Graduate Profile - Commerce

Name: Matthew Collins
Degree Awarded (Majors if appropriate): Bachelor of Commerce
Position Gained: Tax Analyst
Organisation: Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu

What did you do to prepare yourself for the job search process?

Throughout university I made sure I was aware of future employers and possible careers applicable to my degree. Whenever there was a relevant information session or a career fair I would try to attend and gather as much information as possible. I also found the Career Centre to be a good source of information.

To search for suitable employers I used the internet and talked to as many people as possible. I researched the employers to help familiarise myself with them and the careers they offered. This helped me to ask appropriate questions at the interview stage.

When completing job applications I think it is best to include information that puts you in a positive light. For example, having a part time job whilst studying helps demonstrate time management skills, or being a member of a sporting team helps display your ability to work in a team.

A professional looking resume is definitely an asset worth having!

We've seen several employer presentations this year, and many of them have commented on the importance of extra curricular activities... could you comment on this?

Learning is an essential attribute in any occupation and university scores provide an indication of this ability. However, in most occupations your job requires you to do more than just learn. Your job will most likely require you to effectively communicate with others, prioritise tasks and organise your time.

Extra-curricular activities as explained above help demonstrate that you have these crucial skills which employers are seeking. It provides them with an insight into you and your life.

I recommend undertaking anything to improve your people and team skills as they will play a big role in determining your success.

How have the skills you developed at Uni been an important part of your job?

"I find that the simple everyday things play an important part in my job. These are things such as communication skills (written and verbal), proof reading, computer skills, researching on the internet, producing reports and presenting information.

University provides the chance to learn and harness these skills in preparation for your career.

Tell us about the interviews…..

I think the best thing to do in interviews is to be yourself whilst acting accordingly for the situation. If you are yourself and get the job you have a good chance of fitting in and enjoying your workplace.

Confidence is key to having a successful interview, but there is a happy medium. I try to avoid coming across as arrogant or unconfident.

Interviews are a two way street; they also allow you to find out information about the employer and determine whether you want to work for them. I found knowing background information about the employer helped me feel comfortable asking questions. I think this is a good way of taking the focus and pressure off yourself and at the same time showing your initiative and direction.

I find a good way to plan for an interview is to prepare answers to questions that I think they will most likely ask. This helps me respond confidently and hopefully my answers will come across as being well thought out.

Is there anything that you would like to add?

Try your best to dress/look the part. This helps the employer visualise you as an employee.

Also try to gain as much work experience as possible. If you have some experience you will stand out from those in a good way who do not.

Standing out in a good way would be the best outcome of the process and should be your objective starting from now!

Good luck!