www.graduateopportunities.com >> career advice 35
experience
Tom Swanson Bachelor of Engineering (Civil and Environmental)/Bachelor of Science, The University of Adelaide.
During his degree Tom gained valuable work experience through a vacation program and part-time work with a government department. He commenced a graduate position in the SA Water Graduate Program in 2010.
How did you discover the SA Water Graduate Program? I was aware that SA Water had a graduate program through its presence at the annual University of Adelaide Careers Expo. SA Water also ran a series of graduate information sessions for different disciplines, with information about SA Water’s core business presented by professionals within the organisation. The presentations were tailored to the graduates of particular disciplines that SA Water was trying to attract. I found the graduate information session for engineering to be very valuable, as it gave me a good idea of what I could expect to be working on. As I had not undertaken vacation employment with SA Water, I felt that it provided me with more information about the organisation than I would have been able to gather otherwise.
Describe the application process you undertook to secure your graduate position. The application process was spread over a six-week period and consisted of two online tests, two standard interviews, one group interview and one presentation. One of the standard interviews, as well as the group interview and presentation, took place during a half-day assessment centre. The subject for the presentation was only given to us 24 hours beforehand, which meant a lot of last-minute research the night before. The group exercise was fairly intensive as there were roughly 15 applicants and 25 interviewers looking on and making notes.
My advice to applicants who are preparing for an interview and assessment centre would be to relate questions from the interviewers to your own experiences and not to search for textbook answers. For group exercises, I would advise applicants to remember that interviewers are looking for your ability to work in a team environment, and not necessarily for leadership skills.
How does the SA Water Graduate Program work? The SA Water graduate program typically consists of four six-month placements. I am currently undertaking my second placement in a section called Major Systems. My role as a graduate in Major Systems is to assist senior engineers with their duties, as well as responding to requests for operational data to stakeholders such as the State Government.
What career advice would you offer to other prospective graduates? Take as many opportunities that come your way as possible, even if they are not directly related to your current position. Opportunities that I have taken up have been additional on-the-job training and joining a committee that promotes young water professionals within the water industry. These opportunities often require unpaid, after-hours work. However, the experience and knowledge gained provide long-term career benefits.
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