Graduate Opportunities

Kirsti has work she can believe in

After completing a Bachelor of Psychology / Business in 2009, Kirsti Viitala joined as a Graduate HR Consultant in 2010. Just over halfway through the grad program, Kirsti has now moved into a fixed-term HR role and shares some of her experiences so far as a WorkSafe graduate.

Why did you want to work at WorkSafe?

I really liked the idea of working somewhere that made such a positive contribution to the wider community. Contributing to keeping Victoria as the safest state in Australia was very appealing!

What was involved in the application process for the graduate program?

The process consisted of an online application, an assessment centre and a panel interview. What I liked the best was that the assessment centre consisted of both online psychometric assessments and group activities (so if you’re not as strong in one, then you have the opportunity to shine in the other, lucky me!). The whole process was daunting, exciting and challenging – not just having to think about what my strengths were, but having to draw on and apply them was very difficult at times.

What does the graduate program involve?

Each graduate has a unique program designed for them. Basically, the program allows you to rotate throughout the organisation, depending on your interests and skills. The rotations can vary in length and can be quite flexible. You are exposed to a huge range of projects and get to work with heaps of different teams. In addition we have the opportunity to sit on different committees and have had lots of invaluable training and development – which useful professionally and also for personal growth.

What rotations have you done so far?

I have really enjoyed all of my rotations which have included all the teams in the HR division in addition to our Payroll team and our Operations Support Division who provide training to all of our inspectors out in the field.

Some key work that I have been involved in includes helping to design and develop an online induction checklist, assisting in the development, distribution and analysis of a learning culture survey as well as working on the promotion and communication of our annual Employee Opinion Survey.

What have you enjoyed most about the program?

It's great having exposure to so many different areas and leaders of the business. The importance that’s placed on the grad program makes you feel like you’re really contributing to outcomes (even if you’re still learning). I’ve also found that all of the previous graduates have a really good reputation around the organisation and that people are keen to work with us!

What have you got out of the program?

A solid understanding of the organisation – both the operational and support areas and how they collaborate together to achieve our mission and vision. I feel like I’ve been set on the right path to achieve a long and successful career in HR and I have managed to build a great, continuously growing network across the business.

Tell us some of the benefits of working at WorkSafe?

I like to keep fit, so lucky for me there are several programs that WorkSafe offers that I have taken up including fitness squads, running club and yoga. Our active social club means that there’s always something fun happening such as after work drinks, morning teas and trivia nights (to name a few!) - and it’s a great opportunity to spend some time with your colleagues outside of work!

In three words, how would you describe your graduate experience so far?

Eye-opening, interesting, fun!

What advice would you give those considering applying for the WorkSafe graduate program this year?

Be prepared! Take the time to submit a great application that really reflects your personality, skills and experiences - and do your pre-work on WorkSafe and our values!

For more information including how to apply, visit www.worksafe.vic.gov.au/careers and click on the link to ‘Our Graduate Program’ for all the details. Applications are open from 18 April - 23 May 2011.