Graduate Opportunities

University attended: Swinburne University of Technology.

Daniel undertook a 12-month industry-based learning (IBL) placement at CGU Insurance during his undergraduate degree. He is currently employed by the federal government in the Department of Finance and Deregulation Graduate Program.

What appealed to you most about the CGU program?

The team I worked was not focused on finance- or economics-related work however it was a highly analytical job that also required strong people, professional and project management skills. The opportunity to develop these skills, which are useful in any workplace, was highly appealing to me.

What kind of tasks did you undertake?

I worked on major projects within the eBusiness team such as a complete redesign of the company’s website and intranet as well as acting as a consultant to CGU clients to help them develop their online capabilities.

What did you enjoy most about the experience?

Right from day one I was thrown in the deep end which was a fantastic way to learn. I was given real work to do and most people in the organisation thought I was a regular employee and part of the team. Being treated like a valued part of the team really allowed me to develop my skills and get as much out of the experience as possible.

Although your IBL job placement was not directly linked to your degree, how has benefited you?

The professional skills that I learnt have been invaluable. Gaining experience leading meetings with clients and people from other business areas of the organisation, often many years my senior, has increased my confidence dramatically. These skills helped me greatly when applying for graduate positions and nearly all my potential employers wanted to hear about my IBL placement.

What advice would you give to other students considering work experience options?

I would recommend to any student to build up as much experience as you can while you are at uni. My placement at CGU improved the quality of my university work, helped me secure a graduate job and helped me develop a professional network of contacts I am still in touch with.