Job ads on the rise!
March 18, 2010 by ProGrad · Leave a Comment
Interesting read on the increase of job advertisements posted online over the past month
http://www.smh.com.au/business/job-ads-rebound-with-record-jump-20100309-ptol.html
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*
Feedback - Levi, Sydney
March 17, 2010 by ProGrad · Leave a Comment
“Thanks for the email, great to hear from you. The new job is great, I realise the more I’m here how much there is to learn, but it’s a good feeling knowing that I’m in an environment where I can do that.”
“Training week was very advantageous in learning the ‘roots’ of the profession and beginning to build a business network. Michael is very good at training and kept us interested.”
“Myself and the other grads are about to undertake the first two modules of our Diploma in Financial Services (Broking) which will be good to further our professional development.”
“I’d love to be able to keep in touch as the role continues.”
Levi - Sydney
Feedback - Elizabeth, Perth
March 17, 2010 by ProGrad · Leave a Comment
“My first few weeks have certainly been interesting. Sydney was quite an information overload, though highly enjoyable. For the next 5 months I have been placed in the “second” office in Perth – which focuses on Local Government Risk Services. I spent the first week meeting colleagues and familiarising myself with Company information, and now have begun my first rotation with the Broking department, where I will be for a month, I believe”
“I have basically been handed over the ‘Marketing Portfolio’ for this branch, due to my Marketing background. This is great, as it is not a full-time job within this organisation, and can fit this in with the other work that I am doing. We are about to begin our Diploma of Finance, also.”
“Hope that all is well on the other side of the country and that you enjoy your week.”
Elizabeth - Perth
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.
A good graduate employer?
March 4, 2010 by ProGrad · Leave a Comment
We’re always keen to find out what you think makes a good graduate employer. We conduct several surveys at ProGrad to identify what motivates a graduate to accept a role with an employer.
Is it because of the career progression on offer? Perhaps its because of the management team and the chemistry experienced there. Perhaps it is the reward structure on offer.
The bottom line is, the reasons will vary depending on each individual and their key drivers to take a graduate position. Each individual is driven by different things at the start of their career. Ambitious graduates are looking for high levels of exposure, whereas a more cautious graduate is looking for structure and support from their employer.
It’s important that as a job seeker you are able to define what makes a good employer for YOU. What is it that you’re looking for? Once you have established this, you’ll find it easier to highlight the roles that suit your requirements. In the interview process, you’ll again find it easier to identify which employer would be able to offer the right career path for you.
As a recent graduate myself, I remember being unclear about what I was looking for in terms of a job role and responsibilities. I could however, identify the culture of the company I was looking for, and knew the amount of responsibility I wanted in a role. I was able to identify the progression opportunity I was looking for also, and consequently was able to find an employer which could support my own goals.
Working with graduates who are looking for jobs can be both inspiring and disappointing, all in the same day. From a recruiter’s perspective, it is far easier to work with a graduate who is able to articulate and describe the environment which they need to be successful. Once we can identify this, the rest comes a lot easier. If candidates themselves are unsure about their requirements, it makes our role as a recruiter even more difficult!
So, to summarise here are some tips:
1) Think about the environment you need (large, small, autonomous, supportive)
2) Think about the people you need around you
3) Think about the level of responsibility you are comfortable taking on
The content of the role is not something to be concerned about during an interview process. If all of the other factors are in place, the role will prove to be enjoyable!
If you have any queries regarding this post, please don’t hesitate to contact the ProGrad office.
Virginia - Prograd
What to do if you’re unsure about a career step…
March 2, 2010 by ProGrad · Leave a Comment
Many graduates upon leaving University are struck with an unsure nature around the type of roles they should be applying for. This is entirely natural considering a lack of experience to this point.
For many candidates this can seem unsettling and this uncertainty can lead to poor decisions around accepting jobs. This might even lead into a candidate leaving a role after a few short months.
To avoid this, we would strongly recommend doing RESEARCH! This is a key skill learned at University, throughout your time there and this skill MUST be utilised when applying for jobs.
Don’t be too specific about the role or industry initially, but rather think about areas like:
What is the culture of the company I see myself working in? Is it relaxed, or formal?
What type of environment would I be happy in? Team based, autonomous, desk bound, visiting people?
What kind of progression would I like to see? Do you want to get into management?
What motivates me? Is it recognition? Reward? Money? Success?
Even think about what you would wear to work? Is it relaxed wear? Is it casual? Do you want to wear a suit every day?
Once you have thought about these “cultural” areas, seek some advice some careers advisers/ friends/ family members. People close to you will know you and might have suggestions about what you would be suited to as a career.
When it comes to picking a role, it’s important to think about THE OVERALL OPPORTUNITY! Your first role should develop, but only if you demonstrate an ability to progress. Your salary will increase along with your skill sets. One thing won’t change dramatically overnight, is the culture of the business!
If you have any queries, please dont hesitate to contact the ProGrad office - 02 8235 8300.
Virginia - Graduate Development Manager
Feedback from a recently placed ProGrad candidate
March 1, 2010 by ProGrad · Leave a Comment
Hi Virgnia,
I Just thought it’s about time to say hello from my new workplace- thanks to you! Week 3 is coming to an end, and to be honest I really loving it here. It’s exactly what I was looking for. The company is fantastic, work colleagues supportive- things could not be better, perhaps the pay could be higher but it’s only a matter of time for my commissions to start coming.
I sent my friend Grace to come and see you; she is also a recent graduate. She has already landed a fantastic job, thanks to you guys.
Anyways, I just wanted to say hello and wish to be in touch, you guys are awesome and so glad I came to Prograd- you guy’s rock.
Thanks once again!
Business and Commerce Graduate - University of Western Sydney - Australia
ProGrad and Graduatejobs
February 5, 2010 by ProGrad · Leave a Comment
ProGrad owns and maintains a graduate jobs board which can be found at www.graduatejobs.com.au
The intention of this website is to connect graduate job seekers with potential employers. The service is free to use for graduates and prospective employers and hopes to solve any issues around the difficulties currently experienced from job seekers at the entry-level.
ProGrad is a graduate recruitment company, however in launching a graduate jobs board we do hope to ensure that graduates have a variety of options regardless of their career objectives. At ProGrad, our core specialisation is in placing graduates into B2B sales roles. Clearly not all graduates are interested in that line of work, and therefore graduatejobs.com.au offers an alternative.
We hope that the jobs board will start to grow organically over forthcoming months and years and we hope to leave it as a free service to utilise. If ever you have any questions about the service, for job seekers or for employers - please contact our office on 02 8235 8300.