Case Study – Ben
Before I came to Prograd, I had worked in a few varied roles, administration, with a Chartered Accountant and with in a Kitchen Sales role. I then went to Wollongong University to complete my Commerce Degree.
The assessment day was a little stressful. Many things going on, having to perform in front of an audience, and knowing you are being evaluated. That said, the Prograd staff were most helpful, and enthusiastic, and did their utmost to ensure we all made it through without too much discomfort.
I was selected during the Assessment day to interview with a well known company, and was very excited, unfortunately I was unsuccessful with this interview, but it was only a couple of weeks until my Prograd Account Manager had me at an interview with an Optus Reseller, Communications Junction. The interview was successful, and the employment proposal I had been advised to write by Prograd proved very useful and in fact impressive to the interview panel. Although I was quite nervous before hand, I settled down once I was called in and had a very interesting successful interview. I selected this role as I wanted experience with a large company, and the chance to ‘earn my stripes’ or prove myself and hopefully be invited to join the Optus family directly.
I am currently a Business Development Executive for Optus directly. One of only 20 positions nationally. My role is currently split between growing a portfolio of accounts (account management) And generating new business opportunities (Business Development).
Optus is the second largest telecommunications provider in the Australian Market, Optus was purchased by Singtel in 2001. I work within the SMB market segment, where we target business within the 5 – 200 space.
My advice to other graduates who thinking of applying to ProGrad would be to Definitely go for it. It can be quite daunting to try and find a role when you first finish your degree, Prograd is perfect for reliving some of that stress as they will help you find potential roles that suit you. They helped me initially and the ongoing training has helped me formulate a strategy for my day to day activities.