ProGrad Brisbane

Like all Prograd candidates I did my time (it sounds like prison doesn’t it?) at New Zealand’s Auckland University of Technology where I majored in accounting. Due to the practical nature of our degree I was required to obtain a job related to my field and I commenced working as a Tax Investigator for the New Zealand Tax Department. After 2 years the travel bug bit and I began working as a Youth Counselor aboard cruise liners around the world. What was planned as a six week contract, turned into a five year stint allowing me to visit 59 spectacular countries. After calling in every possible port and realizing it was time to enter the ‘grown up’ world, my friends and I decided to move to Australia.

I started to job hunt online through seek.com.au and applied for several positions, one of which was through ProGrad. The ProGrad staff were quick to contact me and arrange my attendance at the upcoming assessment afternoon. I was fairly skeptical about what to expect after hearing horror stories from friends who had done similar things. I was very close to canceling last minute and am so grateful I didn’t.

The assessment day was full of similar people, nervous about not knowing anyone, being judged, and about the three minute presentation looming. After several group exercises the ice melted and we found our place in the groups allocated. The sigh of relief could be heard through the door as all those who ‘passed’ were told they were accepted onto ProGrads candidate list. The following morning I was contacted by ProGrad and put forward for an interview with Kimberly Clark. My consultant ensured that I was organised by suggesting I research the company online and prepare examples to be used.

Within a week I had completed two interviews, personality testing and had received an employment offer. The same day I received two equally great employment offers which left me with a large decision to make. I discussed all the options with my consultant who added any impartial insight she felt could help me make the most informed decision to benefit me.

After preparing the list of pros and cons, I decided to follow my instincts and accepted the role as a Territory Manager for Kimberly Clark. Kimberly Clark produces Australian made FMCG paper products found in the everyday home. Its common consumer brands include Kleenex, Viva, Kotex and Huggies. My role as a Territory Manager is to ensure compliance of promotions, check that pricing and ticketing is correct and look for opportunities to upsell and create displays of our products. The atmosphere and the people at Kimberly Clark are incredible. I have found such an inspiring role model and see a fabulous long term career with the company.

Six weeks after commencing employment, I spent five days completing Module One of the ProGrad course. I can not speak more highly of this course and the facilitator who ran the program. It covered a vast array of topics in an open forum which allowed all of us to feel comfortable to express our opinions and questions. I found it beneficial having started work and being able to relate the information to experiences I had encountered in the workplace thus far. In a recent sales meeting, our National Manager touched on some of the topics ProGrad had covered and I was able to relate the theory learnt to workplace practices. My experience with both ProGrad and Kimberly Clark has been nothing but rewarding and I am looking forward to attending Module Two and increasing my skill set. 

My recommendations for future candidates would be: *attend the assessment day and get involved as much as possible. *Be honest to your consultant about what you are looking for in a role and a company. *Take all the opportunities presented and use them as experience to improve your interview skills. *Take quality time to prepare for each interview.

Good Luck!