Cram Time with GradConnection

What happens when you sprinkle a little bit of creativity into something highly technical? For the big season finale of our podcast, we're joined by Natalie Leroy, Computer Science & Media Arts student at UNSW and 2023 Top100 Winner (Coles IT Top100 Future Leader Award). We chat about her unique combination of majors and how they come in handy, how she's made the most of her uni life joining student societies while also becoming an academic tutor, and of course all the insider tips on her Top100 Awards experience.

CHAPTERS:

What if your first job is not what you expected? How do you find a role that's a good fit for you personally and professionally? In the penultimate episode of the season, Asaf Ben-Or (National Business Development Manager) spills the tea on all the thoughts you'll probably have on your first job. Am I really allowed to take leave? Is the 9-5 routine all there really is to life? Plus, we chat about how authenticity plays a part in sales and what it's like to work in a client-facing role.

CHAPTERS:

• (Jump to (00:37) to skip the intro!)
• (01:34) Actuarial in the actual world - not what I expected?
• (03:18) Graduating without a full-time job lined up
• (06:40) Who knows what they want to do at 18!?
• (07:19) What do you do when the shoe doesn't fit?
• (10:01) Life is stranger than fiction - being offered a job on the spot
• (14:00) More than just a stat - why a flexible recruiting process is a good thing
• (15:45) Thriving both personally and professionally - why a job in sales was the right fit
• (17:21) Authenticity & Sales? - a day in the life of a Business Development Manager
• (22:30) When you thought you were an introvert, but Myers Briggs disagrees (Top 3 skills someone working in Business Development should have)
• (26:35) Apply now for Summer Internships! (Quick Picks)
• (27:05) Don't suffer in silence - how can you best transition from uni into full-time work
• (30:48) Sometimes it's lonely…but people are just a message away! (How to connect with your team when you work remotely)
• (33:33) Am I allowed…to take leave? Taking extended leave in your first year on the job and why you shouldn't feel guilty about it!
• (38:57) How to get over post-holiday blues
• (43:01) Bali, Europe, Middle East, Japan - careers journeys from all walks of life
• (45:38) A very indecisive game of This(ish) or That(ish)
• (50:21) Not a single source of truth - the importance of getting advice from a diverse range of sources
• (52:20) Get involved in student societies (before it's too late!)
• (54:36) A grad job = a coming of age film? (Plugs and other Concluding Thoughts)

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APPLY NOW FOR INTERNSHIPS (Quick Picks 26:35):

Law clerkships are undoubtedly competitive - but they're also supposed to be fun! Hear the recruiter's side of the story with Emma Taylor, National Resourcing Consultant - Early Careers at King & Wood Mallesons. How many law clerkship candidates are you really up against? Are grad offers for clerks guaranteed? We cover it all in part-two of our podcast series on an early career in law.

CHAPTERS:

• (Jump to (00:40) to skip the intro!)
• (01:05) What's different about law recruitment? Working at McDonalds, sports teams and other transferrable skills
• (02:47) Over 600 applications - how many candidates are you up against really?
• (03:31) It's a conversation, not an interrogation (Top 3 tips when applying for law clerkships this year)
• (06:05) Soccer, netball, bushwalking…be passionate about things both in, and outside of law!
• (08:39) Dispute resolution, tax, banking and finance…which areas of law catch your eye?
• (09:53) What are recruiters *really* looking for in clerkship applications?
• (12:01) Are grad offers guaranteed? Why clerkships are your main pipeline to landing a grad role in law
• (13:26) The start of your long term career - how to stand out as a clerk to get hired as a grad
• (15:14) It's also about having fun and making friends!
• (16:10) Meet the Employers is BACK this July! (Register Now)
• (16:45) What happens if you miss out on clerkship offers?
• (19:55) What can you start doing now to get a head start? And other first-year law student FAQs
• (22:13) Manly day trips, joining the netball team and other things to look forward to
• (25:12) How to stand out as an introvert in law (Listener Qs)
• (28:08) Don't be afraid to put your hand up if you ever need help
• (29:05) A plug for the pod! And other concluding thoughts

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REGISTER NOW for Meet the Employers (16:10):

How different is the hiring process for International Students? How relevant/technical does your degree need to be for a grad role in STEM? Hear all the answers in this episode with Steven Nield, Graduate Recruitment Lead at GHD. We discuss whether the solution actually matters in group AC tasks, sponsorship and visa FAQs and why not hiring International Students means missing out on a valuable talent pool.

CHAPTERS:

PART ONE - STEM RECRUITMENT:

• (Jump to (00:41) to skip the intro!)
• (00:49) Engineering + HR = the perfect match?
• (02:57) Do grades actually matter? Should you specialise in electives? How relevant does your degree need to be for a technical role? (Top 3 tips for STEM students when applying for grad roles)
• (07:47) Internships vs Grad Roles - what's the difference in what recruiters look for?
• (09:09) Noting the numbers - how to ace the psych test for STEM roles
• (12:12) When do most candidates get culled?
• (13:27) Keep calm and carry on - don't lose your chill in one-way video interviews
• (16:09) The loudest voice isn't always the best - red flags to be aware of during Assessment Centres
• (20:09) Technical group tasks - Does the solution actually matter for STEM candidates?
• (21:06) Speaking of STEM - see current opportunities with Ventia! (Quick Picks)
• (21:36) Change for the better? Gender equity in STEM recruitment over the years
• (26:04) "I need a job, but I need a job that is for me" - changes in broader student sentiment

PART TWO - TIPS FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS:

• (29:30) Is it really that different? Grad applications for International Students and how it works
• (32:46) "You would be mad not to do it" - why not hiring International Students means missing out on a valuable talent pool
• (36:58) Transparency and background checks - what can International Students and employers do to make the process easier
• (40:10) Sponsorships and permanent residency - debunking FAQs
• (41:58) Keep at it - words of advice for those still on the job hunt
• (44:44) Swearing in video interviews…and other anecdotes
• (48:46) Stay present and stay connected - why output doesn't always equal success
• (50:39) More of the same or something different? It's ok to let go of the things you love in your job
• (52:07) "They know their stuff" - PSA: engage with your university career services teams!
• (53:48) Going down memory lane (Concluding Thoughts and Plugs)

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QUICK PICKS - Live On Air (21:06):

Missed out on clerkships in your fourth year? How can phone etiquette from your retail job help you in your professional career? How do you build clout (professionally) with senior lawyers? We answer all those questions and more in our latest episode with clerk-turned-graduate lawyer, Hannah Hurst (Graduate Lawyer, MinterEllison). Tune in to hear about the importance of first impressions while networking and how sabotaging your fellow clerks really is *not* the way to land a grad role.

CHAPTERS:

• (Jump to (00:43) to skip the intro!)
• (01:17) From Wagga to Sydney - culture shocks, competitiveness and adapting to city life
• (04:44) Linen and law - how customer service calls can help you in your professional career
• (07:06) 'A whole dance' - all about the clerkship application process
• (08:26) Can we retake that? The challenge of one-way video interviews
• (10:05) Do I spy a standardised template? Top 3 clerkship application tips
• (13:30) They know that you don't know - importance of first impressions, networking and where to find events
• (16:05) (Non) Competitive Clerk Sport - a day in the life of a clerk
• (19:02) Don't make others look worse to make yourself look better - how to land a grad offer
• (23:51) Work with Oral B and Herbal Essences (Quick Picks)
• (24:13) Sweating, coffee and client calls - transitioning from a clerk to a grad
• (26:48) 'Big Kid Jobs' - top 3 things about being a law grad
• (28:06) A little bit more clout each time - connecting with senior lawyers as a grad
• (29:34) Being a pillar of support - opportunities in pro bono
• (33:22) Doing anything (within reason) for your client? Busting legal grad myths (Fact or Fiction)
• (37:38) What happens when a case doesn't align with your person morals?
• (39:04) Full steam ahead to being an equal with everyone - biggest challenge as a grad
• (40:50) Missing out on offer day - and why it's not end all and be all!
• (43:10) Why go that far if you don't care? Importance of asking for feedback
• (45:04) Being genuine to yourself (and not ChatGPT)
• (47:34) Mind-numbing TV shows and the Allens Podcast (Plugs & Concluding Thoughts)

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QUICK PICKS - Live On Air (23:51):

In this episode, we finally get to hear from the source itself - a current grad! Join us as Sydney Daelo (Graduate Civil Engineer, AECOM) shares all about her experience going from an engineering internship to successfully landing a graduate role in the same company. We chat about tips on getting your foot in the door with only retail experience, the top three benefits of being a part of a grad program and knowing when (or when not) to ask for help!

CHAPTERS:

• (Jump to (00:37) to skip the intro!)
• (01:44) 'But I only have retail experience…' - how to land that first internship
• (03:45) Acing the application process - psych tests, panel interviews and ACs
• (05:45) So…do you like your job? Questions YOU should ask the recruiter!
• (07:38) Stay positive! How to stand out as an intern to be hired as a grad
• (10:56) Building bridges and train stations - A day in the life of a structural engineer
• (14:15) Someone to ask awkward questions to! Top 3 benefits of being in a grad program
• (16:23) Make your hours of endless scrolling productive - apply to TikTok's Graduate Program! (Quick Picks)
• (16:55) Responsibilities, deadlines and autonomy - challenges of transitioning from an intern to a grad
• (18:15) How do you solve a problem like a grad? Knowing when or when not to ask for help
• (20:24) Being the only female engineer in your internship - what it's like to be a woman in STEM
• (22:50) Where to next? Enjoyment > everything else
• (25:46) Not a rotations fan (This or That)
• (29:29) The learning never stops - why it's important to keep an open mind!
• (30:57) Good luck! And other concluding thoughts

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QUICK PICKS - Live On Air (16:23):

Did we interrupt your graduate or internship program browsing? Then this podcast episode is for you! In our Season 2 premiere of Cram Time with GradConnection, we're joined by expert grad recruiter Kelly Pfeffer (Graduate Talent Lead, Suncorp Group), who shares all you need to know this peak recruitment season. Should grads ask for a higher salary? Are you at a disadvantage if you haven't already done an internship? What ARE recruiters really looking for in psych tests? Tune in as we answer all these questions and more!

CHAPTERS:

• (Jump to (00:54) to skip the intro!)
• (01:44) Why graduate recruitment?
• (03:18) Top three must-knows when applying for grad programs in 2023!
• (06:32) Resumes vs Cover Letters - what to put and where
• (08:50) Don't meet all the criteria? Don't dismiss yourself!
• (10:34) Radio silence - when can you expect to hear back from employers?
• (13:43) Meet top grad employers this March! 
• (14:17) There's no 'right' answer - psychology behind Psychometric Tests
• (17:04) Dialling it up or down - how to ace the Group Task
• (20:12) Reneging respectfully, or rather, not at all
• (23:56) YOUR questions answered - making a good first impression on the job and more
• (27:12) Busting grad myths - Should you settle or ask for a higher salary? Are you at a disadvantage if you haven't done an internship? (Fact or Fiction)
• (33:43) It might go right, or it might not - the importance of self-belief
• (35:35) Chris Hemsworth, overcoming fear and concluding thoughts

MEET THE EMPLOYERS - Virtual Networking Event (13:43)

Ever dreamed of starting your own company? Are you start-up curious? In our final podcast episode of the season, GradConnection's co-founder and General Manager, Dan Purchas shares the story of how GradConnection came to be. Tune in to hear how the rise of the internet changed the grad recruitment market, the importance of resilience when building your own company and having the confidence to reach out even when you have zero credibility.

CHAPTERS:

• (Jump to (00:43) to skip the intro)
• (02:41) Beginnings as a Westpac Grad - doing excel for old guys, managing IT projects and being seconded from NZ to Australia
• (04:15) GradConnection - The Origin Story
• (08:40) Have you heard of this thing called online job search?
• (10:05) Weta Digital, Lord of the Rings and ways employers advertised grad programs
• (11:00) Helpful naivety, zero credibility and the process of building a company from the ground up
• (14:01) What type of mindset do you need to launch a successful start-up?
• (14:43) Don't be scared to share - the importance of an iterative process
• (16:17) NewsCorp, SEEK and interested investors - is it too much too soon?
• (18:46) Is a grad job or internship on your Christmas wish list? (Quick Picks)
• (20:08) Goodbye phonebooks - the rise of the internet in graduate recruitment
• (23:54) Getting over the job search hurdle - changing student sentiments and how GradConnection has helped
• (27:34) How our merge with SEEK helps you!
• (32:48) Should you accept your first offer? A higher salary ≠ a better position
• (34:38) We're all friends here - being a leader and the importance of fostering a great team culture
• (37:22) Hard lessons are part of the journey
• (39:27) Sneaker side hustles, 'bad' job advice and concluding plugs

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QUICK PICKS - Live on Air (18:46)

Feeling lost in your first year out of university? In our penultimate episode of the season, we're joined by Associate Product Manager (GradConnection), Jenny Li to chat about why it's ok to switch fields in your early career - even after 5 years of law school! Hear first-hand tips on how to get over new role anxiety, navigating the pros and cons of being an introvert in the workplace and the importance of switching off your notifications at 5:30pm sharp. Plus, learn all about the field of 'product,' what it actually involves and how you can maximise your opportunities to get into it. 

CHAPTERS

• (Jump to (00:49) to skip the intro!)
• (02:32) Back to back internships and the law student hustle
• (05:18) Travel, try different things and make the most of your uni experience
• (06:33) Goodbye 5 years of law school - why it's ok to switch fields in your early career
• (09:58) Young vibes and free merch - start-ups vs big companies
• (11:28) So what's "product" anyway?
• (13:48) Top 3 qualities an aspiring product manager should have
• (16:24) Is there a degree for product management?
• (17:43) Open grad and internship opportunities (Quick Picks)
• (19:02) So… when can I go to lunch?  How to get over new role anxiety and make friends in the workplace
• (21:48) Being an introvert in the workplace, and why it's a good thing
• (23:28) Am I qualified for this? Imposter syndrome as a recent grad
• (29:40) My notifications are *off*
• (34:15) How to get a graduate offer as an intern
• (35:12) Do I really have anything meaningful to say? Learning to contribute to meetings
• (36:32) Make it a meeting or send it in an email? (This or That)
• (40:01) Tips on standing out in a group task in assessment centres
• (41:54) Dear first-year me…

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QUICK PICKS - Live on Air (17:43)

In our third episode, former recruiter at PwC and NSW Government, Mai Ly (currently GradConnection's very own Senior Account Manager) spills the beans on everything you wanted to know from the recruiters perspective. Don't miss our insider chat on early careers at a Big 4 company, what recruiters really think of your LinkedIn DMs and that time Mai got interviewed at a nail salon. Plus we answer questions that YOU submitted live on air!

CHAPTERS

• Jump to (00:26) to skip the intro!
• (02:31) Inside grad recruitment at PwC
• (04:53) Do Big 4 companies really have higher standards?
• (07:00) Government recruitment vs the Big 4
• (08:09) When should you start thinking about applying for jobs?
• (10:36) Addressing the wrong company and other resume/cover letter red flags to avoid!
• (12:53) Mai's top 3 interview tips 
• (14:53) Looking for a grad or internship program? (Quick Picks)
• (16:05) Why it's ok to make a mistake in your interview
• (20:16) On overcoming job rejection
• (21:24) What recruiters *really* think of your LinkedIn DM's 
• (23:39) That time when…I had an interview at a nail salon
• (25:48) YOUR questions answered! - How important are grades, how can international students become more employable and more
• (32:19) LinkedIn or email? Big or small candidate pools? (This or That)
• (35:55) Don't chase the money (but really don't)
• (37:10) 'Disappointing affirmations' and it's ok to have laugh

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QUICK PICKS - Live on Air (14:53)

We're back for our second episode, and this time we're joined by special guest Rebecca Miller (Head of SEEK Volunteer, ANZ). Tune in as we learn how volunteering can help you develop the top 3 things hiring managers look for in your resume and interview. Plus, hear all about Rebecca's own experience going from sports marketing to one of Australia's Big Banks, a great tip on dealing with imposter syndrome, and how to build a career you're passionate about!

CHAPTERS

• Jump to (00:36) to skip the intro!
• (01:01) How we got here ft. a love of basketball, Lindsay Gaze, City of Melbourne and NAB
• (05:31) On working at Hockey Australia (while still loving basketball)
• (07:42) Transitioning from sports marketing to one of the Big Banks
• (09:25) A typical day as Head of SEEK Volunteer
• (11:30) Being a champion of sustainability and why CSR matters
• (15:40) How volunteering can help you build your professional profile
• (17:56) What type of volunteer role should you go for?
• (20:09) Showcasing volunteering on your resume - the right way
• (22:55) Tandem cycling and other unique volunteer opportunities
• (26:40) Places (other than SEEK Volunteer) that you can also find roles
• (27:39) Looking for a grad or internship program? (Quick Picks)
• (31:29) Why volunteering is a two-way street (Hot Takes)
• (33:03) A little less time at the pub and other words for past Rebecca
• (35:31) Wrapping up

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Quick Picks - Live on Air (27:39):

Tune in to our first episode as Maria Jamal (Coles IT Award) and Raramai Purazeni (CA ANZ Accounting Award) chat about that time a high school friend helped land Rara an internship, why coming into the office might just land you a chance encounter with the CFO, and why working for a big brand company might not be all that.

CHAPTERS:

• Jump to (00:48) to skip the intro and get straight to the juicy stuff!
• (01:38) How did we get here!?
• (03:43) One random day in February a high school friend helped me get an internship
• (06:21) How coming into the office might lead to face time with the CFO
• (14:27) (Start-ups can be) A nice gentle way to learn about the corporate world
• (20:03) Are you looking for a graduate, internship or entry-level role? (Quick Picks)
• (21:24) Finding new interests in extracurriculars (not a UTS spon)
• (27:50) Manage!?(ing) Priorities
• (32:50) Do I really want to work for Google? - deciding where to go next
• (36:40) Being a woman in STEM in your early career
• (42:08) Convincing you (in less than 30 secs) to apply for the Top100
• (45:08) Hot Takes – common misconceptions about grads
• (52:14) Hello younger me...
• (53:14) Some very lovely plugs!

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Welcome to Cram Time with GradConnection! Join your host and fellow recent grad, Karen, as you explore the advice and stories out there that could make your journey that little bit easier to navigate. From recruiters to former grads, you'll get to hear from a special guest each episode as they bring their own unique perspective to the table.