ProGrad Melbourne

Do You Need to Be Famous to Be Entrepreneurial?

Larissa Ham recently wrote an article on www.smallbusiness.smh.com.au that questioned just how easy it is for celebrities to become successful entrepreneurs and business owners.  

When referring to celebrities such as Jennifer Lopez, Greg Norman, Oprah Winfrey, Elle McPherson and George Foreman, Lam states that “Some have achieved wild success; others have stumbled, while one has punched and grilled his way to megabucks.”

These celebrities have already captured fame, now they are looking for new ways to capture success and fortune. Whether they are selling clothing, books, perfume or documentary videos, these big names are taking over a large portion of the entrepreneur sector without even trying.

Tom Hastwell, is an entrepreneur that travels around Sydney, inspiring school leavers on how they can form a successful business, without being branded a celebrity first. ‘‘You’ve got to have faith in what you’re doing and that has to be unwavering. The only person who’s going to believe in your business is you so it’s your job to sell that belief to anyone who becomes involved.’’ Tom Hastwell.

Some of Tom’s tips on how to launch a big idea include:

• Always be on the lookout for opportunities and new contacts.
• Everyone will tell you it can’t be done. Ignore them!
• Be passionate about your business — this will inspire others around you.
• Don’t be in it for the money. Do it because you enjoy it; the money will come.
• Networking is a fancy word for being brave and talking to people.
• Surround yourself with good people: business partners, employees, mentors, friends.

Sophie

ProGrad is an assessment, training and placement centre that specialises in providing university graduates with entry level business to business sales roles in fast growing international organisations. For more information please call us directly on 02 8235 8300 or visit our website at www.prograd.com.au

Issues facing graduate recruitment

A survey of graduates by ‘Graduate Careers Australia’ has found that the relationship between the graduate and their direct line supervisor is the most important factor when deciding whether to change employers. This statistic reiterates the importance and influence of direct line managers on the success of graduates within companies. It was also found that the most common strategy in increasing retention was regular internal training and development programs coupled with structured appraisals on a quarterly basis. Through internal findings, it has also been discovered that the other factors in a graduate’s success include a clear progression path and mentorship from an experienced member of the organisation.

ProGrad is an assessment, training and placement centre that specialises in placing graduates with fast growing international companies within business to business sales roles. If you would like more information on our services, please call us directly on 02 8235 8300 or visit our website www.prograd.com.au

ProGrad Case study – Robert

I completed a Bachelor of commerce (HRM) at the University of Wollongong part time while working in an OHS type role for a contractor at BlueScope steel.

I found the assessment day to be a great learning experience and a great setting to get me out of my comfort zone and build my confidence. It was definitely a challenging day, but certainly worth it.

Following the assessment day I was placed out to an interview with a FMCG company. My first interview was actually with the CEO of the organisation. I think he was looking to see if I would fit into the culture of the organisation. Following this interview I met with the operations manager of the company for a more comprehensive interview to determine whether I was right for the specific role. Thankfully I was successful through the process and accepted the role straight away as it was the exactly what I was looking for.

My company is primarily involved in the supply chain solutions with partnerships with Woolworths and Coles. I am working in a HR and OH&S role which involves monitoring and updating procedures and ensuring safe working conditions.

The ProGrad training is based on reality, which is something that is very beneficial in a learning environment despite me not being in a sales environment. Kingsley is a very effective trainer. He understands the candidate and understands what they are looking for.

For the ProGrad assessment day I would advise to prepare, be confident and stay open…

- Robert (ProGrad graduate)

What Interpersonal Style Do You Have?

When working in the business world, it is important to know your personality type, and that of the client or customer you are dealing with. Knowing how to interact with different personality types can often be the differentiating factor between an unsuccessful and successful business meeting.

Introverted                                                                              Extroverted                                            

                                    Reserved                                                                                          Outgoing

ProGrad specialises in assessing, training and placing graduates with fast growing international companies. For more information on how we can help you, please contact ProGrad on 02 8235 8300 or see our website www.prograd.com.au

ProGrad Case Study – Ben

I’ve grown up on the lower North Shore and went to high school at St Ignatius, Riverview for my schooling. I attended to Macquarie university and completer a bachelor of Commerce. Whilst at uni I worked for 5 years in a sales and Marketing position for a product wholesaler which gave me a fantastic grounding for my current role.

If I had to describe the assessment day in 3 words it would be – Grueling, confrontational and Eye-opening. Following the assessment day I was scheduled for 3 interviews and decided to go with the last one as the company had a fantastic reputation and I had a keen interest in what they did through the financial industry.

My position is a Business Development Executive and the purpose of my role is to prospect and gain commitment from key decision makers across a variety of vertical markets that have an interest in foreign exchange.   

People think of applying to ProGrad should give it a go. There is nothing to lose besides half a day!

-Ben.

ProGrad case study – Richard

I was born in South Africa and have lived in Australia for 7 years. I have a degree in accounting and international business. I previously worked in an accounting firm for more than 2 years, along with over 10 years experience in the hospitality industry.

The ProGrad assessment day was definitely a challenge, but it has allowed me to gain valuable information about an area of business that was completely new to me. After the assessment day I was proposed for an interview at a conferencing company. The interview went really well, I got along great with both people throughout the process and the technology side of the business’s offerings was definitely something that attracted me to the company.

My role is that of a ‘role out and implementation specialist’. This incorporates everything from training new users through to assisting 12 sales reps with daily tasks. My role is varied and has allowed me to gain a great understanding about a majority of the functional areas within the business. The ProGrad training was very relevant to my role and has helped my progress to the position I am in now.

Finally, just advice from my experience. The ProGrad assessment day is about being confident, not arrogant. Make sure you get involved but don’t try to overpower everyone. You need to talk about things that make sense and that are relevant. Don’t just talk for the sake of talking!

-       Richard.

Be Proactive in Your Job Hunt

As fewer people are leaving companies, and fewer opportunities are being created, the job market has become a rather difficult place for candidates. 

Those candidates who are taking a proactive approach to their job hunt are definitely maximizing their chances. 

In the past, it was common place for candidates to send through a resume and wait for a phone call.  These days, there are so many applications being received for roles, that candidates now need to be more proactive.

Here are our recommendations for getting noticed in a crowded market:

 * Prior to sending an application, make a phone call.  Speak to someone directly, introduce yourself and ask for direct contact details.  At least you know someone feels directly responsible for your application

2)      * Follow up on any application sent.  Don’t simply assume that you will be contacted from a potential employer.  The job market has changed!  We strongly recommend picking up the phone and calling to chase up your application.  Call after 24 hours of sending your details.

3)      * Demonstrate your enthusiasm!!  This is again best done on the telephone, so if you are calling up to chase an interview, sound enthusiastic!!  If you are very keen on the role, then say so.

4)      * Ask questions, and ask about whether you can get an interview.  This is again a great demonstration of your enthusiasm for the role, and demonstrates a proactive nature.  Regardless of who or what you are applying for, all employers are interested in proactive people

5)      * Be prepared.  If you are offered an interview then be proactive in your preparation, and be more prepared than any other candidates they might be seeing

Things are becoming more and more competitive by the day.  Ensure that you are going the extra mile for any applications or interviews in order to be considered in the best light.

By Davinia

ProGrad are a graduate assessment, placement and training company.  If you would like to be considered for our roles, or receive more information about the graduate market place, please contact us on 02 8235 8300.  Alternatively, you can email us on info@prograd.com.au