Student & Graduate Career Profiles

Matthew Allan

Organisation Development Consultant, BDO
Bachelor of Psychology (Honours)
Masters of Psychology (Organisational and Human Factors)

I chose to study psychology for practical reasons – the degree starts off quite broad and becomes more specific in the latter years, it can lead to a large range of interesting jobs (that suit my personality style and career interests), and the degree provides a number of valuable skills from statistics through to extensive verbal (both written and oral) and interpersonal skills.

As I progressed through my psychology degree, it became clear that I wanted to help people in a business setting, which is why I chose to do a Masters in Organisational Psychology. As an Organisation Development Consultant I help companies and individuals in a workplace setting. I complete a variety of tasks on a day-to-day basis ranging from analysing data and writing reports through to meeting with clients and providing advice. I enjoy the variety and I can see how our work can make significant changes to businesses across Australia.

If you have had a part time or casual job whilst studying at university, there are a number of skills that you can draw on when writing your resume or being interviewed for a graduate position. It is important to consider what you have achieved and the skills you have picked up in your casual work, and how it translates to a job or workplace that you are applying for - make these clear in your resume and when in an interview!

It is always good to have demonstrable evidence for why you are suited to the job. Also ensure that you consider the company – its culture, goals and vision - is this a place that you want to work? When you start in a graduate position, building strong workplace relationships both within the organisation and outside of it will lead to future opportunities - don’t underestimate the importance of possessing good interpersonal skills and taking opportunities to network!

Carlisle White

Law Clerk, Finlaysons
Bachelor of Laws
Bachelor of Science

You can make a big difference to your employability in a short amount of time, and the Careers Service can help you along the way. I attended the Resume Club, took advantage of Careers Advice and individual appointments and also attended Careers Service events on campus.

The Careers Service provided me with thorough and detailed information about my resume and cover letter, the best way to conduct myself in interviews, what kinds of questions I was likely to be asked in that type of profession, how the recruitment process traditionally worked for those industries and more.

My advice for future students and graduates would be to ask as many questions as you can and to say yes to every opportunity.

Gurpinder Sidhu

Technical Officer, IMVS, Health SA
Bachelor of Science (Biotechnology), 2010 Graduate

Six years ago, I made an important decision to pursue my Bachelors degree with The University of Adelaide as an international student. Skills gained by part time jobs and regular participation in university events along with academics helped me to gain my current job as Technical Officer with Health SA, RAH.

I am greatly thankful to careers service who helped me to find a job when the whole economy was still stuck in recession. I was helped from writing my resume through until the interview.

My advice to students would be to never say no to any job opportunity that comes your way. Always try to indulge yourself in expos, career development week, extra-curricular activities and speak with academics.”

Barnam Bora

Global Technology Strategist, Microsoft
Bachelor of Engineering (Mechanical), 2012 Graduate

At the end of my third year studying a Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering I was looking for an internship opportunity to fulfil the work experience requirement for the degree. After a challenging period of applications and discussions with numerous prospective employers, I finally secured my dream opportunity - an internship with Microsoft!

My advice to students is to try and keep up with study while making sure you devote time to your professional objectives. Ask yourself “What do I want to get from this degree?” If the answer is: “a great job”, start thinking about it early.  Going to the Careers Expo is important but making sure that you immediately follow up your discussions with all prospective employers is usually what exponentially elevates your chances of securing your dream job. Write a new cover letter for every position – being original is the key to getting noticed. The onus is on you to market yourself attractively.  

Jen Simpson

Bachelor of Commerce (Marketing)

Through volunteering internationally and working with AIESEC (a global not for profit organisation entirely run by students), I have defined how I want to use my degree and developed the communication and leadership skills I need to get a head start in my career.

In 2009 I made the decision to defer University. I wanted to go on an international exchange program and took the opportunity to go to Malaysia for three months and work at an orphanage called Agathians Shelter. After returning from Malaysia I relocated to Sydney to undertake a one year position as Executive Director and Vice President of Marketing for AIESEC Australia. Having the opportunity to be the director of a company at 21 years old was a unique learning curve both personally and professionally. Most jobs only enable a gradual development experience, whereas I had the challenge of achieving a great deal in a short time frame.

The number one thing I have learnt so far is that your life doesn’t start when you graduate from University. With this in mind, it is important to study something that you are interested in and use your time at University to work out what you are passionate about. Then, develop the skills and networks that you need to get where you want to go.

Yesha Joshi

Government Trainee, SA Parliament's Legislative Council
Bachelor of Arts (Environmental Policy and Management)

As a student I have worked as a Government Trainee in the SA Parliament’s Legislative Council. At university you get to learn about political theories, whereas working in this field has allowed me to pick up on a broad range of political strategies. It is important that you can apply theoretical knowledge to your day to day job. I get to do that every day through applying what I’ve learnt in practical and tangible ways.

One of the things that I have found helpful at university is to join organisations and campus groups. I have been involved with the Young Greens for three years now and have picked up on skills throughout my involvement.

The most important thing to me was to figure out what I was passionate about. I think to achieve a green sustainable world you need to turn the minds of those in our Parliaments to these significant issues. My best advice is to get out there – don’t just think of university as lectures, exams and essays. It is much more than that. It is the experience that counts and making sure your career path has been catered to your passion and enthusiasm.

Damien Strum

Bachelor of Engineering (Chemical)

In my first year of chemical engineering, a degree I initially chose to keep my options open, my real passion lies with deep sea diving and I want to one day work offshore on oil rigs in a role where I liaise as the missing link between divers working below and engineers coordinating projects on the surface.

To improve the chances of realising my career goal, I attended the Careers Service Resume Club and was also critiqued in a mock interview. The feedback I received helped me to improve my delivery and gave me the confidence to approach potential employers. 

I have now secured part time work as a diving contractor, which has given me the opportunity to develop my employability skills and gain practical experience to complement my engineering qualifications.  I am certain this experience will set me aside from other engineers and mean I have something unique to offer an employer.

Daniel Ali

Graduate, PwC
Bachelor of Commerce (Management)
Bachelor of Engineering (Aerospace) 

During my time as a student at the University of Adelaide I have been fortunate enough to have been able to take advantage of the numerous opportunities that the university has to offer its students. These opportunities have included participation in social clubs and international exchanges.

The social clubs have enabled me to network with both students and professionals from numerous industries. The international exchanges, including one semester in the USA and 10 days in China, have opened up my eyes to what life is like outside of Australia. I further increased my international exposure when I undertook work experience in Japan as part of my engineering degree.

The University of Adelaide's Careers Service was a great help throughout the entire job seeking process. The service provided assistance with updating my resume and it also offered me the opportunity to meet and connect with prospective employers through the Careers Expo. These opportunities and my international experiences equipped me with skills and knowledge that helped me to gain my dream position, a graduate role with one of the ‘Big Four' accounting firms, PwC.

Adam Schwartzkopff

Graduate, Golder Associates
Bachelor of Engineering (Mining)

I gained work experience through an application for a summer research project scholarship at the University. I undertook this project at the end of third year however, I suggest applying for work experience as early as possible. This work experience turned my interest in geotechnical engineering into genuine experience.

I was in close contact with the Careers Service when I was applying for graduate roles. They were able to help with my cover letter, resume and interview skills. I recommend trying to seek as much advice as you can and then deciding for yourself what advice you are going to take on board.

Now I have secured a job with Golder Associates, one of the best geotechnical engineering consulting firms in the world. The decision to sign up was based on future opportunities and lifestyle. It is really important to apply to companies you are passionate about even if you do not think anything will happen...I thought nothing would eventuate and I landed my dream job!

Daniela (Bella) Jedrzejczak

Bachelor of Music Performance Honours (Classical Voice)

When I finished year 12 I wasn’t sure if I wanted to do physiotherapy, speech pathology or music.  I knew the first two career choices would be much more stable but I also knew I had to follow my heart and do something that I love.

The music industry is unpredictable and that’s why I’ve always taken advantage of every opportunity. You need to give everything a go, even if it seems silly at the time; you never know who you’ll meet and if it could lead onto something else.

Saying ‘yes’ to as many things as I can has enabled me to establish contacts within the music industry. This led to free flights overseas to perform, working with Co-Opera, and even vocal sessions with some of Europe’s accomplished opera singers.

Selina Cao

Graduate Officer, Department of Treasury and Finance

Master of Accounting and Finance

My first foot in the door at DTF was the graduate job advertisement on the University of Adelaide CareerHub website.

The public sector is quite different from the private sector and this has been challenging for me. So far the best moment of my job has been the positive feedback I received from my manager at my initial performance review.

At university I wish I had known that communication skills are the most important skills in work place and I should always seek to increase them.

Sunil Vyas

Master of Commerce (Accounting and Finance)

As an international student, on arrival in Australia I had mixed emotions. I realised quickly that I needed to find a part-time job to help me build my employability skills and gain valuable Australian based work experience for my résumé. Fortunately, I met many helpful people in the Careers Service at the university. They showed me how to transform and adapt my résumé and cover letter for the Australian corporate world.

Although I had my fair share of experience in job interviews and the selection process, the information provided by the Careers team gave me a completely new insight and prepared me for what was to come. After submitting various applications, I gained an interview with a retail company and was invited to participate in a group interview. The Careers Service team came to my rescue and helped me prepare. I felt confident going into my interview and was successful in winning a position.

I see this job as an important stepping-stone in my career development, helping me to prepare for a graduate role in the Accounting profession. Thanks to the staff at the Careers Service and my employer; this stage of my journey has been an exhilarating and informative experience. I urge everyone to approach the Careers Service to clear up any doubts or questions that they may have about the employment process.

Tom Swanson

Graduate, SA Water
Bachelor of Engineering (Civil and Environmental)
Bachelor of Science

During my years on campus, I endeavoured to get involved in both the academic and non-academic sides of university life. I held the position of an Executive Director of the Adelaide University Union and have been a member of numerous clubs. I gained new skills and personal satisfaction from these activities. In addition, I know that extra-curricular involvement in University life is highly regarded amongst employers, who value well rounded graduates.

During 2008, I worked part-time at the Department for Transport, Energy and Infrastructure (DTEI). I also participated in the DTEI vacation employment program. This experience provided me with an insight into what is expected of me as an engineering graduate. I also gained valuable exposure to a professional workplace environment. I see this as something that cannot be gained from a study program in isolation. Working at DTEI provided a link between study and work. I am confident that my experiences assisted me in making a smooth transition from study to work.

I didn’t have any previous experience with SA Water but I did my research and was successful through the recruitment process in gaining a graduate position. The Careers Service greatly assisted me in this transition process by providing a number of relevant and easily accessible services. I particularly found the annual Careers Expo useful as it provided me with the ideal opportunity to meet prospective employers and arrange industry experience.  My advice to any students at the University of Adelaide is to embrace the many and varied opportunities that University life presents and to keep thinking about life after your degree.

Jonathan Brown

Bachelor of Media

Before I began my Bachelor of Media, I used my gap year to volunteer within the broadcasting industry. Having this background made subject choices easier, helped me to better understand theory and also made uni more fun!

Volunteering with Radio Adelaide has lead to lots of part time and casual work in a competitive field.  Broadcasting is all about bringing unique and diverse people together. While this can be challenging, working with a broad range of people has helped me to develop employability skills that are applicable in any workplace.

Most importantly, the professional development opportunities that have arisen through volunteering have been amazing and so much greater than I could have expected.  I have worked with government and community to look at broadcasting policy and I am now the Youth Representative for the Community Broadcasters Association of Australia.

Volunteering has been invaluable in enhancing my career prospects.  The best thing about volunteering is the network of connections I have established within the industry, which I can call on for work opportunities or to act as referees.  My volunteer experience has granted me exposure within the industry and will help me to market myself as further work becomes available.  Although it has meant sacrificing some free time in the short term, I have set myself up and I have no worries about my future at all past university – I am very confident because of the volunteer work I have done.