Suncorp Group Graduate Conference 2024: Meet three Sun Chaser grads
Suncorp Group hosted 54 graduates at the annual Graduate Conference in Brisbane. The three-day conference was an opportunity for our 2024 graduate cohort to connect and network, learn from senior business leaders and reflect on what lies ahead in their exciting career journeys (and also have fun).
In this feature, we showcase the program and share the experiences of three 2024 graduates.
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The Suncorp Graduate Program is a structured, two-year program built specifically to develop technical skills, build capability, expand networks, and enhance working experience.
In August each year, the Suncorp Group Graduate and Internship Programs open for applications.
It is a sought-after opportunity. Last year, Suncorp Group received more than 5,000 applications from Australian and New Zealand students. On average, there are 60 graduate roles and 40 internship roles on offer each year.
Program areas for graduate placements are diverse, and welcome graduates with a broad range of skills. 50 per cent of the typical graduate cohort are from IT or Business-related courses, and others are from science, education and health disciplines.
Placement areas include:
- Technology (technical and non-technical)
Insurance
Finance & Advice
People, Culture & Advocacy
Legal & Secretariat
Risk
Business & Agricultural Banking
#Suncorp Graduate Conference 2024
54 Suncorp Graduates from Perth, Adelaide, Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Rockhampton, Dalby and Auckland came together in Brisbane for the three-day Graduate Conference, April 17-19.
The annual graduate conference is an important part of the Suncorp Graduate Program.
Kelly Pfeffer, Suncorp Group Graduate Advisor, explained the annual graduate conference, held halfway through the graduates’ first year, is an important part of the program, providing access to both peer and senior leadership networking, exposure to all areas of the business, and professional development coaching.
“Our graduate program is a small but impactful segment of our Suncorp workforce. Every year we bring in a new group of talented people who have recently completed tertiary studies in either Australia or New Zealand," Ms Pfeffer said.
Kelly Pfeffer, Suncorp Group Graduate Advisor
Our annual conference is the only time they come together as a group, and it’s my favourite time as I watch them not only build their network but also their confidence. They leave ready to experience everything we have to offer here at Suncorp.
Meet Olivia Talar
Insurance Graduate, Speciality Motor Portfolio (Sydney)
Q. What was your area of study?
I studied a double degree in Finance and Medical Science at the University of Technology, Sydney.
Q. Why did you apply for the Suncorp Graduate program?
Initially, I was attracted to the program's six-month rotations. I liked the idea of having control over the type of work I would end up doing. As someone new to the insurance industry, these rotations will help provide a comprehensive view of the business and open up various career paths.
Q. What did you learn about yourself during the Program?
That I am capable of more than I thought I was.
Q. What surprised you about working at Suncorp?
How friendly everyone is, and the flexibility of the work.
Q. What are three words you would use to describe working at Suncorp Group?
Engaging, supportive, dynamic.
Q. What are your career goals after you complete the Graduate Program?
My future career goal is to find a team within Suncorp Group that aligns well with the interests and skills that I'm currently building on. Specifically, I'm interested in roles that involve data analysis and strategic planning within the Consumer Insurance space.
The Suncorp Group Graduate program has evolved and innovated over time.
Since Ms Pfeffer began managing Suncorp Group's Graduate Program in 2013, the delivery of the program has evolved significantly.
"Students today have so many more options than a decade ago. Suncorp Group is competing against most medium to large companies in both the private and public sector across Australia and New Zealand. It means we need to be very clear on what our point of difference is and why a student should choose Suncorp over others."
Suncorp Group offers both specialist and generalist graduate opportunities across banking, insurance, corporate, and tech business functions. Specialist roles suit graduates who know what they want to do – they’re recruited to a specific role in the business, whereas generalist roles include rotations, so they suit graduates who prefer to explore their options. These graduates rotate into different teams to help them explore and identify what most interests them.
Most of the experience is hands-on, on-the-job, contributing to key projects and initiatives that make a visible impact to our customers and community.
All graduates also have access to our 24-hour innovation days, key projects, and innovative initiatives that enable them to make an impact in the business.
As part of the graduate program, there are two graduate-run committees that offer additional support, guidance and opportunities, including buddy programs, social events, networking events, fundraising, 'lunch and learns,' wellbeing initiatives and careers fairs.
Meet Piper Brady
Data Insights Graduate (Brisbane)
Q. What was your area of study?
My area of study was a double degree Bachelor of Engineering/Bachelor of Science, at the Australian National University.
Q. Why did you apply for the Suncorp Graduate program?
I really liked the wide range of program streams on offer, and the positive work culture!
Q. What did you learn about yourself during the Program?
That I love exploring new opportunities.
Q. What surprised you about working at Suncorp?
How friendly everyone is, and how willing to answer all my questions.
Q. What are three words you would use to describe working at Suncorp Group?
Opportunities, flexibility, fun.
Q. What are your career goals after you complete the Graduate Program?
My main goal is to be in a role where I'm learning and growing my skills. I still have so many teams I'm yet to explore, so I'm excited to see what roles are out there!
The positive and supportive Suncorp Group working culture helps bring the graduate program to life.
A modern, supportive and hands-on Graduate Program is a key priority for Suncorp Group, and graduates often share their feedback about the positive environment in which they work, saying it is 'like nothing they have experienced before.'
The goal at the end of the program is that graduates have secured promotion opportunities within their interest area/specialisation. Typically, 30% of the cohort secures promotions before the program officially ends, which is a great reflection of the support they receive not only through the program, but from leaders in the Suncorp business who invest time in helping them succeed.
Meet Dab Haam
Technology Graduate, Cyber Security & Risk (Sydney)
Q. What was your area of study?
I studied a Bachelor of Computer Science majoring in Security Engineering at UNSW.
Q. Why did you apply for the Suncorp Graduate program?
I started working at Suncorp in 2022 through the summer intern program. After experiencing the work culture and environment over the year, continuing at Suncorp through the Graduate Program seemed like the right option.
Q. What did you learn about yourself during the Program?
Surprisingly that I am more of an open, networking person than I realised.
Q. What surprised you about working at Suncorp?
The great workplace culture.
Q. What are three words you would use to describe working at Suncorp Group?
Opportunistic, freedom, sociable.
Q. What are your career goals after you complete the Graduate Program?
To become a security engineer within the Application Security Team.
Expressions of Interest are open for the 2025 Graduate Program
Submit your interest in working with Suncorp Group – ‘Expression of Interest’ is open for the 2025 Suncorp Graduate & Intern Program – via completion of the online form. Note the purpose of completing the EOI form is to capture your interest in being contacted by Suncorp Group when applications open in early August 2024.
- Our next Intern Program starts 18 November 2024 for a period of 12 weeks.
- Our next Graduate Program starts 28 January 2025.
