Graduate Opportunities

University attended: University of South Australia.

Latif completed a graduate position in 2008 with the South Australian Auditor-General’s Department, and currently works as an assistant project manager for the Australian Accounting Standards Board (AASB).

What motivated you to work across the globe for AIESEC, an international volunteer organisation, prior to commencing studies in Australia?

There are three factors that motivated me to work for AIESEC: its international opportunities, AIESEC’s focus on the development of its members and its vision to change people’s life through exchange. I worked as a national director for AIESEC in Australia which gave me the opportunity to travel Ireland and Portugal. My role was mainly the central coordination of 17 branch offices located in the Australian universities.

Did applying for graduate positions as a mature age graduate impact your ability to find a position?

I did not encounter any problems in the application process. I think Australia is one of the fairest countries where you are judged on your qualifications, training, professional skills and ability to fulfil requirements of the position, rather than qualities such as age or cultural background. In fact, I believe my maturity and prior work/volunteer experiences assisted in my graduate application.

What were your graduate program responsibilities with the Auditor-General’s Department?

As a graduate, my responsibilities included completing certain audit tasks under the provision of senior auditors and participating in meetings with my managers and directors. At every stage, the Auditor-General’s Department identified development areas for me as a graduate and provided the training to excel me in my role.

How have these roles helped you get your current position with the AASB?

There are numerous skills that I have developed through my volunteer experience at AIESEC and graduate role with the Auditor-General’s Department. In my opinion, four particular skills that I have developed are essential and common skills that each prospective employer would look for: time management, communication, teamwork and multitasking. These are important transferable skills you can carry with you in every job.

What’s the best career advice you would offer to others?

One of my university friends, who actually became a recruitment consultant, once told me “to develop a well-planned approach for the graduate recruitment period”. Prospective graduates should develop a timeline before the recruitment period commences, and keep their motivation high through the recruitment period.