ProGrad Case Study, Glenn
October 30, 2008 by ProGrad · Leave a Comment
Glenn applied to ProGrad in early September 2008 after graduating from the Australian Catholic University with a Bachelor of Business majoring in marketing.
Glenn had previously worked in a retail sales environment at SABA which allowed him to gain experience in customer service and business related matters. Glenn gained many skills and excelled in sales, relationship building and working towards team and personal budgets. During his time at SABA Glenn’s team won numerous Retail Excellence Awards presented by Chadstone Shopping Centre.
Glenn has also worked at the Australian Open where he achieved the highest sales figures for two consecutive years. He achieved this through researching and understanding the product and the various demographics he was selling to. He also was a team leader, involving delegating tasks, motivating team members and reporting back to management.
Glenn’s previous experience, coupled with his University education allowed him to score very well across all aspects at the ProGrad assessment day. He also excelled through his strong verbal communication skills and had great structure and logic on the technical side of the day.
“The assessment day was definitely a challenge, but something that everyone can learn from. Even if you’re not successful you still get all the tools to be successful through the interview process” – Glenn, ProGrad graduate
After being successful at the assessment day Glenn was contacted regarding three opportunities. Glenn performed extremely well at all interviews and was offered second interviews for all. Once analysing the benefits of all three, Glenn decided to accept an offer from SAGE – one of the world’s largest software providers!
Glenn’s role involves a variety of tasks on a daily basis including supporting SAGE’s current customers, bringing new clients on board, supporting the sales team and managing exiting accounts – Just to name a few.
“My role is really diverse. I speak with different people on a daily basis. I liaise with them, find out what they need and then offer them a solution to their problem. It’s a very satisfying and rewarding role. As my time with the company has increased, so have my responsibilities – I’ve just returned from a conference in QLD”.
ProGrad wish Glenn every success in his role and look forward to tracking his progress as he completes his training courses. If you are interested in seeking a graduate career opportunity using ProGrad, please call our graduate management team on 02 8235 8300, or click here to apply online.
ProGrad Case Study, Nicola
October 30, 2008 by ProGrad · Leave a Comment
Nicola completed her MSc in Tourism prior to attending the ProGrad assessment day. Her work experience included being a marketing assistant for a University Marketing Dept in the UK, a conference advisor and as a customer service representative for a travel company.
Nicola had demonstrated heavy involvement in community work, and was clearly a high achiever – made more apparent by her achievement of bronze, silver and gold Duke of Edinburgh awards.
At the assessment day, her intentions were clear. Nicola was a strong candidate and was specific about her needs – to work within the tourism/ travel industry in a role which would offer challenge, recognition and strong rewards. She wasn’t even sure whether ProGrad could help, yet remained open minded and positive about the experience. Within days of attending a ProGrad assessment day, Nicola was interviewing with a well-known travel company who had an offering which was in-line with her long-term career aspirations.
“As most graduates will know there can be a viscous cycle once you leave university of needing experience to gain experience. After completing two tourism degrees and having some work experience I was looking for a position in an organization that was quite specific. After the assessment day I wasn’t sure that Prograd would be able to find a relevant position as what I was looking for was quite niche. “
“The next day I had an interview confirmed with a relevant company in a business development role. Lauren, my graduate manager, was fantastic in giving me all the information I could want about my interview. Lauren was particularly great at keeping me updated during the interview process and was as excited as me when I received an offer for the role! I am settling in well at my organisation and am looking forward to a year’s worth of training and would recommend Prograd to anyone who is looking to move into sales roles.” Nicola, ProGrad Graduate
If you would like to speak to one of the ProGrad graduate management team, please contact us on 02 8235 8300. Alternatively, you can apply to ProGrad online by clicking here.
ProGrad have offices in both Sydney and Melbourne. For more information, please email us at info@prograd.com.au
ProGrad Case Study, Alex
October 22, 2008 by ProGrad · Leave a Comment
My name is Alex Brownlee and I moved to Sydney from New Zealand after graduating from Canterbury University. I graduated in December 2007 with a double degree in Psychology and Management. Being a recent graduate and new to Sydney I was a little unsure as to the best way to go about finding employment here so I asked around my friends living here in Sydney. One of my close friends had gone through Prograd and suggested I give this a go. I had a look on the Prograd website and decided to send my CV in.
I had previously been working in hospitality for the duration of my University studies and for the past year had been running a bar/restaurant on behalf of the owners. I wanted to take a step away from this and try something new and a bit more challenging. Within a couple of hours of sending my CV through to Prograd I was contacted by someone there and had a phone interview and was passed through to the Assessment Day. To be totally honest I was really quite nervous about the whole thing, but I had a lot of help from the staff at Prograd as to what to prepare and how to present myself.
The Assessment Day was run very well and after the first 10 minutes or so my nerves dissipated and I felt at ease. I particularly enjoyed working on the group tasks and meeting recent graduates who were all in the same situation as me. On completing the assesment day I gained a couple of interviews and set about preparing for these. The one aspect about this I loved was not having to worry about organising the interviews myself and receiving information about the job I was applying for prior to the interview. This meant I could concentrate on preparing myself and putting together my proposal for the interview also.
The idea of preparing a proposal was new to me, as previous job interviews I had gone into with little knowledge of the company and was relying mainly on the interviewer asking me questions and telling me what they were looking for. The proposal allowed me to feel more in control of the process and my boss was blown away with what I had prepared as she mentioned that she had interviewed several applicants who were a lot more experienced than myself who had not even taken the time to pick up a copy of the magazine to know what they would even be talking about.
The role I was applying for was Account manager for Healthy Food Guide’s clients in the Victorian territory. The role involves account management, creating new business opportunities and has been a challenge for someone who was new to sales. Without the valuable training Prograd provided I would hate to imagine who much longer it would have taken me to feel comfortable and confident in the role.
One of the best things about the training process for me was hearing of other grad’s experience and knowing I was not the only one who was learning a new role. I met some really nice people on the course, a few of which I have kept in contact with and it is nice to receive the odd email to hear of how they are doing and also have the support there as well. Learning the theory of sales is very different and a lot easier than putting it into practice and the training allowed me to experience both.
The best advice I could give graduates who are considering working with Prograd would be go for it. The whole process for me was easy and straight forward and took the pressure off me feeling like a small fish in a very big pond. The best part about the whole experience was there was no stress about having to weed through the various job opportunities that are out there. It made me feel as though I was in control of my situation as much as my potential employers were. It was equally focused on not only what employers were looking for, but what I wanted as well.
If you would like to speak to one of the ProGrad graduate management team, please contact us on 02 8235 8300. Alternatively, you can apply to ProGrad online by clicking here.
ProGrad have offices in both Sydney and Melbourne. For more information, please email us at info@prograd.com.au
ProGrad Case Study, Toby
October 22, 2008 by ProGrad · Leave a Comment
My study background was in a Bachelor of Arts, English Major, at UNSW. During my study I worked in bottle shops and after I finished my degree I went back and did further study in the fitness area and became a personal trainer. Throughout my fitness education and profession I worked as an assistant manager in a health food/supplement shop. I was working here went I decided to enter the corporate world. What I consider my best attribute wasn’t my study background or work experience but my ability in communicating with people, which is developed through any role that requires you to build relationships with other people, and this isn’t limited to professional life.
I found the assessment day to be quite stressful, but I think its all part of the test. They want to see if you can step up to the plate in stressful situations. It’s often hard to be yourself when you’re surrounded by strangers and in an assessment situation, but I think it’s really important that you’re able to project your personality, because this is the aspect that in a sales role will be most valuable to you. The experience was a great learning curve, and when I was waiting for the results on whether I’d been accepted or not, I had decided that it was worthwhile experience whatever the outcome.
I got placed at a publishing company called Derwent Howard Media. I chose the role for a variety of reasons:I got on really well with the team manager, he seemed extremely friendly and helpful, I felt like I would get the support I would need in the new job. The idea of working in a publishing company appealed to me because of my background in English and a desire to be involved in the publishing process, whatever that function may be. The work culture suited my personality, a nice friendly relaxed atmosphere with plenty of banter between work colleagues (the sales team is by far the loudest). Finally, it was the positioning of the business, it was close to where I lived so travel to and from work was easy and quick. In all honesty because it was the first interview I was set up with and the first role I got offered, I didn’t really play the field that much – “a bird in the hand ………..”
I got placed at a company called Derwent Howard Media, we are a full service publishing company that work across a variety of specialist press magazines and online portfolio. My role is as an account manager, I have to generate new business by selling advertising space into a portfolio of magazines. The job is extremely challenging – it involves a lot of cold calling and appointments with media buyers where I have to present to them. What I enjoy about the position is being able to go out and meet new people and when you make a big sale it feels incredible.
I’ve only had the first week of training, but I did enjoy it. It was great learning about all the other graduates experiences so far, the things they enjoyed and the aspects they found difficult. The best part of the training I found was the brain storming we had as a group to come up with possible solutions so each others problems. Our trainer really tried to suit the course to our own specific needs when possible so that we could take away what we learned and ably it to the roles we were in.
I don’t think I have any pearls on wisdom to offer. The only advice that I can give, which is just common sense is:
1) Think long and hard about what you want to do and what steps you need to achieve to get there.
2) Research the roles as much as possible. I’ve found this helps me immensely in all aspects of my career.
3) Be yourself and be confident. People invest in people, whilst I’m sure your work experience and qualifications help, people want to be around people they like and they’ll hire accordingly. If you pretend to be someone you’re not just to get a position and it really doesn’t suit you, you’d be better off without that job anyway. If the position or the company doesn’t suit your skills or personality you’ll wind up miserable, so don’t pretend to be someone else just for the sake of getting a placement.
If you would like to speak to one of the ProGrad graduate management team, please contact us on 02 8235 8300. Alternatively, you can apply to ProGrad online by clicking here.
ProGrad have offices in both Sydney and Melbourne. For more information, please email us at info@prograd.com.au
ProGrad Case Study, Stephanie
October 22, 2008 by ProGrad · Leave a Comment
Prograd has been a fantastic experience and I have gained so from the whole process.
After finishing a gruelling year at college, I was struggling to get the attention of any employer as I had absolutely no experience. It was much to my surprise when I received a phone call asking me along to the assessment day. Initially, walking into a room of nervous faces was terrifying because I really had no idea what was in store for me but After a while I found that it wasn’t as bad as it seemed, everyone was in the same boat and everyone was equally as nervous as I was.
The best thing was, that as a graduate you aren’t measured on your experience or knowledge of the field or anything specifically, more so, you are measured on how enthusiastic and energetic you are as a person, your basic logic and business sense and how you interact and communicate with other graduates. In that respect its really a level playing field and its up to you how you want to be perceived.
After being accepted it was pretty much all up hill from there and my pro grad account manager was very helpful in providing me with everything I needed to conduct a successful interview, it was simply up to me how much I chose to apply. It was after only about 2 weeks and when I was given the position at The leapfrog Group and I have never been happier. Both pro-grad and the company I am with have helped me grow so much through constant internal and external training specific to my job and have challenged me consistently, so that I am learning everyday.
My current position is of business development manager, so essentially I am generating fresh leads for the business and working on closing, building and managing our small to large promotions and incentives schemes. I work for a really fun company, in a fantastic team and I am always encouraged to step outside my comfort zone which always keeps things exciting!
Prograd gives young graduates a chance to show their true potential and I would recommend it to any graduate looking for a kick-start into a fantastic career.
ProGrad Graduate
October 13, 2008 by ProGrad · Leave a Comment
ProGrad are Australia’s only assessment, placement and training company based in Sydney and Melbourne.
Working on behalf of companies across a number of industries, ProGrad are well positioned to assist graduates in kick-starting their new graduate career within roles such as sales, business development, client services, marketing and technical support.
We operate as an out-sourced HR Department for a number of companies, such as Lion Nathan, 3M, Microsoft, Dow Jones, Dell, Travelex, Fairfax and News Corp. On behalf of these companies, we assess recent University graduates for the key competencies which will make them successful in roles where they are interacting with corporate clients.
Once placed with ProGrad, a training program awaits which is an investment made by the employer to ensure high levels of success are achieved in the role.
ProGrad is built on the belief that it is not necessarily experience that will ensure success in a company. Rather, it is a combination of the right attitude and the right attributes. Our corporate clients require ambitious, high achievers for their teams and are particularly looking for those candidates who are keen to kick start their careers within areas such as corporate sales, business development, client services, account management and marketing. These are often the areas where graduates can add the most value, and can make a positive contribution to the growth of an organization. It is also an area which offers graduates strong career progression and competitive salary packages.
The ProGrad Training model is one of the most attractive reasons for a graduate to use ProGrad to facilitate their graduate career. Over the first 12 months of employment, our candidates attend a modular training program which is designed to develop the skill-set of placed candidates in areas such as professional communication, solution sales, ethical negotiation, account management and professional presentation skills.
ProGrad have recently developed an additional course, aimed at grooming placed candidates into more senior, executive positions. This “Executive Development Program” is a 4 course program which is attended by our candidates in year 2 and 3 of employment. At this time, as our candidates are preparing for the next step in their corporate career, the delegates are exposed to management skills, managing change, measuring performance and planning/ preparing for meetings.
If you would like to apply for ProGrad, and be selected for a career with one of our corporate clients, please apply now.
If you would like to apply for a ProGrad opportunity, please call our Graduate Management Team on 02 8235 8300, or apply online using the ProGrad application form. To open the ProGrad Application Form please click on this link.
ProGrad Training Programmes
October 13, 2008 by ProGrad · Leave a Comment
Our training courses cover the following topics:
1) An Introduction to Sales, Marketing and Professional Communication
2) Solution Selling
3) Negotiation
4) Managing Accounts
5) Developing Yourself in a Management Role
6) Planning, Meetings and Presentation Skills
7) Measuring Performance
8) Managing Change
ProGrad is Australia’s leading specialist in graduate assessment, placement and training. We offer a range of sales training programmes to cover all aspects of sales, such as basic telephone sales skills, through to developing yourself in a management role.
Our experienced team of sales trainers ensure that our open courses, and bespoke training programs will add value to your sales team.
Each training course includes:
• Comprehensive Delegate Workbook
• Training Materials and Equipment
• Delegate Certificate
• Candidate feedback
Our Training Manager can also provide an onsite training needs analysis to ensure that your company have a tailored sales training program, which will address the team needs and company objectives. The training needs analysis
If you would like to apply for a ProGrad opportunity, please call our Graduate Management Team on 02 8235 8300, or apply online using the ProGrad application form. To open the ProGrad Application Form please click on this link.
ProGrad Training
October 13, 2008 by ProGrad · Leave a Comment
Training plays a vital role in the development of individuals and business development teams. ProGrad understand the importance of training and developing employees to maximize their potential.
ProGrad have a track record in developing and delivering the very best in training, and clients use us because we won’t disappoint. We use original material and effective techniques to ensure a great result. Our courses cover the basics of sales and business development, all the way through to professional presentation skills and key account management.
If you would like to apply for a ProGrad opportunity, please call our Graduate Management Team on 02 8235 8300, or apply online using the ProGrad application form. To open the ProGrad Application Form please click on this link.