Graduate Profile: Arts

Name: Tania Cox 
Degree Awarded: Bachelor of Arts, majoring in Legal Studies / Sociology / Work & Labour Relations 
Position Gained: Learning & Development Advisor 
Organisation: ABB Grain Ltd 
Commencement Date: July 2001 

Could you give us a description of what your position involves and the organisation you work for?

ABB is a publicly listed company with market capitalisation of around $A1 billion on the Australian Stock Exchange. ABB Grain as it exists today was formed by the merger of three South Australian based grain companies, ABB Grain, AusBulk Ltd and United Grower Holdings in late September 2004. ABB Grain's core business is the provision of storage, processing, logistic, marketing and trading services in agricultural commodities along an integrated supply chain. I joined AusBulk's Human Resources Department in July 2001, in the graduate role of Human Resources Assistant. Since that time, I have specialised in the field of Learning & Development, progressively taking on more challenging projects and responsibilities. My position is now responsible for establishing the corporate direction of learning & development in conjunction with senior management.

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 to all students would be to have a good think about what you enjoy doing and in what way you would like to contribute to an organisation - and start thinking as early as possible! Create a partnership with your Careers Service and get involved with sessions designed to increase your skills and knowledge about the workplace. Casual and part-time work is very different to working on a full-time basis, and beginning your career can mean embarking on a huge learning curve. Soft skills such as Communication, Dealing with Conflict and Leadership will give you a distinct advantage when adjusting to work life. 

How did you go about finding graduate employment?

I was very lucky to get my job at AusBulk as quickly as I did. At the time, I was only looking through paper based job advertisements! My advice would be to stick with this more traditional method of the job search, but also register with online job agencies who can email you jobs of interest. Consider who you would like to work for and make the first move - find out if there are any vacancies and how you can apply.

Can you briefly describe the application process relevant to your position? What interview questions were you asked?

Before getting my job at AusBulk, I went through an interview with the Executive Manager of Human Resources and completed a psychometric test and a medical. The interview questions asked were behaviourally based, that is, asking me to reflect on my past activities in order to demonstrate specific knowledge and skills.

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

I think there was a bit of luck in my winning a graduate role at AusBulk, but I also believe the best traits you can display are honesty, enthusiasm and confidence! If you're passionate about something, then let people know. Be confident and believe in what you have to contribute.