Graduate Profile - International Business

Name: Ross Lukje
Degree Awarded: Bachelor of International Business (Major: International Marketing)
Position Gained:   Marketing Assistant
Organisation:   A small winery in Melbourne

Could you give us a description of what your position involves or will involve?

My position mainly involves assisting with the sales and marketing of the two wines that the winery produces.   My position will include roles such as PR, web site design, direct selling management, sales co-ordination, fostering trade and media relationships, and assisting in the development and co-ordination of trade and consumer market strategies.

With your experiences in securing employment what advice would you give to students who are in their first, second, and final year of study?

My advice for students who are studying full time is to gain work experience at any level.   This work experience looks excellent on your resume and shows that you are focused and excited about developing a successful career.   I would also advise that you get help from the Careers and Employer Liaison Centre about your resume and cover letters as many applications are done online.   Other than that enjoy your university career because it is very short!!!!!!!

How did you go about finding graduate employment?

I signed up to numerous web-sites which emailed me graduate positions daily.   These sites included seek, career-one, and the Flinders University Careers website.  

Can you briefly describe the application process relevant to your position?

What interview questions were you asked?

My application process was relatively short due to the fact that the company is a small one.   I applied online through Seek by sending in an application letter, resume, and my academic transcript.   Two weeks later I received a phone call so I could set up a date for an interview.   Once again due to this company being small the interview process was a lot more relaxed than many of the other interviews I have heard about.   Basically I met my future boss for coffee and we just talked about what I had done, where I was at and where the company was heading.   After the interview the company called me referees and then rang me to let me know I was hired.

In your opinion, what factors enabled you to be successful in obtaining employment?

First and foremost my degree helped the most.   Secondly a well-written cover letter and resume allow you to stand out when compared to hundreds of other applicants.   Also confidence during the interview is extremely important.

Do you have any further helpful hints for graduates?

My first hint is relax and don't give up.   Many graduates get many rejection letters and very few actually get the first job they apply for.   If you keep sending out applications then you are bound to get some success.   I must also say that before your interview research the company as much as possible and also have questions to ask at the end of the interview.