accomplish graduates have even secured work with these employers after meeting in the program!

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The Importance of Research

Throughout your job search, resume tailoring and cover letter writing process, research plays an important role. Research is more than reading the job ad or scrolling through the company website. Visit employer information sessions, attend careers fairs and employer presentations on campus, watch their corporate videos, familiarise yourself with the company’s values, goals, industry and competitors, have a deep understanding of the job (look up any terms in the ad that you don’t understand!), read company news, follow the company on social media, connect with UTS Alumni working there, talk to friends who currently work there. The better equipped you are, the easier it will be to write your responses.

Give Them What They Asked For

This might seem obvious, but pay attention to the application and give them everything they asked for. You may hate writing cover letters, but attaching your resume twice instead isn’t going to get you that interview. Some questions might seem obvious – “that’s already in my resume” – but they asked for a reason. Written responses are often used to assess your professional writing skills, your ability to think for yourself, provide another level of comparison between yourself and the other candidates, and seek to learn more about you: give them relevant details, and answer everything.


COVER LETTERS

YOUR FUTURE

BSOC CAREERS GUIDE

UTS : CAREERS

COVER LETTERS

by Anna Gurevich, Employability Coordinator

One of the most frequent questions I receive from students is, “The job ad doesn’t ask for a cover letter, do I have to submit one with my application?” There is no right or wrong answer to the question. The truth is, a cover letter is an extra opportunity to showcase your skills and experience to an employer and if you do choose to submit a cover letter, it can say a lot more about you than your resume alone. A cover letter can have a big impact on the outcome of your application so it is important to ensure it leaves a positive impression. Employers can often tell when an applicant has submitted a generic cover letter where they have just replaced the name of the organisation and the job title. This can contradict the message you are trying to send to employers. Remember, a cover letter sends a message to an employer with more than just the words on a page and you want to demonstrate that you are a motivated, results oriented applicant and that you are willing to put more effort into securing a role than using the find and replace function. By customising each cover letter, and ensuring it addresses each of the questions below, you can demonstrate to an employer why you are interested in the role and what makes you suitable.

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BSOC CAREERS GUIDE

YOUR FUTURE

RESUME UTS : CAREERS

RESUME

Your resume can be a powerful marketing tool. This document is frequently the first introduction an employer has to you as a job seeker and will help them decide whether they would like to progress you to the next stage of the application process, whether that is a face to face interview, a psychometric assessment or an invitation to an assessment centre. It’s an opportunity to provide an employer with all the information they need to determine not only that you have the skills and experience needed to do the job, but also that your alignment to their unique company culture makes you the best applicant for the job.

1

While this sounds like a big task, there are a few steps you can take that can take to ultimately increase the likelihood of progressing to the next stage of the recruitment process.

Focus your resume

2

Each job you apply for is different. There may be similar tasks and requirements but each organisation has a unique mission statement, client base and organisation structure. A single, generic resume won’t be able to capture the variety and breadth of organisational cultures. This is why you need to tailor your resume for each role you apply for and focus on the requirements the employer has included in the job description and the information you have found in your research.

3

Highlight your achievements

Under each job heading, go beyond the basics of listing your responsibilities and highlight your achievements. An achievement in this context demonstrates to an employer that not only did you complete the duties of your role; you went above and beyond in a way that added value to your organisation. These achievement statements can be quite specific and quantifiable and can include prizes and awards, targets that you have met and exceeded or even a promotion.

5

Know what to exclude

Extra-curricular activities are a great way to express to an employer your diverse interests and can help you demonstrate your skills; particularly if you haven’t had any direct experience in the industry you are targeting. Rather than listing all your extra-curricular activities, think about whether it supports your application and reinforces to the employer that you are the best person for the role. Pick a few activities that are most relevant to the role and use them to demonstrate skills that relate to the job you are applying for.

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Prioritise your first page

Studies have shown that an employer will spend between 6 and thirty seconds scanning your resume. You need to ensure they see something in that very short time frame, which compels them to look closer at the details. You can do this by prioritising your first page. Include the information that is most relevant to the role you are applying for; whether this is your academic achievements, career related work, volunteer experience or prizes or awards you have received.

4

Answer not only the what or how, but the why

An applicant’s motivation for wanting to do a job is frequently as important to an employer as having the skills and competencies to be able to do the job. If you can express in your resume why you want to work in that industry or organisation, and most of all why you have applied for that specific job, it will help set you apart and show to an employer that you are not just interested in any job, but are committed to that job in that organisation. If you need additional help with your resume, your can log into CareerHub for more detailed check list and examples of achievement statements. You can also book yourself in for a group resume review at UTS:Careers.


SECURE THE JOB

YOUR FUTURE

BSOC CAREERS GUIDE

UTS : CAREERS

SECURE THE JOB After all your hard work you’ve secured an interview. Many students find interviews daunting; while some nerves can show enthusiasm and passion they can also detract from your ability to articulate your ability to do the job. Here are some tips to help you minimise interview nerves: Demonstrate your knowledge of the role, the organisation and your desire to work for the organisation. Be able to communicate your key capabilities. Highlight your achievements – but also be prepared to discuss what you have learnt when things haven’t gone as planned. Dress professionally – it’s better to be a little over dressed than the reverse. Be on time - not overly early, and certainly not late. Ask questions when invited to - don’t make the interviewer drag information from you. Be pleasant and look relaxed. Do not look petrified - even if you are. Smile and be good-humoured. Be mindful of all possible cues e.g. body language. These will give you hints when to stop and when to continue. Turn your mobile phone off. Prepare 2 questions for the interview panel.

FAIL TO PREPARE = PREPARE TO FAIL Answering awkward questions Interviewers will ask you a wide range of questions. Here are some suggestions on how to answer the awkward questions employers have told us students struggle to answer. What is your greatest weakness? A good answer might be: “I’m not as organised as I would like to be, so what I do now is use checklists and prioritise tasks. I’ve found this a great help.” What makes this a good answer? It’s positive Shows willingness to learn Turns a weakness into a strength What do you hope to be doing in 3-5 years’ time? Maybe you would like to be: With the same organisation having progressed on a regular strong performance Taking on more responsibility in a more complex role Providing greater support and advice to senior management Training junior staff So, tell us about yourself... What if you break your answer down into 3 sections? Work Study Extracurricular activities

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BSOC CAREERS GUIDE

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SECURE THE JOB UTS : CAREERS

How does the skills you’ve picked up from your experience above relate to the position you have applied for? Could these questions help? What motivated you to start studying your major/s? What associations and societies are you involved in? What industry magazines and blogs do you follow? Could you explain about these failed subjects? What about something like this? “I didn’t realise what a change it was going to be from school and didn’t cope very well in the beginning. However, as you can see, after that year, I passed all my subjects.” You have a lot to offer, even if you’ve had some setbacks in the past. There is no need to feel awkward about the interview process. To practice your interview skills, have a look at InterviewStream. This is a free program that allows students to practice their interview skills online. You can find InterviewStream at careerhub.uts.edu.au > Resources > Search for Interview Stream

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UTS : ACCOMPLISH AWARD & ACCOMPLISH INTENSIVE

By Anna Gurevich, Employability Coordinator, UTS Careers

While many students believe that university grades are the most important factor in securing a graduate role or internship, studies show that employers look for much more in a well-rounded graduate. Recent studies show that transferable skills are ranked as more important in the recruitment process than university grades. According to a survey completed by the AAGE (Australian Association of Graduate Employers), the top ten skills assessed in the recruitment process by graduate employers are: • • • • • • • • • •

Cultural Fit Teamwork Interpersonal Skills Oral Communication Skills Problem Solving Skills Motivational Skills Achieves Results Written Communication Skills Analytical Skills Time Management

You will notice that University grades don’t even feature in the top ten. This means that, no matter what your degree is, students need to be more proactive in developing their skills outside of their degree. This could involve getting a part time job, volunteering in your community, landing an internship in your preferred industry or even taking an active role in your student society. All of these avenues allow you to build valuable skills that you will use in your graduate role. It is never too early to start developing these transferable skills, even if you are a first year student. If you start now, these skills will be useful during the recruitment process as you will have a bank of experiences to draw on during those all-important behavioural based questions during an interview. Make a mental note of difficult customers you have dealt with and situations where you have led a team, because these are exactly the types of examples interviewers love to hear about in an interview.


You may be reading this thinking, “I don’t know where to start!” If you are, don’t worry! The UTS Careers Service is here to help you become employer-ready. We have a number of programs to help you prepare for the job application process throughout your degree, whether you want to apply for graduate roles in your final year or need a career kick-starter once you have reached the end of your degree.

UTS Accomplish Award The UTS Accomplish Award is a program run by the Careers Service and is aimed at penultimate and final year students. The program is designed to improve your employability skills while encouraging you to build your transferable skills in the workplace. Students complete 16 hours of workshops across two semesters targeting important areas like interviews, networking, business etiquette, professional presentation, resume writing and mock group assessments. They also complete 100 hours of employment practice across the year, enabling them to build their workplace skills, their resumes and also their networks. We have a number of fantastic employers involved each year from a variety of industries to help students gain insight into the recruitment process. They share their hints and tips for standing out in the crowd through workshops and you will have an opportunity to interact with them at the mid-year networking event and mock-interviews at the end of the year. So, not only will you have the skills to ace the recruitment process, you will have a resume full of employment experiences and some useful employer contacts as well! And to top it all off, you’ll have an Accomplish Award certificate, signed by the Deputy Vice Chancellor to prove your commitment to the program. The Award will even be listed on your AHEGS. Applications for the 2016 Accomplish Award are open until the 28th of March, 2016. Log into www.careerhub.uts.edu.au to apply.

UTS Accomplish Intensive The Accomplish Intensive program has been designed for students nearing the end of their degree to kick-start their job search. Like the Accomplish Award, Accomplish Intensive helps students refine and identify their skills and develop confidence when applying for jobs. As part of the three day, interactive event, students participate in workshops designed to boost employability skills, including resume writing, interview skills, networking for beginners and dressing for success. We fit a lot into the three days. Participants still get to interact with employers at a networking event and meet them one on one at a mock interview. Accomplish Intensive runs three times throughout the year during semester break. For more information on the Accomplish Award or Accomplish Intensive, please visit www.careers.uts.edu.au and follow the links to “Work Ready Programs”.


BSOC CAREERS GUIDE

YOUR FUTURE

ETIQUETTE

Chartered Accountants Australia And New Zealand

BUSINESS ETIQUETTE

If you’re taking your first step from uni to work, you need to consider how you will interact in this new - and exciting - environment. You can have all the right skills and knowledge, but if you get your business etiquette wrong, it may cost you your job.

differentiate by their importance and seniority in the organisation. Everyone in the business has an important role to play, and you never know when you will need their help or when they may be asked about their thoughts on you for a pay rise or promotion.

What is business etiquette?

Punctuality

Interacting with people, conveying the right image and behaving in an appropriate way in the workplace all relates to business etiquette. That doesn’t mean not being yourself; just understand that you are in a more formal environment, and you need to behave as such.

Being on time, or even a little early for a meeting shows respect and enthusiasm. At the end of the meeting, remember to thank everyone for their time even if you didn’t organise the meeting. These are things that people remember long after the short-term project or task has been completed.

Without an understanding of business etiquette you may find yourself unable to build relationships with your colleagues and managers, and end up having your employment reviewed with a detrimental effect on your career.

Responding in a timely manner

The foundations of good business etiquette are the three R’s: • • •

Recognition Respect and Response.

Recognition of other employees Use people’s names when you greet them. In fact, make a point of it - show that you’re interested and build great relationships from the first introduction.

Always return phone calls and emails. Even if you haven’t got the answer they’re looking for, let them know that you received their request and you are working on it. If you are waiting for someone to get back to you with an answer, put a note in your calendar so you don’t forget to follow up if you have not heard back. Business etiquette may be an unwritten set of rules all businesses follow. They are an integral part of the way businesses run, and could be the difference between advancing and stalling your career.

In meetings, make a note of the names of people around the room and even write them down if that helps. Or, if they each give you a business card, lay them out in the order of the people round the table.

Respecting other employees Treat people with respect and courtesy and don’t

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Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand


BSOC CAREERS GUIDE

YOUR FUTURE SALARY NEGOTIATIONS

Chartered Accountants Australia And New Zealand

SALARY NEGOTIATION Even the most seasoned professionals find salary negotiations with their employer can be challenging. Here are some tips to help you succeed.

What are you worth? Start by researching what the market usually pays for the role, and for someone with your experience and qualifications. A great place to start is the Hays Salary Survey: www.hays.com. au/salary-guide. This provides a snapshot of over 1,000 salaries in Australia and New Zealand from graduate level to CFO.

What do you need? Work out your personal budget to figure out what you need to maintain your lifestyle. Include your groceries, travel costs, rent or mortgage, car costs, then luxuries like holidays. You can then visit the Australian Taxation Office website to work out what gross salary you comfortably need to cover those costs after tax at: www.ato.gov.au/ Calculators-and-tools/Simple-tax-calculator It’s very easy to get over-excited when you land that first job offer. You need to have a practical salary range in mind, so you don’t undersell yourself and also remain realistic and don’t overestimate your worth. If you are a graduate or intern, you won’t be getting paid as much as someone that has experience, so be prepared to work your way up.

you hoped, stay calm and try to keep a poker face. Let them know it’s less than you require, but you’re still interested in the role. Ask them to reconsider - perhaps contacting you in the next day or so - and perhaps suggest to them the figure closer to what you want. While they’re reconsidering, have a think about other non-financial benefits which you’d be prepared to accept to make up the gap: do they offer training, a possibility to work overseas, can you gain experience that isn’t offered anywhere else, would they be more flexible than other employers on working hours and time off? Also review if your budget was too generous… Could you reduce the amount allocated for a holiday, or save on food expenses by eating out less? In a competitive job market, you need to think carefully about any offers you receive, in case the company doesn’t offer you a higher pay rate and you should be aware of how long you can afford to look for the another job. If the offer is not increased to your desired pay level, you need to make a decision on whether you want the role regardless. If not, thank them and let them know you’d like to be considered for future roles. At the end of the process, whether you accepted the position or not, keep in mind that this was still excellent experience in applying for jobs, interviewing and salary negotiations – all of which are invaluable for your career.

What happens if the pay isn’t enough? Some employers are going to make an offer that is at the lower end of the scale for the role with room for negotiation. Businesses need to be careful with their costs and maintain their profits, so their motive is usually to try to save wherever they can. If the offer is made face-to-face and is lower than

Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand

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ENTREPENEURSHIP

YOUR FUTURE

BSOC CAREERS GUIDE

ENTREPRENURSHIP Can’t find a job? Make your own

MondayMind.com

by Camille Woods, Founder of mondaymind.com, Sydney’s Urban Yoga School at Fishburners, Australia’s largest tech start up space.

The HR person is cautiously polite, but the job rejection hurts all the same. “Next time is going to be different”, you tell yourself, but what happens when next time isn’t different? The answer is simple – give employers some evidence that you are good at business and get started on your own business today. Here are some ideas to help you start your own job from scratch:

1. Don’t just read books on entrepreneurship, apply the ideas.

The favourite books for tech entrepreneurs are The Lean Start Up by Eric Ries and A Beautiful Constraint by Adam Morgan and Mark Barden.

2. Have a list of possible business ideas and always add to it. Whether

you put your list in a spreadsheet, as a note in your phone or in an ideas book, keep listing your ideas. You want to always be thinking like an entrepreneur.

3. Sell a product that is imperfect. You want to make a sale and then get feedback. There is nothing

more exciting than making your first sale. Anyone can read books about entrepreneurship but if you reach the goal of making sales, you are starting to get somewhere. You also need to think about how you make your business scalable.

4. Listen, pivot, repeat. You need to listen to your target market throughout all stages of the business. Listen to what your target market want and adapt.

5. Keep up with trends. Being a university student means you have the current information and the

most up to date training so use this to your advantage. I recommend subscribing to the free email list trendwatching.com to get the latest trend reports into your inbox. Pair up your product or service with emerging trends and ride the wave.

6. Build your website. If you want to make your own job, you need to build a website. I tried to use

the popular website builders Wix and Wordpress but I have found Squarespace to be the easiest to use because their customer service is lightning fast and you don’t have to add plug ins everywhere.

7. Network. How do you soak up entrepreneurial skills? You need to meet entrepreneurs. You can join Monday Mind StartUP, go to the Fishburners’ Pitches and Beers or try a hackathon.

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BSOC CAREERS GUIDE

YOUR FUTURE

ENTREPENEURSHIP

MondayMind.com

ENTREPRENURSHIP

Here are some entrepreneurial ideas to make your own job while you are still at university: • Create a blog and sell products or advertising on your site. • Make websites or be a social media manager for local small businesses. • Sell products on Etsy, Ebay or Amazon. • Be a tutor online using the website Udemy. • Teach your hobby and build a website or YouTube channel around your hobby. • Be an intrepreneur, propose ideas to companies and work for them as a consultant inside the company to see the project through. • List a service on fiver.com, freelancer.com or upwork.com and gain new skills. Don’t use limitations as an excuse for not giving something a go! Need some inspiration from fellow university students? Mark Zuckerberg made Facebook while at university. Larry Page and Sergey Brin founded the search engine Google while still in college. Caroline Creswell worked at Carmen’s muesli, bought the company while at university and then applied what she learnt at university to scale the business up. Email camille@mondaymind.com if you have any questions about start-ups, I am a UTS alumni and am always happy to help UTS students.

Join Monday Mind StartUP

If you want to get your big idea up and running join Monday Mind StartUP. We meet for 5 weeks in a row on a Sunday evening. Stop talking about your idea and start doing the idea! We cover the tips, tricks and shortcuts for starting your own business. By week 5, you could have your own landing page and first sale to celebrate. We will help you get there with this program: Week 1: Brainstorming Week 2: Listen to your target market Week 3: Sell a minimum viable product Week 4: Website and marketing Week 5: Pivoting, scaling up and you could be celebrating your own website! Make friends, help each other and learn entrepreneurial tricks. Only $25 a lesson in Sydney CBD, book at mondaymind.com/startup

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02 ACCOUNTING


BSOC CAREERS GUIDE

ACCOUNTING

YOUR FUTURE

CA ANZ 2015 Employment Guide

YOUR FUTURE : IN ACCOUNTING

Within professional accounting firms there are different service lines (or streams) that specialise in key areas. What can you do? Audit and assurance Audits are performed so that users of financial statements can make more informed decisions. There are many other types of assurance engagement designed to increase the reliance that can be placed on financial and other information. The qualities of independence and integrity are key to this type of work. Consulting Consultants help organisations improve their performance, through the analysis of existing organisation problems and the development of plans for improvement. Enterprise risk management This important area involves managing the methods and processes used by organisations to manage the risks and seize opportunities related to the achievement of their objectives. Financial advisory This area involves counse lling clients through their investment opportunities to help improve performance. Private clients Working with private clients involves helping individuals and business owners to fulfil their objectives to grow their business and family wealth. Taxation Taxation services can include activities related to filing tax returns, as well as planning future tax responsibilities for individuals and organisations. Transaction services Transaction divisions assist clients to evaluate and make informed decisions with tier capital and transactions to buy, sell and merge with other organisations.

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WHY LIMIT YOUR CAREER CHOICE?

Business Advisor

Risk Analyst

Chief Executive Officer

Board Member

Forensic Accountant

Entrepreneur Business Analyst

Auditor

Stockbroker Sustainability Accountant Financial Planner Chief Financial Officer

Strategist

By becoming a CA, you can live life your way. The CA qualification can take you from management consultancy to chairing a major bank, or changing the world in your own social enterprise. It’s the choice of trusted leaders in business and finance. That’s why 99 of the 100 best global brands employ a Chartered Accountant*. The CA program is also your passport to a successful international career through the Global Accounting Alliance (GAA). See more at

youunlimitedanz.com *Source: Interbrand – Best Global Brands, 2012 Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand ABN 50 084 642 571 (CA ANZ). 1215-03

Tax Specialist


PROFILE OF A CADET

by Christina Kukec

1. Tell us about yourself and what influenced you to pursue a cadetship?

I am currently in my third year at UTS studying a Bachelor of Business (majoring in accounting and finance) whilst also completing a cadetship at Deloitte, working in the private clients division. I was interested in pursuing a cadetship because I wanted to get industry experience, immerse myself in the corporate environment and build a strong professional network– and it’s a great way to get your foot in the door early. It was also important for me to gain first hand practical experience as I didn’t want to spend years undertaking a degree with limited knowledge of whether I would actually enjoy the industry I chose to work in.

2. What’s it like to work full-time while studying?

Working full-time and studying is a challenge, but equally an extremely rewarding experience. It has significantly improved my ability to organise my time and prioritise tasks, as I am constantly juggling work, university and social commitments. Initially, I found the transition from high school to full-time work a challenge, particularly with the longer days – you’re working 9am-5pm, and then attending university from 6pm-9pm some nights. I was also entering a new environment where I was at the bottom of the food chain, but with responsibilities to manage. Despite this, I believe pursuing a cadetship is completely worthwhile; it has allowed me to put theoretical concepts learnt at university into first-hand practice, which I have found extremely beneficial to my learning experience.

3. What is the most useful thing you have learnt from your cadetship so far?

Being a cadet has taught me a lot about general business etiquette, for example how to send professional emails and letters, how to correspond and engage with clients and how to participate and behave in professional meetings and seminars. Furthermore, immersing myself within the industry has provided me with the opportunity to learn about the many services and career opportunities that accounting offers and how these services interact with one another (i.e. tax, audit, advisory, corporate restructuring, risk and consulting). Additionally, familiarising myself with accounting terminology, and learning how concepts taught at university fit into the broader picture, has been extremely useful to my professional development.

4. What’s been the most rewarding aspect of your cadetship during your time there?

The most rewarding experience is being able to assist your clients with finding solutions to challenges they might experience. Being able to work on this from initial problem to final solution, and seeing this solution actioned, is so fulfilling. You see how your contribution to the engagement team has transformed into a tangible solution and affected a significant area of a business. Furthermore, I’ve found experiencing the firm culture and being involved in ‘extracurricular’ aspects of the firm extremely rewarding. Through this I’ve been able to develop my professional profile and also engage with colleagues on a social scale. During my time at Deloitte I have been involved with social sporting groups as well as corporate social responsibility initiatives. For example, I am an active member of the Deloitte Foundation, where I have coordinated events aimed at creating a positive impact within our local and broader communities. Having the opportunity - and being encouraged to - practice my passion for philanthropy, has been an absolute highlight for me. A firm like Deloitte has provided me with the platform and resources to actually make a significant and tangible impact on the local community.

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How will your ideas make the world work better? Student opportunities


Do you know what it takes to build a better working world? At EY we like to look for smarter and better ways to do things. We like to ask, what if? You see, the biggest breakthroughs in this world happen by asking these two small but powerful words. Lasting achievements start with looking at things in a different way and that’s what we’re all about. It’s the legacy we’re creating for our clients, communities and our people. Whether you work in Assurance, Tax, Transactions or Advisory, we’ll provide you with experience and experiences that’ll shape your career for years to come. Because when you grow, we do too. With EY you can influence the future of your career, the businesses you work with and even the world you live in.

One decision, a lifetime of opportunity Which program are you eligible to apply for?

High school

Graduating 2018

Cadet Program

Graduating 2017

Graduating 2016

Cadet Program

Vacationer Program

Graduate Program

Game Changers Club

Melbourne Co–Op Program

Sydney Graduate Challenge

Career Compass Program

As a Cadet, you’ll combine work with university studies. It takes drive and commitment, but we’ll provide you with the support you need to succeed. ey.com/au/careers/cadet Our exclusive Game Changers Club will show you it’s never too early to explore how your skills could build into a career as you attend various EY events throughout the year. ey.com/au/careers/game Are you looking for some advice on which direction to take your career? Then apply for our Career Compass Program and discover if a professional services organisation is the right track for you to take. ey.com/au/careers/ccp

Our Vacationer Program is a great way to experience the working world during your holidays. If you’re looking for a practical placement, join our Melbourne Co–Op Program. Show us what you’re capable of and you may be invited to join us after graduation full–time. If you’re a high performing vacationer, you may be selected to attend the International Intern Leadership Conference (IILC) in Florida, USA. ey.com/au/careers/vacationer

ey.com/au/careers/coop

Join our Graduate Program or Sydney Graduate Challenge Program and you’ll get early responsibility, support and training as you set out to achieve your career ambitions. ey.com/au/careers/graduate

Your journey starts here ey.com/careers

“Can’t believe I’m working on an audit for a music promoter! Even got a sneak peak of the bands touring in the next 5 years. Living the dream. Love learning so much about different industries. Wonder what I’ll work on next?” Lizke

Connect with us and stay in touch For more information on how to apply, where you fit, how we develop you, life at EY and what makes us different, visit: ey.com/careers

instagram.com/eyaucareers

bit.ly/EYLinkedIn_Careers

facebook.com/eycareers

youtube.com/ernstandyoungglobal

twitter.com/ey_careersaunz © 2016 Ernst & Young Australia. All Rights Reserved. SCORE No AUNZ00000596 . ED None. Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation. M1528839.


!

! ‘I could only have done it at Deloitte’ When we hear this it means we’re inspiring our people to achieve their potential. So how do we do this? Our ongoing innovation combined with our commitment to a diverse and collaborative culture set us apart. You’ll be joining a firm with a relentless drive and passion for world class client service and a sense of shared responsibility for our place in our local communities that matches your own. What we do As a leading professional services firm, Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu and its affiliates provide audit, tax, consulting, technology, risk management and financial advisory services through over 6,000 people throughout Australia and over 200,000 staff globally. Focused on the creation of value and growth, and known as an employer of choice for innovative human resources programs, we are dedicated to helping our clients and our people excel. In 2015 we were awarded the Employers of Choice for Gender Equality award by the Workplace Gender Equality Agency (WGEA). This award was previously known as Employer of Choice for Women (EOWA), which we have held for 12 consecutive years. Additionally we are proud to be named as one of Australia’s 50 Most Innovative Companies 2015 by acclaimed publication Business Review Weekly (BRW), recognising the firm's commitment to innovation. Ranked at number #30 in 2015 (up from #46 in 2014), Deloitte was selected from over 500 entries, and is the only Big Four professional services firm on the list. So step into your future with one of our programs especially for applicants who are still studying at university. Our Deloitte Development Program This one or two day interactive program offers you professional development, an insight into life at Deloitte and an advanced opportunity to secure a summer vacation position. You are eligible to apply if you are in your pre-penultimate year of university. Our Summer Vacation Program This is your opportunity to gain practical and paid work experience. Spend three to eight weeks gaining exposure to client work, our award winning learning programs, and social events, with the prospect of securing a graduate position with the firm. You are eligible to apply if you are in your penultimate year of university studies. Our Graduate Program Join us at Deloitte for a career that will stimulate, reward and motivate you like no other. Surrounded by a large peer group, you’ll be supported by a dedicated mentor and coaching team who will work with you to build your technical and business skills. You are eligible to apply if you are in your final year of university studies.

!

It’s your future. How far will you take it? yourfuture.deloitte.com.au

!


I was granted a three month secondment to pursue my start-up NOT JUST

>

I AM A CONSULTANT

DISRUPT YOUR THINKING #disruptyourthinking Š 2015 Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu

yourfuture.deloitte.com.au


PROFILE OF AN ACCOUNTING GRAD by Justin Faehrmann, EY

Tell us a bit about yourself, what uni you went to, and how you got your start? I graduated from high school in 2009 and was rather indecisive about the career path I wanted to pursue. I was (and still am) passionate about sport, but I also had a desire to work in the corporate end of town. So while I was trying to decide what I was going to do, just prior to completing my HSC, an opportunity came my way to begin working as a recruitment consultant for a recruitment company. I decided to take the opportunity and defer my studies in order to get a taste of what it would be like to work in a corporate environment. After a few months working there I enjoyed what I was doing and thought about the possibility of choosing this as a career. So I applied to study a Bachelor of Business at UTS in 2011 in the hope to major in Human Resources (HR) while continuing to work in recruitment. My career soon took a change in direction in early 2011 after a discussion with a good friend who worked for EY. He spoke of the opportunities presented to those working in a Big 4 environment. I was quite ignorant of who or what the Big 4 was at the time so I decided to do some research. I found an opportunity to apply for the Career Compass Program with EY. This program was run over three days and was an opportunity for participants to learn about the various services that EY has to offer while also engaging in team building and social styles workshops. This program also gave participants the opportunity to apply for early interview rounds for the vacationer program. I subsequently applied and was successful in obtaining a vacationer position. After completing my vacationer experience, I was offered a graduate position to commence in 2014 and since then, I haven’t looked back.

What is your role at EY and what do you enjoy most about it? I am currently an accountant in the assurance practice (financial services) at EY. The most enjoyable aspects of my job are the exposure to clients in various financial sectors, the range of people you work with both internally and externally, the opportunity for coaching staff and the fact that you never stop learning. There is always something new that you come across.

Do you get to give anything back to the community? There are a few ways in which I try to give back to the community. EY has an annual Care Day in partnership with schools located in the greater Sydney region which allows us to take a day oaff from work to give back to various communities. I am also involved with a newly formed organisation called Conviction Group, which focuses on issues of young men’s health by hosting student forums to address alcohol fuelled violence, drug abuse, mental health and leadership related problems. It aims to empower young men to be the catalysts for change in these areas.

What’s something you learnt throughout your career that you wish you knew when you commenced work? The importance of understanding different personality types. It is vital to understand your own personality so that you are able to identify how and why you react to different situations. It is then equally important to understand the personality types and traits of those you work and interact with. This has a two-fold effect. Firstly, this helps you to understand how to approach someone in the right way when speaking to them and secondly, gives you the ability to identify both your own and others strengths so that when working in a team, you can use these in the most effective way.

What advice would you give other accounting students about to graduate?

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Be confident in your own ability while remaining honest with yourself. I say this as the Big 4 environment is not for everyone. If it is something that you really want to pursue, go for it, but do not feel pressured by those around you if your do not desire to work in this environment. Lastly, if you have a passion for a particular career or position but know that it not in reach at this point in time, don’t feel discouraged. Be bold in taking little steps in the right direction each day that will place you a little closer to your ultimate goal.

Image by Giovanni Portelli Photography


ALEX MALLEY CHIEF EXECUTIVE CPA AUSTRALIA

THE NAKED CEO INVITES YOU TO JOIN HIS NETWORK

Join CPA Australia’s exciting network and get instant access to the career edge you need including: The Naked CeO Online mentoring and advice from Alex Malley, Chief Executive of CPA Australia. Career expO Meet and chat with leading employers. emplOyer parTNers Be first to hear about internship and graduate employment opportunities. Plus event invitations, webinars, discounts and more! Subscribe to our network at cpaaustralia.com.au/network

Chief exeCutive


DREAM BIG, PURSUE YOUR PASSION AND BE INSPIRED. “The Naked CEO is an inspirational how-to-guide.” Mark Bouris Executive Chairman, Yellow Brick Road Intriguing stories and outstanding advice from Alex Malley, the suspended schoolboy who became a disruptive CEO. Whether you are starting out in your career, changing course or inspiring others, The Naked CEO book gives you the power to shape the future.

@AlexMalleyCEO

Now available at all good booksellers www.thenakedceo.com/thebook

Alex Malley CEO, CPA Australia and bestselling author


BSOC CAREERS GUIDE

ACCOUNTING

LEADERSHIP TRACK

CPA

Leadership Track : Heidi Habib Early on in Heidi Habib CPA’s accounting career, it became obvious to her employers that she had leadership potential. She has led teams at big-name organisations including travel company, Flight Centre, and fashion label, Cue. Today the 34-year-old is a Finance Manager at retail business, Best and Less. She says the role is challenging but enjoyable. “I manage a team of about 15 people and my role is to look at every single process that the finance team do and try to make those system more efficient,” says Heidi. She believes to be a good leader in any organisation, it’s important to listen to your team members.

“For me, leadership is about understanding what my team do. I think it’s important for the staff to see that you’re interested in what they are doing and that they know you’re there if anything goes wrong.” Heidi, who completed a Bachelor of Commerce and Accounting at the University of Western Sydney, says she developed her leadership skills by learning from her mentor and studying the CPA program. She says being awarded the CPA designation in 2012 opened doors. “I don’t think I would have got my opportunities at Cue or Best and Less if I didn’t have the CPA designation behind my name. “People know that you have gone through the program and that you’re committed to what you are doing. It gives you that bit of prestige in your industry.”

Heidi says working in the retail industry has been a highlight. “I love retail. As they say, the only constant in life is change, and the retail industry is constantly changing. It keeps you on your toes and you never get time to be complacent. You always have to move with the times.” Heidi hopes to continue developing her leadership skills and her next big goal is to become a Chief Financial Officer. “I’m a big believer of doing the job that you want to be in, so my next step is to become a CFO and that is what I am working towards.” Heidi’s tips for young professionals who want to become leaders: Focus on improving the culture within your team. Sometimes people are too focused on processes rather than the work environment Take every opportunity to be involved in a new project and learn new things Don’t be afraid to make mistakes. We’re all human and it’s the only way you’re going to learn.

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LEADERSHIP TRACK

ACCOUNTING BSOC CAREERS GUIDE

Leadership Track : Max Fenlon interesting.” When reflecting on his career to date, Max believes his willingness to gain extra experience such as joining a Toastmasters group to help sharpen his public speaking skills, have given him a career advantage. “Toastmasters is a good way to develop your skills, not just to be more comfortable speaking but also think about the way you speak, what you are saying and how you say it. It has helped me a lot so far.”

Max Fenlon CPA is well on his way to achieving his career goal of becoming a Chief Financial Officer of a Fortune 500 company. The 25-year-old, who is currently working at Crown Resorts Limited, started his career at Big Four accounting firm, KPMG, shortly after finishing a Bachelor’s Degree in Commerce with a major in Accounting at the Australian Catholic University. He says the job was a great introduction to the accounting profession. “It was a short term position but working at KPMG really helped me to get experience, and gain my first full-time role as an Assistant Accountant at Kadac, which is an organic natural health company,” Max Fenlon CPA says. Max worked at Kadac for just over a year, before he joined Crown Resorts Limited as a Financial Accountant. He says the opportunity to work in such a big and well-known organisation was too good to refuse. “Crown is one of Australia’s largest entertainment and gaming groups. It has businesses and investments in Australia, Asia, the United Kingdom and the United States.” “Our team covers a range of activities including; financial accounting, consolidation of the operating business results, treasury, completion of CEO and Board reports, reporting to the ASX and statutory accounts. So we have quite a big portfolio to cover.” Max, who has been at the company for over three and a half years, says being part of the hospitality sector has also broadened his career experience. “In hospitality you get to work across all aspects of the business, including gaming, hotels, events, marketing and all areas that affect customers. It’s definitely very

40

Max says completing the CPA Program and being awarded the designation has also given him valuable business knowledge. “People look for the CPA designation because they know they can trust you. In terms of the CPA Program, the subjects I studied were extremely helpful to my current role and helped me build on the theories I learnt at university.” Max Fenlon CPA’s tips to launch your career: Get as much experience as you can, whether it’s an internship or cadetship while you’re at university, or volunteer roles when you’re in the workforce Talk to a range of different people to help you figure out the right course of action to get a job and continually grow your career Make sure you do something that you enjoy. You’ll be spending a lot of time at work so you’ll want to like it Max Fenlon CPA is a young professional to look out for in the future.

CPA


A

PROFILE OF AN ACCOUNTING PARTNER

by Sandra Felli, Deloitte Private Partner

Sandra Felli is a Partner in Deloitte Private and specialises in forensic reviews, business restructuring, and taxation. After commencing her career as a graduate at one of the then-top accounting firms, Arthur Andersen, today Sandra reflects on her near-thirty years of experience as a Chartered Accountant in broad-based, professional service firms.

Tell us a bit about yourself and what your role is at Deloitte.

As a chartered accountant with over thirty years experience in the industry, I value integrity, quality, professionalism and importantly the delivery of value and outcomes – all of which you need to acquire when working in the fast-paced, dynamic and always-evolving business industry. So, if I had to describe myself, I would say that I personify these characteristics and have an underlying passion to continually learn and develop. As a partner of Deloitte Touche Tomatsu in the Business Advisory Division, my work involves advisory services comprising of business restructuring, tax advisory, and due diligence on merger/acquisition opportunities, to name a few. As a member of the Property Team at Deloitte, I actively contribute to property industry associations. Over the years I have developed a passion in the forensic area, which I attribute to my original interest in Audit early in my career. Here I deliver reports as an expert witness in matters supporting family law property division, legal disputes in business partnerships/shareholdings, and economic loss reports. I continue to have a very fulfilling time in the accounting profession, and the commercial skills I have developed in my career have allowed me to achieve outcomes for myself, but more importantly, outcomes and success for so many others.

What do you find most interesting or rewarding about your work?

Working with some of the best and brightest people in business! Having the opportunity to collaborate and develop relationships with so many different and diverse people in business to achieve and deliver high performance results to clients that meet their needs. I also enjoy mentoring young professionals and encouraging them to understand the great and diverse needs of different people in business. My work is full of challenges – I’m always learning and contributing to challenges faced by either my clients or as part of a team, but these challenges are exciting because there are very tight deadlines so people have to work together to produce outcomes. It’s when you achieve an admirable result for your client that is most rewarding.

You mention your work is full of challenges – can you give us any examples of these?

Simply, it’s to meet the deadlines. In the Business Advisory area, time is always a challenge where you look after a portfolio of clients in an environment where client business and investment decisions move and change at a fast pace. It is so important to be continually up to date in legislative and industry matters and have the technical skills to meet demands of clients while managing each of their requests. A significant challenge during my career was acting on behalf of a corporate consolidator to merge two medium-sized practices into one of the largest accounting practices in the Greater West. I further restructured this to merge with a global mid-tier organization. This process involved aligning many employees and taking numerous financial risks, which in the long run proved invaluable for all those involved, including myself.

Do you get to give anything back to the community?

Fortunately, Deloitte is very focused on delivering value to the community. I am part of a number of events which aim to achieve this, namely under the Deloitte Foundation which partners with a variety of Australian charities. Earlier in my career I dedicated some of my time to providing presentations to the Small Business Association, which gave the opportunity to individuals who couldn’t afford expert advice to attend and seek knowledge of finance management of business start-ups. I was an active participant in the Parramatta Council Sustainability Program which also assisted the council in educating businesses. I have been involved over a two-year period assisting the University of Western Sydney in the development of their Sustainability Module for Accountants and Financial Officers, focused on enhancing sustainability as a key corporate mandate. I am an active participant in the Women in Business Program and a member of the Property Council of Australia: Women in Property & Diversity Commmittee, which focuses on increasing the participation of women in the property industry. Contribution to the community is vital to understanding our society, people, and community needs. The opportunity to contribute is precious.

What advice would you give to others wanting to get in your line of work?

Do it! I totally recommend a career in Chartered Accounting. It opens up so many opportunities locally and internationally - opportunities to work across many different industries, and just as importantly, teaches you the skills you might want to know to be in business or investment. The challenges keep you always learning and give you the opportunity to meet so many different people from many backgrounds. And of course, the socialising and intellectual stimulation is a lot of fun!

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03 CONSULTING


YOUR FUTURE

CONSULTING

BSOC CAREERS GUIDE

University of Technology Sydney

YOUR FUTURE : IN CONSULTING

Consulting is one of the broadest careers paths within the job market as the work across so many sectors and Industries. The main aim of consulting is to provide clients with unique and successful solutions of various issues. These issues often range across a multitude of industries and areas. Being able to think outside the box and help clients solve complex issues allows an individual to develop key skills including problem solving, teamwork, communication and client management. A consulting major can open opportunities within a large range of roles and areas within large consulting and professional services firms. Graduate Positions/ Areas: Advisory Analyst Strategy Analyst Technical Analyst (For specific areas) – Actuarial IT Analyst Supply Chain Graduate Career Progression: Within consulting there are several career progression opportunities including: Private Equity Analyst/Manager Consulting Director Strategy Manager Research Executive Performance Improvement Manager

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WHAT IS CONSULTING

CONSULTING

WHAT IS CONSULTING?

BSOC CAREERS GUIDE

University of Technology Sydney

Consulting is the business of providing advice within a business setting. Within a career in consulting you will be involved in aiding clients develop solutions to various business issues and problems. Within this pathway, you will develop key skills in managing people, strategy, research and communication. Within consulting, you could be working within many different industries ranging from consumer products, real estate and technology – Each industry having new specific issues and problems that need to be solved. As a consultant you can either be placed in two main areas – Generalist and specialist. As a generalist, your aim is to provide a wider range of services to your clients and often are known to be able to work over many industries over a variety of projects. This area usually does not require a specific degree or qualification, rather experience and network. A specialist consultant provides very specific services on niche problems and complexities. This is most seen within the Technology industry whereby specialist consultants are used for technical areas. In addition, within the financial services industry where often technical consultants are required to improve internal controls, financial reporting and process development. As described above, the consulting industry is open to almost all degrees and has opportunities for people to work in industries they are most interest in. Depending on the stage of your career, consulting has various fields and sub-lines (Changes depending on each firm and corporate structure). An overview of the various fields includes: Strategy Consulting Operations Financial Advisory Human Resources IT/Technology

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A career in consulting can be exciting and fast past. It will involve constant communication with clients and working with various teams to deliver projects and innovations. Consulting has opportunities for all individuals and can allow you to work in a wide range of industries and clients.

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Ingenious thinking

Fresh perspectives Copyright Š 2015 Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand. All rights reserved. ABN 50 084 642 571. This material is subject to our full terms and conditions, available at www.charteredaccountantsanz.com


I AM PASSIONATE

OPEN TO IDEAS. OPEN TO GROWTH. DISCOVER OUR GRADUATE AND SUMMER INTERN OPPORTUNITIES. WE ARE COMMBANK. commbank.com.au/graduate


CommBank Graduate and Summer Intern Programs We’re looking for Graduates and Summer Interns from a wide range of disciplines who are passionate about developing their skills, taking hold of opportunities and meeting the needs of our customers. What can you expect as a Graduate or Summer Intern? • Contribute from day one. You’ll be given real work that impacts our business and our customers. • Receive training and development. You’ll receive formal training for technical and soft skill development, both relevant to the whole Group and to your specific business area. • Enjoy support and networking opportunities. You’ll have a mentor/buddy to support you throughout your Program. You’ll also network with your fellow graduates/interns and with managers from across Commbank. • Gain access to senior management. You’ll have unique access to senior leaders, and our graduates have the chance to enjoy a breakfast with our CEO and our Group Executives. • Enjoy stability: Working at Australia’s largest bank you benefit from fantastic offices, with the latest technical innovations, corporate discounts and much more. • Have the opportunity to give back. You’ll have the chance to contribute to the community by participating in our Graduate Committee and other volunteering and community initiatives. How does the Graduate Program work? You’ll start with us in February, but the length of your Program varies based on which business area you choose. Being such a large and diverse business, we have a vast range of opportunities for you to take hold of. Your time at CommBank will start with a thorough orientation, where you’ll hear from senior leaders, receive market-leading training and meet fellow graduates. During your first year, we’ll hold other conferences and master classes where you can develop your skills, expand your networks and have fun. Every business area offers a rotational program. Rotations help you to learn about the different areas of our business and decide where you want to take your career. How does the Summer Intern Program work? Our 10-week program gives you a taste of what it’s like to work with Australia’s best bank. You’ll be given full support and training to help you decide if CommBank is the right fit for you. At the end of the Program you’ll also have the opportunity to apply early for our Graduate Program for the following year. Eligibility Criteria • You must have Australian/New Zealand citizenship or permanent residency at the time that you submit your application. • You should have a minimum of 65% grade point average. • You must be in the final year of a university undergraduate or postgraduate degree or have completed your university studies in the last 12 months. To find out more and to apply visit commbank.com.au/graduate.


JUMPSTART YOUR CAREER FULL-TIME POSITIONS APPLY NOW BCG is the world’s leading advisor on business strategy and transformation. We partner with clients in all sectors and regions to identify their highest value opportunities, address their most critical challenges, and transform their businesses. With BCG you will learn how to navigate complexity, draw unique insights, facilitate change, and become a leader responsible for real and lasting impact. We are looking for students with outstanding academic records, strong analytical and interpersonal skills, intellectual curiosity, and great ambition. Join BCG Australia and experience management consulting at its best. Apply now at bcg.com/careers. For any questions contact: AUSTRALIACAREERS@BCG.COM

The Boston Consulting Group is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity / expression, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable law.


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CONSULTING

PROFILES

University of Technology Sydney

CONSULTING PROFILE What does a consultant do on a day to day basis

by Leora Friedland, Associate, BCG Sydney

The good news: there is no such thing as a predictable daily routine. I find myself working on a wide range of challenges and tasks daily- sometimes I spend the entire day in meetings with clients gathering information and insights, other days I spend brainstorming with team members, sitting at my desk performing detailed analysis or crafting visual messages and insights in PowerPoint . Usually a day is made up of a combination of these activities with surprising and interesting activities thrown into the mix (workshops, trainings, team events). The work changes constantly, the industries are diverse and the challenges are unique.

What type of experiences would you get working as a consultant

The diversity of experience you get in your first year means you develop enormously. In one year alone I have worked across retail, TMT (Technology, media and telecommunications) industrial goods and government. I have worked on projects where we have transformed firms from outdated businesses into a digitally savvy, creative and competitive powerhouses. It has been challenging- but so rewarding. It is the type of job where you spend your days brainstorming and testing ideas, pushing further and deeper to uncover issues and solutions- and at the end of the day you come home exhausted with the greatest feeling of satisfaction and fulfilment- having worked on large issues and made a real, sustainable contribution and impact

What are the various areas within Consulting (Various sub-service lines)

BCG Australia has capabilities and expertise across 7 industries (from Public Sector to Financial institutions and 7 functional areas (from Strategy to Technology Advantage). The shared resources available to help you succeed are phenomenal. You not only have the support and expertise of your case team, but you also have the combined knowledge and experience over 11,000 consultants across 82 offices at your finger tips!

What is the best part of your job (As a consultant)

There are 3: (apologies but I cannot limit this to just one!) 1. The people I work with: the brilliant, creative, interesting, humorous and truly inspiring people I work with are one of the best parts of this job- I have grown and developed enormously from my colleagues, - they are from such diverse backgrounds and experiences and they accelerate my learning and enrich my career. 2. The impact we have on clients: we work closely with our clients solving their large, complex, and high profile problems together- it has been so rewarding witnessing the positive results of our work. 3. The personal development, mentorship and growth I gain from this job: BCG really invests in YOU- it has propelled me across an incredibly wide range of industries and encouraged me to engage with senior clients from day one. BCG constantly offers support through mentorship, training and weekly feedback. This experience is allowing me to navigate any pathway of my choice, whether it is continuing a long term career at BCG, commencing further study, social impact work or further corporate experience.

What advice would you give to students trying to get into the consulting industry

Do your research on management consulting to make sure it is the right career for you. Good communication skills are also key, so submit a well crafted and engaging CV and cover letter. BCG is a top tier firm and has a very competitive process. Give it your best shot as you have nothing to lose! You will need to show you have excellent grades. But it’s not just about being smart.... think about examples of where you have demonstrated leadership and the impact you have made as a leader. Once you get an interview it is very important to practice case interviews- do it over coffee or beers with friends to help get you comfortable (they are daunting at first). But try think of them as real problems- what would you do if it were your company? Be creative! For the actual interview- bring energy, enthusiasm and even if you are super nervous try stay calm and relaxed. Take it slow, be logical, coherent and practice instructive thinking (tell the interviewer what you are doing and why). Most importantly be confident in yourself and the things that make you great.

Good luck!

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REAL WORK REAL EXPERIENCES REAL OPPORTUNITIES Are you looking to take your career to new heights? Do you want to be part of creating workspaces of the future? As a market leading real estate group, DEXUS owns and manages a high quality office, industrial and retail property portfolio. We offer a range of Graduate opportunities for emerging professionals in finance, funds management, property development, investment management and more. Be a part of shaping the skyline.

APPLY FOR THE 2017 GRADUATE PROGRAM AT FUTURE.DEXUS.COM

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04 MARKETING


BSOC CAREERS GUIDE

MARKETING

YOUR FUTURE

University of Technology Sydney

YOUR FUTURE : IN MARKETING

A career in marketing is one of the most creative fields in the business industry. It focuses on understanding the wants and needs of consumer markets and designed strategies, products, and solutions that communicate this message to the market. Marketing is vital and essential to the success of virtually all organisations and ensuring that the organisation remains competitive in the market. Because of this having a marketing skill set is highly regarded by employees as the knowledge and skill is completely transferable to any industry sector for any product or service. Graduating with a Marketing major can open up a wealth of opportunity in regards to careers prospects.

Graduate Positions:

Marketing Analyst Marketing Coordinator Sales and Marketing Assistant Insight Analyst Social Media Advisor Events Coordinator

Career Progression

Marketing Manager Brand Manager Services Experience and Quality Manager Marketing Director Marketing Executive Product Manager

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The CA designation is your passport to an international career. As part of a network of high achievers, you’ll connect with some of the best from day one. From studying alongside the future leaders of business and finance, to joining them as part of a global knowledge network. Discover more at youunlimitedanz.com

You unlimited Copyright Š 2015 Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand. All rights reserved. ABN 50 084 642 571. This material is subject to our full terms and conditions, available at www.charteredaccountantsanz.com


PROFILE OF A MARKETING INTERN

by Brenda Alvarez

Why did you choose to major in Marketing?

Choosing to major in marketing was something that came naturally to me. Having had an interest in marketing throughout high school, I was able to gain insights into consumer behaviour and the psychology behind purchasing decisions. Ultimately, it was my interest in psychology and ability to produce innovative solutions that further clarified this for me. I find that I thrive in creative and collaborative environments which is something that the marketing field definitely offers. At the completion of my degree, I was invited to apply for the Bachelor of Business Honours Program to continue my studies in marketing. Essentially the program requires students to complete marketing research and analytics coursework and create a thesis for applied research. This year I was fortunate enough to continue my learning journey through the program where I’ll be analysing consumer behaviours in response to in store shopping atmospherics.

Did you do any internships?

I completed a number of internships! Since beginning my degree, I have completed 6 internships and each one has been such a different learning experience. I don’t believe in having too many! The most memorable marketing internship I have had is one that I completed last year at Network Ten. I was able to apply my theoretical coursework understanding of marketing in a practical learning environment. My current internship at LinkedIn also exposes me to various aspects of marketing where I work cross functionally and across various LinkedIn products.

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What did a typical day in your internship involve?

Every day is different. One day I would be working on a marketing plan for a campaign and the next I’ll be launching an online competition for a website. My digital marketing internship at Network Ten exposed me to these areas where I would work with company clients to produce a marketing brief and online competition for the release of a new movie or product. The most exciting part about this was working for clients like Universal Studios or Disney to create a creative digital advertisement and live competition on their website.

How did you apply for these positions/what initiatives did you take to find out about the internship?

What surprised me the most about looking for internship opportunities is that quite often you need to look beyond job advertisements on careers platforms. In saying that, a great starting point is the Careers Hub service offered by UTS where you’ll find new roles advertised daily. I attended numerous networking and careers events in my first year of uni and was able to build my connections and professional network, many of which I have since worked closely with! I also found that creating my LinkedIn profile helped as you never know what opportunities may come up.

What’s the best thing about working in marketing?

Personally the best thing about working in marketing is the diversity of the field, ability to produce innovative ideas and seeing the impact of your work. You’re constantly thinking outside of the box and it encourages you to apply creative thinking to any project ! It’s also incredibly rewarding to know that your campaign has been seen by thousands of people who now have a understanding of how a product or service can benefit them. It’s a constant learning journey where you can truly add value!

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REAL WORK REAL EXPERIENCES REAL OPPORTUNITIES Are you looking to take your career to new heights? Do you want to be part of creating workspaces of the future? As a market leading real estate group, DEXUS owns and manages a high quality office, industrial and retail property portfolio. We offer a range of Graduate opportunities for emerging professionals in finance, funds management, property development, investment management and more. Be a part of shaping the skyline.

APPLY FOR THE 2017 GRADUATE PROGRAM AT FUTURE.DEXUS.COM

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BSOC CAREERS GUIDE

MARKETING

PROFILE: EMPLOYEE

University of Technology Sydney

PROFILE OF A MARKETING EMPLOYEE

Lynsey Irwin: Graduate Account Assistant (Client Service Department), Millward Brown – Market Research Firm

How did you get your start?

Upon completing my Bachelor of Business degree with an extended major in Marketing I was genuinely unsure of which area of marketing to pursue as a career. I enjoyed almost all my marketing subjects, so where could I start? I actually first became aware of Millward Brown after two of their staff presented as guest lecturers in my second year marketing subject, Market Research. The presenters were professional, charismatic, fun and knowledgeable and I remember taking note that the brands, research and concepts they were talking about were really interesting. One and a half years down the track, when I was just about to graduate, a couple of Millward Brown staff attended a Networking event at UTS and I got talking with them. This more one-on-one opportunity to talk about their work really got me excited about their company, the brands they work with and the research they do every day. They pointed me in the direction of their upcoming Graduate intake. After going through various forms interview rounds, and so on, I made it to the final stage of selection. Unfortunately, I actually just missed out, which was obviously disappointing. However the story doesn’t end there, because a couple of months down the track, when I was nearing the end of another job selection process, for another organisation, Millward Brown got back in touch and offered me the same position as I had applied for earlier. I had the opportunity to choose between two very different organisations and two very different areas of marketing. I weighed up the options and chose to go into marketing research with Millward Brown because of the quality people, work and environment - and haven’t looked back.

Describe what your typical day involves?

This is a little bit of a tough question, as often my days are filled with different tasks, however, at the moment I predominately work in the area of brand equity so I am involved in the launch and development of studies, the interpretation and analysis of brand data, advertising effectiveness, visiting or talking with clients and working on presentations.

What are the hours like?

As I have a full time position, I work Monday to Friday. We have official minimum hours for the days and week as a whole, but staff have the opportunity to come in early or stay later to work if they wish. How long you work often depends on your current workload and how many presentations you have coming up.

What do you enjoy most about your position?

I am in a very fortunate position where I have the opportunity to work with, and make a positive impact on, some of the world’s largest brands like Nestlé, Optus, Virgin and Disney. Recently I’ve worked on a number of full year presentations, which have allowed me to delve into the brand’s position and shed light on their activities to analyse the impact on the health and growth of the brand. Secondly, as market researchers, we provide recommendations and areas of focus brands use to guide and formulate their new and competitive strategies.

What do you find most challenging in your work?

I would probably say that, initially, as I came from a casual job in the hospitality industry straight into the business world, the big shift in pace and environment was a challenge. There was a lot to learn and it took time to get a grasp of the new processes, responsibilities, departments, tasks, jargon, culture and ways of approaching things – particularly in a large and established organisation. There is some frustration with yourself as you try to get to grips with a whole new way of doing things and all the established processes in place – it’s really like learning a whole new language. But, if you take the time, and trust that you will get there, you adapt and learn - and every single week you see yourself improving.

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PROFILE OF A MARKETING GRAD What did you study at university and why did you choose marketing?

I studied a bachelor of Marketing and Media at Macquarie University. The idea of marketing really appealed to me as it combines aspects of businesses with some creativity, two things which interest me. I also love how marketing and culture are intertwined – you need to have a good hold on how people live in order to market to them successfully.

What was your position at CBC?

I take care of CBC’s social media presence, and also write some content to be published on the company’s online blog which will act as a way of attracting new customers who are interested in the financial tips that CBC shares and see the expertise CBC holds on the area of tax.

What attracted you to the role?

I actually came about the position through a mentoring program organized at my university. My now boss started off as my mentor who talked about her experience starting and growing her own business and her ideas for the future of the business. We talked a lot about the internet and how important it is becoming to have an online presence, and she asked if I would be able to help build this online presence – I accepted and now have a job!

Describe your typical day at CBC?

The business’s new website is currently under construction so I am not having to write as many blog posts as when I started, I therefore spend my time taking care of social media. I check to see what activity the business’s Facebook pages have had and respond to any interaction from customers or fans of the page. Once this is done I spend a lot of time finding and curating relevant content to share on the Facebook page which I feel would be of interest. This takes a little time as I read articles to see if they have any relevant content. Additionally, I check the social media pages of our clients and see if they have anything newsworthy I can share on the page to celebrate their successes. My boss and I always set aside some time to talk about the business’s marketing future and what steps can be taken in the future to build the business’ online presence.

What have you found most difficult about working in the industry?

The biggest difficulty for me comes from the fact that I work for a small business which has never advertised online before. There isn’t really a budget allocated for marketing and we try to get as much out of our ‘owned’ media as possible. Additionally, the fact that I am the only employee with marketing knowledge means that I don’t have anyone who can help me as I enter my career.

What has been the highlight of your career so far?

The highlight of my career was in fact not working at CBC, but interning at an ad agency for a month. Being surrounded by people who were experts in their fields and who can show me the ropes of what happens in the world of marketing was a huge help as I was able to better understand how to put what I had learnt at university in practice.

What advice do you have for students studying marketing?

Do as many internships as you can and make sure to talk to everyone around you in these internships to really understand what a career in marketing entails. Ask people how their career progressed and what they like most/least about their daily tasks at work. By building relationships with these people, you are more likely to build a strong network of connections that you can use when you start to work full time.

What goals do you have for your career?

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I have just started my Masters in Marketing Communications, and I hope that this extra bit of education will lead to a managerial position. I would love to combine my love of film with my interest in marketing by being in charge of the marketing for a film production company. The idea of free cinema tickets is especially enticing!

by Sophie Tilley


05 FINANCE


YOUR FUTURE

FINANCE

BSOC CAREERS GUIDE

University of Technology Sydney

YOUR FUTURE : IN FINANCE

Your career in finance will be challenging, diverse but certainly rewarding. Finance deals with the way funds are derived and utilised by a firm. It is the practical application of distributing resources as to maximise the viability of a company. Finance involves investigation and analysis of strategies because effective financial management relies on strong strategic intuition. Its’ breadth is extensive by nature and a career in finance can range from investment banking to consultancy. A financial manager must be able to balance the needs of all stakeholders affected by financial decisions as to optimise the performance of its business. The UTS business school gives its students a grounding of the technical skills required to understand the dynamics of finance and the evolving environment today. GRADUATE POSITIONS: Financial Advisor Investment Analyst Corporate Financial Consultant Banker Financial Planner Fund Administrator Banking Consultant Pricing Analyst

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CAREER PROGRESSION: Treasury Manager Risk Manager Hedge Fund Manager Superannuation Fund Manager Stockbroker Equity Research Analysis

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REAL WORK REAL EXPERIENCES REAL OPPORTUNITIES Are you looking to take your career to new heights? Do you want to be part of creating workspaces of the future? As a market leading real estate group, DEXUS owns and manages a high quality office, industrial and retail property portfolio. We offer a range of Graduate opportunities for emerging professionals in finance, funds management, property development, investment management and more. Be a part of shaping the skyline.

APPLY FOR THE 2017 GRADUATE PROGRAM AT FUTURE.DEXUS.COM

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I AM PREDICTING THE FUTURE.

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OPEN TO IDEAS. OPEN TO GROWTH. DISCOVER OUR GRADUATE AND SUMMER INTERN OPPORTUNITIES. WE ARE COMMBANK. commbank.com.au/graduate


CommBank Graduate and Summer Intern Programs We’re looking for Graduates and Summer Interns from a wide range of disciplines who are passionate about developing their skills, taking hold of opportunities and meeting the needs of our customers. What can you expect as a Graduate or Summer Intern? • Contribute from day one. You’ll be given real work that impacts our business and our customers. • Receive training and development. You’ll receive formal training for technical and soft skill development, both relevant to the whole Group and to your specific business area. • Enjoy support and networking opportunities. You’ll have a mentor/buddy to support you throughout your Program. You’ll also network with your fellow graduates/interns and with managers from across CommBank. • Gain access to senior management. You’ll have unique access to senior leaders, and our graduates have the chance to enjoy a breakfast with our CEO and our Group Executives. • Enjoy stability: Working at Australia’s largest bank you benefit from fantastic offices, with the latest technical innovations, corporate discounts and much more. • Have the opportunity to give back. You’ll have the chance to contribute to the community by participating in our Graduate Committee and other volunteering and community initiatives.


BIANCA Associate Macquarie Capital

Own your future, at Macquarie

Be part of a talented global team. Instinctively entrepreneurial. Ambitious in nature. Determined to succeed. We can help you reach your potential and together we can create success for our clients, colleagues and communities. Build your own future as you contribute to ours.

At Macquarie, you define success. Own your future at macquarie.com.au/graduates

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Own your future, at Macquarie At Macquarie, you define success.

Our graduate and internship programs will enable you to develop your skills and build your career. Every year we offer a range of graduate and intern positions across our business and service groups. Sitting side-by-side with business leaders, we offer the opportunity to work on live projects and transactions from day one. Own your success at Macquarie Summer internship program

Our application and recruitment process

Macquarie offers summer internships to students in their penultimate year of study. The program runs for 10 to 12 weeks over the summer period. A summer internship offers you invaluable hands-on experience and can set you up for a successful career once you complete your studies. Working alongside leading industry professionals you will receive structured induction, on-the-job training and networking opportunities.

We recommend students submit their application as soon as applications open. Here is a summary of our application and recruitment process:

Graduate program

• complete psychometric assessment

Join the Macquarie graduate program and become an integral member of the team from day one. Your career development starts with a tailored orientation and business group specific workshops. You will then embark on a structured 12-month program with on-the-job training, access to a comprehensive range of external and internal courses and the opportunity to build your business network.

• research Macquarie and the business that you would like to join on our careers website • apply by submitting your resume, cover letter and academic transcripts via our website

• you’ll be asked to attend interviews with our HR team and business representatives.

Further information macquarie.com.au/graduates email graduate@macquarie.com or phone +61 2 8237 4477.


PROFILE OF A FINANCE INTERN

by Steven Kim from Macquarie

What were the challenges of working in Finance without a degree? Unsurprisingly, it was initially very difficult to work with financial instruments and concepts that I had never learnt about before. However, this challenge presented an opportunity to expand my knowledge and skillset by asking colleagues and referencing additional material. This was further facilitated by the relative strength of the program structure and training.

What were your responsibilities?

My role as a Product Control intern was to support traders in respect to the value of their trading positions. More specifically, I was responsible for the preparation and analysis of profit and loss statements for several business units. Additionally, I was required to perform balance sheet reconciliations, whilst building and optimising models. Furthermore, time was also dedicated to key performance reporting, which required me to communicate with management.

What did you learn during your internship?

Whilst I became more technically and financially proficient, I gained more from interactions with colleagues and managers. The key lesson that I learnt was that the most successful individuals are not necessarily the most intelligent, but rather, the most curious and willing to listen to others.

What is finance at Macquarie like?

The Financial Management Group (FMG) of Macquarie provides expert tax, treasury and accounting services to the wider Macquarie Group. I found the FMG culture to exude Macquarie’s core values of opportunity, accountability and integrity. I enjoyed coming to work each day with a sense of purpose, and it was evident that my co-workers were very driven as well. Additionally, the culture encouraged a strong work-life balance, with activities such as touch football at lunch.

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Whatever you love or wherever your passion lies, the training and skills gained as a Chartered Accountant will help forge your pathway to success. It’s no coincidence that 99 of the top 100 global brands* have a CA within their ranks. Find out how your degree can take you even closer to really loving your work at youunlimitedanz.com Copyright Š 2016 Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand. All rights reserved. ABN 50 084 642 571.This material is subject to our full terms and conditions, available at www.charteredaccountantsanz.com *Interbrand 2012 survey. 1215-21

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YOUR FUTURE

FINANCE

BSOC CAREERS GUIDE

University of Technology Sydney

PROFILE OF A FINANCE GRAD

by CBA Graduate, Alvi Ahmed

What attracted you to CBA? I grew up with a good brand affiliation to CommBank having had a Dollarmites account since a young age and have experienced the great service from a customer perspective, so I wanted the chance to be a part of that. The size of the company meant there were heaps of opportunities to move around the bank. I also considered CBA’s values, talked to friends who were inside to understand the workplace culture, graduate program features and really just asked myself “Would I be proud to work for this company?”, and the answer was of course yes!

What is the most rewarding aspect to your job? Knowing that I’m contributing to a great company that serves so many of my friends and family and doing so while constantly learning new skills and developing with a great team of people.

What is a Graduate role in finance like? The roles in financial services at CommBank were definitely so much more diverse and varied than expected. As a graduate you get exposed to so many aspects of finance which are non-typical such as roles in customer insights, analytics and consulting. You learn new skills everyday and as a graduate there is a lot of focus on your development - how you want to shape the start of your career and where you want to go.

CBA Grad Process The CBA graduate program is two years in length broken up into 4 six-month rotations. There are listed rotation opportunities ranging from reporting to investment teams to insights teams to consulting. These span all over the bank working in business units focusing on everyday customers to businesses to large institutions. There is also the opportunity to do a rotation outside of the listed rotations if you have a particular interest in any other part of the bank whether it be finance or non-finance. As a Grad it is all about development with many events and opportunities organised for grads including 3 forums throughout the year where you come together with all the Grads throughout Australia. You also have a lot of support from the graduate programs team, your assigned buddy and a mentor.

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06 ECONOMICS


YOUR FUTURE

ECONOMICS

BSOC CAREERS GUIDE

University of Technology Sydney

YOUR FUTURE : IN ECONOMICS Economics is the study of the decisions individuals, businesses and governments make as they deal with scarcity, the production and consumption of goods and services, and the transfer of wealth. The economics major provides the opportunity for individuals eager for a challenge to lay a foundation for a successful career and a well-rounded understanding of the world around them. It is a discipline that allows you to work in a variety of different fields, from finance and banking, public policy, sales and marketing, and civil service. Studying economics enhances ones conceptual and analytical thinking skills, which can provide a competitive edge when entering the workforce. As globalisation brings us closer together, the understanding of economic concepts is invaluable in number of job opportunities in a multitude of industries locally and internationally.

Graduate Positions:

Member of Economic Consulting Team Data Analyst Statistician Economic Markets Report Writer Policy Analyst Market Analyst/Researcher

Career Progression:

Policymaker Senior Policy Analyst Econometrician Economic Natural Resources Manager Finance Manager International Trade Analyst Natural Resource Manager Academic Economist

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PROFILE : STUDENT

ECONOMICS

BSOC CAREERS GUIDE

University of Technology Sydney

PROFILE OF AN ECONOMICS STUDENT

by Bridget Payne

What made you choose to major in economics? I’ve always found the analytical nature of economics super interesting, and understanding all the complex relationships between the government, businesses and everyone else. I wanted to focus on something that wasn’t just learning and memorising information, but about understanding.

What skills has studying economics provided you with, and what effects do these have on your everyday life? Being able to visualise information and ideas, and understanding the usefulness of generalisations and theories in a business context (and generally). I think economics is great for providing soft skills, such as critical thinking. In terms of my everyday life, it’s helped me consider why people make certain decisions (i.e. their incentives) in a more comprehensive and understanding way.

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Since majoring in economics, have you been exposed to any roles and activities at UTS or in industry? I currently work at the Connected Intelligence Centre (CIC) at UTS. CIC researches and teaches data science, but there’s a lot of crossover with economics in terms of applying critical thought to information.

What is a goal of yours? / Where do you see your economics major getting you in 5 years? I would love to be on the policy advisory team for an international economic organisation (e.g. World development bank) but that’s more than five years away! Hopefully in five years time I’ll be overseas somewhere getting paid to give my opinion.

What advice do you have for prospective students who are in the process of choosing their majors? Definitely go to the information sessions- particularly for majors that don’t have a similar first year subject! Consider whether you want a major that teaches you about the information you need to enter a certain industry, or to strengthen soft skills. Keep in mind that a lot of graduate employees hire grads from any major and a large variety of degrees, so don’t worry too much about choosing a ‘safe’ major and just do what you want to learn more about.

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REAL WORK REAL EXPERIENCES REAL OPPORTUNITIES Are you looking to take your career to new heights? Do you want to be part of creating workspaces of the future? As a market leading real estate group, DEXUS owns and manages a high quality office, industrial and retail property portfolio. We offer a range of Graduate opportunities for emerging professionals in finance, funds management, property development, investment management and more. Be a part of shaping the skyline.

APPLY FOR THE 2017 GRADUATE PROGRAM AT FUTURE.DEXUS.COM

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PROFILE OF AN ECONOMICS GRADUATE What attracted you to a career in economics?

by Nicholas Prineas, Bachelor of Business (Hon) Majoring in Economics

What attracted me the most towards economics was my enjoyment of the subject, as well as the ability to be able to converse about the subject in both a work and social context. Economics provided the perfect balance between accounting, finance and marketing for me which kept me interested and passionate about my choice in majoring in it.

Describe your typical work day? A typical day for me involves Ordering, Reporting, Analysis and Administration Ordering: Ensure new release and promotional orders are transmitted to the distributor in line with the critical time plan across all retailers Reporting: Circulate standard reporting on an agreed frequency and act upon daily critical reporting Analysis: Order fulfilment analysis as requested and Street date violation analysis as requested. Support client forecasting process through the use of historical sales analysis of like titles if requested Administration: Any Point Of Sale errors (store or item) are to be rectified or communicated to the supplier representative and/or retailer within one week Ensure V-Net documentation for your vendor is kept up to date and relevant Manage open orders Manage ship confirmation errors

What do you enjoy the most about your work? The most enjoyable part of my job is that it’s a business/data analyst role, which involves a strong use of excel. It also provides a great balance between numerical skills and communication skills by keeping in touch with account managers. Also, being able to work with reputable suppliers such as Disney, Sony and Village road show and managing the inventory of large retailers like Big W, Target and Sanity makes what I do all that much better.

Is your work different to what you learnt while at university? Absolutely, especially from the theory related subjects I did. From the subjects that I did study, Econometrics and Business Statistics are the most similarly related to what I do. Usually people tend to dwell on the difficulty of these subjects, but if you manage to preserve through the subjects and get a credit it wouldn’t be that much more difficult than what you will do in the workforce.

What advice would you give future graduates majoring in economics?

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If you love economics like myself then I would suggest taking a few more years to study by doing either an honours or masters degree. After completing my degree I found it quite difficult to find a job as I was competing with so many other people that had a bachelors degree, but after doing my honours degree it became a lot easier because I was competing only against a couple dozen instead of a few hundred people.


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RESOURCES


YOUR FUTURE HUMAN RESOURCES

BSOC CAREERS GUIDE

University of Technology Sydney

YOUR FUTURE : IN HUMAN RESOURCES Human Resource Management (HRM) is an important pillar for the successful operations of a business because afterall a business’ outputs are generated by people. HRM involves maintaining a workforce to ensure that all employees are equipped with the skillset necessary to perform their duties. It is heavily influenced by the law and commonly involves managing dispute resolution. It also drives the culture within a firm and can dictate an employee’s sense of fulfillment. HR is responsible for attracting, maintaining, developing and separating employees to and from a firm. The UTS business school equips its students with the knowledge of the responsibilities required to be an effective HR manager. The HR major explores the domestic and international elements that influence firms. It integrates management theory and practice to benefit all stakeholders that a firm affects.

GRADUATE POSITIONS:

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Human Resources Officer Payroll Consultant Recruitment Consultant Safety Officer Employee Relations Coordinator Learning and Development Officer Staff Development Officer Training Coordinator People and Culture Specialist

CAREER PROGRESSION: Corporate Advisor Human Resources Manager Human Resources Business Partner Trades and Labour Manager Work Health and Safety Manager Account Manager

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REAL WORK REAL EXPERIENCES REAL OPPORTUNITIES Are you looking to take your career to new heights? Do you want to be part of creating workspaces of the future? As a market leading real estate group, DEXUS owns and manages a high quality office, industrial and retail property portfolio. We offer a range of Graduate opportunities for emerging professionals in finance, funds management, property development, investment management and more. Be a part of shaping the skyline.

APPLY FOR THE 2017 GRADUATE PROGRAM AT FUTURE.DEXUS.COM

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PROFILE OF A PEOPLE & CULTURE ADVISOR What is HR?

Essentially the purpose of Human Resource Management is to maximise the productivity of an organisation by optimising the effectiveness of its employees. It is concerned with the development of both individuals and the organisation in which they operate to achieve shared outcomes.

How does HR affect the operational capacity of DEXUS Property Group? At DEXUS we refer to the HR function as People and Culture as this better reflects our holistic view that great people and culture creates business outcomes. We operate through initiatives such as resourcing, workforce organisation and utilisation, professional development and performance management.

What is the difference between Management and HR Management? HR Management is the branch of management that focuses on the most effective use of people to achieve organisational goals. Management relates to specific tasks and responsibilities of employees and teams and managing their performance. At DEXUS we believe the two go hand in hand and we work as business partners to create a high performance culture.

What has been the highlight of your career to date?

Completing my Masters in Human Resource Management was definitely a highlight as it enabled me to access some great work opportunities. The highlight of my working career so far would be the involvement in programs impacting new recruits at DEXUS. I’ve helped create DEXUS’s new employee induction program as well as facilitated its new graduate program. This program will not only assist DEXUS’s graduates to develop their skills but has also influenced my personal development as a HR professional.

Describe your typical day.

The interesting thing about People and Culture is that there really isn’t really a typical day. It can range from working on specific projects and managing employee relations issues to facilitating learning and development and managing administration work.

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by Naomi Wright People & Culture Advisor DEXUS Property Group


PROFILE IN HUMAN RESOURCES by Julia Kha People & Culture Advisor Bachelor of Media (Communications & Journalism), Master of Commerce (Human Resources Major) Chartered Accountants Australia & New Zealand

In my current role, I am mainly responsible for anything and everything people related, in particular, the people lifecycle at Chartered Accountants Australia & New Zealand (CA ANZ). This means my work includes end to end recruitment, onboarding, providing advice and assisting with all queries related to pay, leaving the organisation and much more. Another part of my role is to report on HR analytics including, headcount analysis, leave analysis, turnover analysis, demographic analysis and Work, Health & Safety reporting which includes the usage and key themes of our Employee Assistance Program. HR is all about the people, where other roles in the business have ‘customers’ or ‘members’, we have our ‘people’, who are the forefront of our beliefs and what we do. Given this, I firmly believe that being passionate about what you do and what your people want and need is a very important aspect of Human Resources. Towards the end of my Bachelors in Communications (minoring in HR) I realised that I had more interest in HR theory with a curiosity about people and motivations. This translated into the passion I have for people and a thirst for knowledge in HR especially in the practical sense. Applying this theory to practice was one of the more exciting things I was looking forward to at that time. I jumped at the first available opportunity to join a company as the HR Assistant/ Intern where I quickly learned their HR processes, roles and responsibilities. Having found that HR wasn’t all about recruitment, I found myself in a permanent role as a HR Coordinator where I was able to gain more skills and knowledge about the HR Function. Beginning last year, I felt I wanted to take my career a step further and started looking for a role that included advising to people about HR process, functions and policies, which I found at CA ANZ. I have been here since and worked on many projects including the organisations’ culture journey, providing support and advice to senior managers and assisting the HR Business Partners in their projects. HR in a nutshell, is a support function that values the people of the organisation and to be part of such a function is exciting and rewarding all at the same time.

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From Psychometrics, Behaviourals & ACs to Offer Breaking down mental barriers to secure positions By Aiden Khamphet



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Step Guide:

Getting the Graduate job Of your Dreams By InternGradConsulting.com

1. Apply Early Applications for individual firms often are reviewed chronologically. So an early application will ensure you do not miss any quotas that could be filled if you apply too late.

2. Online Application The online application can be broken down into 2 key elements: 1. Resume/ Cover Letter - Ensure this is completed thoroughly and lists all key experiences, interests and appropriate information - Format of your cover letter and resume should be neat and easy to read 2. Online application questions - Majority of applications will require you to answer key information about your experience - Make sure you read up on the business culture, motto's and ethics to ensure your answers stand out

3. Psychometric, Behavioural and Numeric Testing Often seen as one of the most important sections of the application. Online testing is the main way firms screen out applications. The following steps will ensure you have the best chance to pass: 1. Practice! Practice! Practice! - There are many online tests which can help you 2. Be prepared - ensure before you start you have all adequate equipment (Calculator, pens and paper)

4. Assessment Centre/Interview So you have successfully completed steps 3-4 and have landed a spot in the assessment centre. This is often a 3 part process: 1. Group Interview - Usually aimed in solving a problem and working within a team environment 2. Online testing verification - Used to ensure that online testing was completed by you Highest number of tech IPOs in SE Asia 3. Interview - Whereby you interact directly with the business and it is determinied if you are a cultural fit.

Best economic records in Asia

If you want more insight to any of these steps - Contact the Inter Grad Consulting Team on info@interngradconsulting.com or visit www.interngradconsulting.com


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TIPS FROM HR HUMAN RESOURCES

BSOC CAREERS GUIDE

Valeska Halpin, Founder of One Shot

TIPS FROM A HR CONSULTANT Valeska Halpin, Careers Engagement Coordinator Chartered Accountants Australia & New Zealand

Your focus at university is concentrated on putting one foot in front of the other to conquer university, internships, casual jobs and a social life. Before you know it, you will have graduated and be competing with thousands of other grads for just a few roles. This process to secure a role can be daunting at the best of times, and deflating at the worst.

shoes are polished, hair is neat and nail polish is neutral and not chipped.

Behavioural based interviews

Start early

aka “tell me about a time when…”, If you haven’t prepared, it will be evident when employers ask you to draw upon specific experiences to support your application. Your answers are like a hot air balloon - without fire (substance), they are just hot air. Drawing upon instances where you have overcome challenges, worked toward a common goal, influenced stakeholders or negotiated an outcome will demonstrate your abilities to their full degree. The best interviewees draw on a wide range of examples to display their skills.

Point of difference

To best communicate these, the STAR (Situation Task Action Result) answer is best. Stick to this model, and fully explain what the result was in relation to the skill being assessed.

These top tips will put you in the best position to get your career off to a strong start:

Before applying The earlier you can start to build your experience the better. Experience can be in the form of casual employment which develops critical soft skills, or practical experience which complements your degree. When your resume is lined up with 1000 other graduate resumes, what is going to stand out about you? What makes you unique? What is your point of difference? Your demonstrated keenness to gain experience and further advance yourself will speak volumes when a graduate recruiter is sifting through resumes.

Get involved

Ending the interview

“Do you have any questions?” – Having quality questions to ask can leave a lasting impression. It demonstrates your interest and that you’ve been actively listening.

Add a rich dimension to your resume, getting actively involved in student societies, clubs or sporting teams will further enhance your appeal as an employee. The skills you gain such as negotiation, team work and working within budgets offer great opportunities for skill development and are appealing to employers.

One way to prepare for this is from you initial research. Write down five possible thought provoking questions that will allow you to dig deeper and leave a positive impression with the recruiter. If some of these are answered through the interview, you still have a couple up your sleeve.

The Interview

Do not hard close the interviewer by asking them for immediate feedback or thoughts on you as an applicant. When you find out if you are successful or not to the next stage, that is a better time to ask for feedback.

Preparation

Congratulations – you’ve scored an interview! Now what? The adage “fail to prepare, prepare to fail” could not be more true. Look at the organisations website, financial performance, news articles, competitors and talk to people who work in the industry. To provide a greater context, subscribe to industry newsletters, so you are aware what’s going on and possible impacts to the organisation.

Presentation

Invest in a good suit and if necessary, get it altered (this can be done cheaply) so that it fits. You want to look sharp, like you’re mirroring the dress code of the organisations employees. You don’t want to appear to be wearing a suit that you’re swimming in. Ensure

Don’t miss the boat

Be aware of key application dates. Are you in your final year? Did you know that most of the graduate positions for a 2017 commencement will be recruited before May 2016? Ensure you get in now to avoid missing out.

Face-to-face with employers

Meet employers face to face at the UTS Careers Fair on March 21, 2016. For any accounting or commerce students, Chartered Accountants ANZ are hosting Employment Evening on Wednesday 9 March 2016 at Luna Park. To register go to: http://goo.gl/WPKFwl

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

BSOC CAREERS GUIDE University of Technology Sydney

THANKYOU TO UTSACTIVATE & UTS BUSINESS SCHOOL

A special thank you must go to Activate Social Clubs and UTS Business School for the sponsorship of the 2016 UTS Business Society Careers Guide and Launch, of which neither would have been possible without their assistance. The Society would like to extend our thanks to Professor Roy Green, Dean of UTS Business School, as well as the Activate UTS Staff for their generosity and commitment to the society and the guide. We are certain the guide will incite our peers to explore dynamic business opportunities, and trust that they will find the guide a useful tool in their future career considerations. Sincerely, The Careers Team of UTS Business Society

THANK YOU TO UTS BUSINESS SOCIETY COMMITTEE The UTS Business Society (UTS Bsoc) is a dynamic student-run organisation that strives to enhance the university experience for our members through educational, vocational and social programs and events. Without our hard working team, UTS Bsoc wouldn’t be what it is today – so a big thank you to our entire committee and all those that contributed to the guide.

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BSOC CAREERS GUIDE

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

University of Technology Sydney

THANKYOU TO OUR SPONSORS

SOCIETY SPONSORS

GOLD SPONSORS

SILVER SPONSORS

BRONZE SPONSORS

GUIDE CONTRIBUTORS

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

BSOC CAREERS GUIDE University of Technology Sydney

THANKYOU TO MY CAREERS TEAM I am deeply indebted to my Careers team members for giving their dedication and passionate commitment to this guide. I would like to extend my heartfelt appreciation to Will, Lauren, Dee, Jon and Claire for your time and contributions over the last few months – without which this guide would not have been such a success. I am certain that we will continue to transform the Careers portfolio to reach new heights of creative excellence and achievement due to the hard work you put in for the Society. It is only fitting I end with a corny business-joke – the biggest assets of this guide are not its pages, but the people who put it together. Thanks team! Sincerely, Julia Krapeshlis, Careers Director of UTS Business Society 2016

Special thank you to our graphic designer, Alvin, who worked behind the scenes to create a new and vibrant Careers Guide. Please view his work at alvinzhongcofa.tumblr.com or au.linkedin.com/in/alvin-zhong-385403a6 90


Credit to Our photographers : Judy Zhu Anna Zhu Andrew Worssman Nathan Rodger Damien Pleming


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