Commonwealth Bank Graduate Program
Driving for Difference
Among a sea of graduate programs, you may be familiar with the Commonwealth Bank. Their catchy marketing campaigns refer to New-Zealand as ‘Sha-bang-a-bang’ and turn the humble ‘money box’ into a flaming robot. However the Commonwealth bank aims to communicate with clients in ‘easy to understand language’ and most importantly for graduates, they are ‘determined to be different.’
The Commonwealth Bank’s graduate program allows a student to develop within an industry leader. Employing over 40,000 staff in 12 countries, CBA takes on approximately 150 graduates Australia-wide and was voted #4 in the country for the ‘Best Recruiting Process’ and ‘Opportunities for Graduates.’
Executive Manger for Talent Acquisition, Leah Wilmot understands that graduates are looking at a variety of opportunities and she therefore differentiates that CBA “moves fast through the application process.” Ms Wilmot notes that the “onus is on you to do your research” into the bank and suggests that graduates “leave time to [apply] and do it well.”
The CBA Graduate Program offers students the chance for career development, access to senior management, a mentor or buddy program, networking within the industry, social activities and the chance to volunteer for community involvement. This program reflects the kind of graduate they are seeking for the program, which General Manager Joe Formichella describes as “well rounded.”
As many of the positions for graduates are based in Sydney, CBA provides service and support during the recruitment and relocation process as well as a strong graduate support system and the chance to gain experience both interstate and overseas. Ms Wilmot says you will meet other graduates in your first week with CBA and continue to meet with them on both a social and business level throughout the program.
In preparation for a graduate application, Cameron Aird (Commerce Graduate and entrant into CBA’s 2007 Graduate Program) took a “keen interest” in the company, researching it thoroughly. Cameron took advice from his family to be honest, truthful and confident during his interviews and says that the way he ‘broke away from the pack’ of other graduates, was to “show personality.”
The Commonwealth Bank is searching for graduates who are able to communicate with customers on all levels. With drive and initiative to “get up and go,” Mr Formichella says that graduates are able to apply for a variety of Business Units within the CBA. These include Business Products & Development, Financial Services, Comminsure, Risk Management, Human Resources and more.
Both Ms Wilmot and Cameron say that “the way you hold yourself and your experiences are the most important thing” when applying for a graduate position with CBA. If you’re not quite ready for the Graduate Program, Ms Wilmot recommends you take a look at the Internship Program – all information is accessible through their website: www.commbank.com.au/graduate .
