Pravin Silva

What is your background (study/life)?

I grew up in the outer eastern suburbs of Melbourne. My parents are factory workers who immigrated from Sri Lanka during its Civil War. I studied a double degree in Arts/Commerce, majoring in Politics and Finance, before doing Honours in Politics. While studying I spent on a semester on exchange at Utrecht University in the Netherlands and got to travel extensively around Europe. When I came back I got involved with the Overseas and Exchange Club, which organizes events like bar nights and day trips for incoming exchange students. I started out as an event assistant, then became the club’s Event Coordinator and, finally, it’s President for a year. A friend and I also hosted a music program on the Student Youth Network (SYN) community radio station, with a focus on local musicians.

Why did you apply to the Melbourne Graduate Program?

I was inspired to apply by my time as President of the Overseas and Exchange Club while I was studying, where I discovered a passion for giving back to students and helping them have as great a time as I did. I was also excited for the opportunity to get to work in different areas of the University. I finished my studies still unsure of what exactly I wanted to do with my career, so the chance to have a few different rotations across one of the biggest and most diverse institutions in the country was too good to pass up.

What has been your experience so far?

My first rotation was in Business Intelligence and Reporting, which involves working closely with data. I had some experience with data from my Honours thesis, but this was still a whole new world. I was responsible for producing and analysing data for key internal and external stakeholders, including the Australian Bureau of Statistics, Workplace Gender Equality Agency, GRI Sustainability Report and the Mercer Remuneration Survey. I also had the privilege of representing the team on the University’s enterprise-wide Business Intelligence selection tool project. This involved working with our infrastructure and procurement teams to identify and purchase the best possible new Business Intelligence tool for the University, and gave me valuable experience in project management and procurement for a high value purchase.

My current rotation is in the Marketing and Communications team at the Melbourne School of Engineering, where I get to work across the Student Recruitment, Industry Engagement, Media and Digital Communications spaces. My responsibilities include preparing digital and print marketing materials, writing copy, and producing and analysing data. As part of my role I have participated in a documentary series for Al Jazeera on Artificial Intelligence, assisted on filming with Channel 7 on a student project, written posts for the school's blog, live-tweeted an academic symposium and created a database of student application and enrollment data over the last five years.

Describe a typical day for you.

There is no such thing as a typical day in Marketing and Communications. I could be writing a blog post, working on a banner or PowerPoint for prospective students, analyzing student data or checking on how our Facebook advertising has been performing.

What has been your highlight of the program?

My highlight so far has been working on the Business Intelligence tool selection project. From helping run focus groups with users to engaging with some of the biggest technology companies in the world, I got to work on a six-figure procurement project, which I never would have expected just months into my career. Even if I don’t work directly in project management or procurement in the future, I know the skills I learned during will be useful in the future.

How has the Melbourne Graduate Program developed your career?

The program has nurtured my skills across diverse areas from statistical analysis to writing, public speaking and project and stakeholder management. The program has given me experience that I know will be valuable no matter what sort of work I do in the rest of my career.

I have especially enjoyed the leadership lunches with senior leaders at the University. Each speaker has brought an individual perspective reflecting not only their current role but also how they got there, which has expanded my horizons and understanding of what possibilities could lie ahead in my own career.

What advice do you have for applicants to the Program?

Your life and work experiences are just as important as your academic record. It is important to be well-rounded and have experience working with people.

Also, do your research on the opportunities and challenges facing the University and the sector. Higher Education is Australia’s third most valuable export and its success is crucial for that of the wider economy. Demonstrating knowledge of the wider business and industry will always reflect well, whether it’s in your application, interview or on the job.

Anna Maddison

What is your background (study/life)?

After high school I took a gap year and travelled and worked overseas. When I returned to Melbourne, I did a Bachelor of Arts and Diploma in Languages at the University of Melbourne. In the last year of my degree I applied to the Melbourne Graduate Program.

Why did you apply to the Melbourne Graduate Program?

I applied to the Melbourne Graduate Program because I saw it as a unique opportunity to learn about how a university operates. The Program allowed me to explore my interest in education and gain a solid grounding in higher education. The three rotations in different business areas of the University appealed to me, and I thought the two years was a good length of time to allow for ample development and growth.

What has been your experience so far?

I have had three rotations in the program and am currently at the end of my third rotation. My first rotation was in Corporate Marketing and Communications in External Relations, where I learnt a lot about internal and external communications at the University. My second rotation was in the Office for Research in Melbourne Law School, and I learnt about grants and graduate research. My third rotation is in Engagement and I am working as a Project Manager for the University’s Associate Provost.

Each rotation has offered distinct experiences and challenged me to work in new and different ways. I am fortunate to have experienced three roles in different service areas of the University as part of the Program. It provides a unique advantage as I can draw from all three roles when solving problems at work.

Describe a typical day for you.

On a typical day I arrive at the office a bit early, to settle into work before my other team members arrive. My current rotation is very self-directed so I would refer to my kanban board (project management board) to decide what tasks to attend to and keep myself accountable. I often get asked to attend meetings with my manager which is always interesting and a good way to learn what else is happening in the University. I like to take a break by spending time with a co-worker, fellow grad or mentor and share our experiences.

What has been your highlight of the program?

The highlight of the program for me has been working on projects that will have a lasting influence at the University. In my current rotation, I worked on a project to review a major/minor/Honours program in a Faculty alongside the Program Director. As part of the project, we made recommendations which will enable a much more engaging and rich academic experience for students. I found this project very rewarding and hope to work on similar projects in the future.

How has the Melbourne Graduate Program developed your career?

The Melbourne Graduate Program has cemented my interest in working in education and enabled me to develop skills whilst working on a variety of projects. I have learnt about how I like to work and what I excel at, and as a result have a clearer vision of my future career. It has provided me with the opportunity to learn from senior leaders, managers, the network of graduates and my mentor which has been instrumental to my growth during the Program.

What advice do you have for applicants to the Program?

My advice for applicants to the Program is to be true to yourself and really think about your motivation for pursuing a particular career. Applying for jobs can be a very competitive process but your motivation is what will set you apart from other applicants.