18th Mar2010

FANTASTIC GRADUATE OPPORTUNITY – GLOBAL ENTERPRISE

by ProGrad
FANTASTIC GRADUATE OPPORTUNITY – GLOBAL ENTERPRISE
  • 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 sales

The 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*

17th Mar2010

Feedback – Levi, Sydney

by ProGrad

“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

17th Mar2010

Feedback – Elizabeth, Perth

by ProGrad

“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

08th Mar2010

Case Study – Melissa

by ProGrad

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.

04th Mar2010

A good graduate employer?

by ProGrad

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

17th Feb2010

Module 2 Training – Melbourne 11th-12th February – Graduate Feedback

by ProGrad

” Definitely got me thinking on my current approach, very relevant and adaptable. Kingsley is the master of S.P.I.N”

“Module 2 was relevant and founded a clear structure for approaching the sales process. The material was clear and effectively delivered and explained with relevant examples. We have regular product specific training and how to sell particular solutions but not ‘sales’ training specifically”

“Very good. Kingsley has communicated the techniques in an easy manner to understand. The feedback from everyone is genuine and very helpful. Keep up the good work Kingsley and ProGrad”

“Structured approach to face to face sales. Kingsley is an effective trainer”

“Really appreciated the valuable information in Module 2. I feel confident that I can go away and apply this in my everyday role. KINGSLEY - GREAT JOB! Excellent content – very applicable!”

17th Feb2010

Module 1 Training – Melbourne 8th-10th February

by ProGrad

“The material covered was extremly relevant and helpful. The training was very helpful and insightful as was the teacher. I really enjoyed the entire 3 days”

“I very much enjoyed the class. Given my role is not principally sales focussed, some of the material is not directly related, but generally all good stuff”

“While the subject matter was broad enough to encompass a veriety of industries, I still found it easy to apply key parts to my job and I look forward to applying it them. I liked the open discussions and workshop enviroment thyat was created”

“Great change to discuss ideas and concepts in an open forum. Content was extremely helpful and it gave us a good understanding of how we could apply it in the workplace. It was a fantastic 3 days, great content and enviroment to discuss our thoughts and ideas felt comfortable to discuss our ideas”

“Relevance was good, and applicable to my role. Very thorough and well guided. Excellent program, a good way to relate to people in similar situtations”

“Found all the material interesting and relevant to my role. Kingsley is a great trainer – very an informative and interesting person”

“Even though i have been in the role longer than I should have for this course, it has given me great insight for improvement”

10th Feb2010

Interview Feedback

by ProGrad

Part of my role as a Graduate Development Manager is to arrange candidate interviews with our client partners. I love my job and it’s just so satisfying when I get to place a candidate into the role of their dreams!

One thing to keep in mind when you are going out to interviews with ProGrad (or any recruitment company), is that you should always call your Account Manager as soon as you walk out of an interview! It’s really important to provide them with honest feedback straight away while it is still fresh in your mind. If you love the company and the role, then you must tell us. If we are aware that you really want the job then we will do everything we can on the client side, to get you locked in for a second interview, or even better, get you an offer on the table!  In saying that, if the interview went horribly and you didn’t like the opportunity at all, then you need to tell us so we know more about what you are looking for, and know not to put you out to similar opportunities like that in the future.

The key is to call us as soon as you get out of the interview and to remember that honesty is the best policy!

Please feel free to contact me in the ProGrad offices if you wish to discuss this further.

Virginia – ProGrad

30th Sep2009

What are the “glamorous” industries these days?

by ProGrad

Many graduates leave University and start applying for the “glamorous” looking roles.  Movies and TV shows have shown us the “cool” working environments in publishing houses, television studios, online media companies and naturally, there is a preconception attached to these roles.  They look great on the surface, but are they really that glamorous?

ProGrad work on behalf of hundreds of companies across Australia in a variety of industries.  The glamorous indsutries are part of that client base and we are forever hearing from employers about their frustrations during the interview process.  On meeting recent graduates and asking the question, “why would you want to work here?” the answers can be less than impressive.  Quite often, graduates are unable to articulate WHY they’re even applying for those roles. 

Here are the hard facts:

In any company (glamorous company or otherwise), you will be starting at the bottom.  The length of time in that company is dependent on YOU and your attitude/ ability.  Some of the most senior/ successful people you will encounter in those companies will have started their careers at the bottom.  They will be expecting the same from you.

When asked what you’re looking for, you need to explain WHY the ROLE appeals to you.  The company, the glamour and the perception you might have about the nature of the working environment is next to irrelevant during the interview process.

Successful candidates in an interview can articulate why they want the ROLE, and provide examples of why they’re appropriate for the role.

Just quietly, between you and me, the best opportunities don’t always lie in the “glamorous” companies.  Our advice is always to keep an open mind, you just never know what you could be missing out on.

ProGrad is an assessment, placement and training company.  If you would like to know more about our roles, and the opportunities available for graduates, please contact the ProGrad team now on 02 8235 8300.