ProGrad look at the Buzz around Google…
April 22, 2010 by ProGrad · Leave a Comment
You’ve heard of Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, Myspace, and YouTube, but have you heard of Google Buzz? ProGrad have been investigating the latest in social media which may alter the media landscape once again.
This new social networking feature was launched by Google Inc three weeks ago through their Gmail service, and being the world’s No.1 search engine, has the capacity to outrank all social networking sites. Google have a phenomenal brand within the graduate arena and this might have an impact on the way in which candidates use social media to find roles. Websites such as linkedin.com have proven to be a successful method of searching for roles whilst offering a myriad of online groups for business networking and sharing information.
With Google Buzz people can post updates (similar to Twitter), but choose if they would like to share it with the rest of the world or with a select number of people. There is also the option of a mobile phone application, and already teamed with google chat, it mirrors both Twitter and Facebook.
Isar Yousaf, Founder of Inka Technology Ltd, has recently come on board the team at Google Buzz and is by no means threatened by any competition from other networking sites, “this is the war too, we have resources, we have talented minds and we will kill the fire with our exceptional Google Buzz applications.” He said.
This loud scream of success may just be the way of our future with Google Buzz not limiting itself to social interaction alone. They plan to develop Buzz to benefit multinationals, entrepreneurs and particularly small and mid-sized business owner with new strategic Buzz applications.
It does sound almost too good to be true. As with any of the social media sensations, it is down to the user to establish what they are looking to achieve, and choose the vehicle they are most comfortable using. One thing is for sure, social media cannot be ignored any longer and our recommendation is to jump on board as quickly as possible.
Our business has a heavy use on Linkedin.com along with a small presence on Facebook, Twitter and Flickr. 
Does social media do much for our brand? It is hard to say. One thing it does offer, is an opportunity to listen to, and interact with our audience. It is likely to be a matter of time before ProGrad jump on the Google Buzz Bandwagon! And no doubt, as soon as we have, you’ll be hearing about it on Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin and Flickr…and so the social media merry-go-round continues….
ProGrad can be reached on 02 8235 8300 or on info@prograd.com.au
GRADUATE SALES AND MARKETING POSITION
March 18, 2010 by ProGrad · Leave a Comment
- Great CBD location
- Great verbal communication skills needed
- Multiple positions available
Prograd is Australia’s leading assessment, training and placement organisation, working with recent University graduates and assisting them to secure roles within the corporate sales divisions of leading organisations.
A diverse range of positions are currently available for any graduate with an interest in the business to business sales and marketing sector. Available positions include:
• Graduate Sales Executive
• Graduate Sales & Marketing Consultant (National & Multinational Companies)
• Graduate Marketing Assistant
• Lead Generation/ Marketing position
• Client Services Representative
• Graduate Online Sales ExecutiveProGrad work with over 600 organisations across Australia, including Sage, Microsoft, Dell, Fairfax and News. If you are looking for an entry-level opportunity within a corporation, please calle the ProGrad office and ask to speak to a Graduate Manager.
FANTASTIC GRADUATE OPPORTUNITY - GLOBAL ENTERPRISE
March 18, 2010 by ProGrad · Leave a Comment
- Looking for someone who is a quick learner
- Someone who is well organised
- Highly motivated
Our client is a global enterprise that is looking to bring a graduate on board their team. They are looking for someone who is energetic, a fast learner and who has a drive to succeed.
They are a fast paced, exciting company to work for and enjoy large growth year on year.
The key objectives of the job are to be responsible for promoting the company’s range of filtration products and will involve;
- Develop and implementing plans
- Establishing call schedules
- Identify and develop potential new customers
- Develop an understanding of each particular account’s business
- Develop sales strategies to increase salesThe right person for this role will possess:
• Ability to pick up new concepts quickly
• Strong “Learning “ethic
• PC competency.
• Strong time management / organisation skills.
• High level presentation skills
• A high level of communication skills
• Multi tasking ability
• Ability to work with a team of different age groups and strong personalities.
• Ability to think creatively “outside the square” to develop solutions to problems, issues and plans that exceeds expectations.If this sounds like the role for you, please contact the ProGrad office and speak to a graduate manager.
*To be eligible for this position you need to have completed your degree*
ProGrad Assessment Day, how to dress
March 16, 2010 by ProGrad · Leave a Comment
Dress-code for the assessment day:
ProGrad recommend that you wear business dress for the assessment day. We have a number of Clients that we invite to attend the assessment day who will be viewing you in this interview situation. We would recommend you wear full business dress in order to appeal to any potential employers that might be present.
For the guys:
We would recommend a full business suit (if you have one) along with a tie. A lot of the businesses we work with are looking for a corporate/ professional image from our graduates. In order to maximize your appeal, we would recommend no facial hair, a good haircut and no facial piercing. If you don’t yet own a business suit, just give us a call and let us know prior to the day.
For the girls:
The general rule is to “dress for business, not for fashion”. Again, we recommend a clean, professional, corporate image. This is easy to achieve with a dark business suit and a plain white blouse. If you don’t have a business suit, simply ensure you are wearing a smart skirt/ trousers with a professional looking shirt. Approach this session exactly as you would an interview.
If you have any questions about what to wear at the ProGrad assessment day, please feel free to call our Graduate Management Team on 02 8235 8300. Alternatively, you can visit our website which also offers more information www.prograd.com.au
Feedback - recently placed ProGrad graduate
March 16, 2010 by ProGrad · Leave a Comment
Hey Virginia,
I’m well thanks how are you?
Certainly enjoyed the week in Sydney, unsurprisingly the next few weeks haven’t been quite as good. The first couple of weeks have been okay, been a tad difficult talking to clients when I really don’t know that much yet, and had to perform a few monotonous tasks however thats to be expected. However once I have a firm grasp of insurance and the different products, and am settled in a role i certainly think I will enjoy it though.
As a company JLT are an excellent employer. Everyone is really sociable and have good sense of humour. Also there seems a lot of opportunity to advance in the insurance industry in general. Many of the brokers I’m working with don’t have a degree, however were promoted from admin/ data entry roles so i think i can go a long way particulary given the advantage I have of making this program.
Actually had a question for you- was just wondering whether or not we will still attend the prograd training days given the fact that we are in a graduate program as opposed to a usual grad position?
Thanks again for all your help, hope you’ve been well.
Dan - Insurance
ProGrad Assessment Day Tips
March 11, 2010 by ProGrad · Leave a Comment
Dress-code for the assessment day:
ProGrad recommend that you wear business dress for the assessment day. We have a number of Clients that we invite to attend the assessment day who will be viewing you in this interview situation. We would recommend you wear full business dress in order to appeal to any potential employers that might be present.
For the guys:
We would recommend a full business suit (if you have one) along with a tie. A lot of the businesses we work with are looking for a corporate/ professional image from our graduates. In order to maximize your appeal, we would recommend no facial hair, a good haircut and no facial piercing. If you don’t yet own a business suit, just give us a call and let us know prior to the day.
For the girls:
The general rule is to “dress for business, not for fashion”. Again, we recommend a clean, professional, corporate image. This is easy to achieve with a dark business suit and a plain white blouse. If you don’t have a business suit, simply ensure you are wearing a smart skirt/ trousers with a professional looking shirt. Approach this session exactly as you would an interview.
If you have any questions about what to wear at the ProGrad assessment day, please feel free to call our Graduate Management Team on 02 8235 8300. Alternatively, you can visit our website which also offers more information www.prograd.com.au
GRADUATE IT BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITY!
March 9, 2010 by ProGrad · Leave a Comment
- Looking for a graduate who delivers strong communication skills
- Someone who is money hungry and has a drive to succeed
- Someone who is hungry to learn
Do you want to work for a multibillion dollar company with unlimited career opportunities? Are you a recent graduate who’s motivated and driven? Do you want to be financially rewarded for your efforts? If YES read on!!
This company is an international information technology company whose mission is to provide its clients with simple IT solutions. They are one of the country’s most reputable organisations and service some of Australia’s largest companies.
This company is growing rapidly and is looking to expand their team in Australia. They are focused on the development of their staff and are committed to maintaining the enjoyable and exciting nature that has been established in their workplace.
They are looking to find a recent graduate to fill the role of “Business Development Executive”. This role will allow you to learn all about the company and its extensive range of products and services before progressing into other areas of the business.
Your duties will include responding to enquiries generated by national advertising, preparing proposals for clients, developing and maintaining client relationships, assisting with customer enquiries and providing solutions to customer troubles.
To be successful in this role, you will need to be very energetic and enthusiastic. You will have superior communication and people skills, as well as have the ability to multi-task. The discipline studied for your degree is not relevant as long as you’re hungry to learn and have the right attitude.
This company recognises the importance of training and development. The successful candidate will be provided with extensive training in-house as well as through ProGrad.
Apply now to avoid disappointment as this role is set to be very popular!If you are interested in this role, please contact the ProGrad office and speak to a Graduate Manager.
FANTASTIC GRADUATE FMCG POSITION
March 9, 2010 by ProGrad · Leave a Comment
- Great CBD Location
- Excellent incentives and bonuses
- Immediate start!
This is a great opportunity for a graduate to expand in the business world and work within a respectable FMCG company.
Our client offers valuable progression within the company and you have the chance to move up into the desired role of Account Manager / Territory Manager.
The primary responsibilities of the role are:
• Sales Reporting Process
• Internal Account Management
• Upselling / Cross Selling
• Sales Administration
• Presentations
• Weekly Communication of Pricing & Promotional Program to customers & internal departments
• Weekly facilitation of communication and response of weekly customer complaints
• Weekly administration of customer claims / accruals / credits
• Preparation of business manager / account manager presentations to customers
• Collection of sales and market share report dataIf you are confident, ambitious, driven and have a hunger to succeed in business, then don’t miss this opportunity and apply now!
If you are interested in this role, please contact the ProGrad and ask to think to a Graduate Manager.
*To be eligible for this position, you must have completed your degree*
ProGrad Case Study - Shadi
March 9, 2010 by ProGrad · Leave a Comment
I completed a bachelor of applied finance and a bachelor or Economics at Macquarie University but I did not apply for any graduate roles in my final year at university, due to an overseas exchange opportunity.
The found the assessment day to be a stressful experience, it was competitive but effective! It was a long day!
I selected the role I have because I really like the culture of the company, even though it was completely outside my field of study. I felt like there were lots of growth opportunities for me.
I work for a IT consultancy company with 6 lines of business, 1000+ employees Australia wide.
My role is licensing solutions specialist, dealing with exsiting clients.
I really liked sharing work experiences with the other graduates on training. It was great learning to do my job effectively when dealing with clients.
Shadi - IT
Case Study - Melissa
March 8, 2010 by ProGrad · Leave a Comment
My work experience prior to applying to ProGrad was Manager at KFC for about 6 years. I studied Business Management and graduated one year ago.
I didnt know what to expect throughout the ProGrad Assessment Day, I wasn’t sure what would be considered well-preformed or not. The presentation was nerve racking but the activities were quite enjoyable.
During the Interview process, I had to do a 5 minute presentation on what I know about the company and why I should be selected. The interview was very informative with about 5 people interviewing me!
I now work in a Customer Service role dealing with clients on a dialy basis and ensuring jobs are effectively planned, organised and monitored.
In terms of the ProGrad training courses, I really liked the wide variety of content, the trainer and the appropriate time of the courses, I was not out of the office for long periods of time.
My advice to other graduates who are thinking of applying to ProGrad is to apply and take the time to prepare. Be yoursef and be proactive.