Starting your first fulltime job is daunting at any time – never mind during a global pandemic – but our 2022 crop of graduates have taken it all in stride. We get their take on what it was like starting your career in 2022 and how they're creating the future they want to see.
Share
Bryn Winter is a first-year graduate who has started with Suncorp Group in 2022, working in the personal injury space where he helps to get people back on their feet.
There’s been talk about how working life post covid will never be the same, but for us, we’ll never know anything different.
During my degree, I learned to be adaptable, which prepared me for sudden changes, such as exams and classes moving online. Starting work during the height of the pandemic made the virtual job application process and the remote work environment a smooth transition.
I’ve also been able to come into the awarding-winning Brisbane office for a couple of days. I’m set up and ready to work, whether it’s in the office or from home. That’s nothing new to me.
“It’s nerve-wracking starting your first 'real' job, but Suncorp has made it easy.”
Joining Suncorp as a graduate opened my eyes to new possibilities. With a background in business, personal injury wasn't an obvious choice for me. However, my girlfriend's experiences as a nurse inspired me to find a way to use my skills in working with numbers, to help people. Joining Suncorp as a graduate opened my eyes to new possibilities. With a background in business, personal injury wasn't an obvious choice for me. However, my girlfriend's experiences as a nurse inspired me to find a way to use my skills in working with numbers, to help people.
“I realised I could still do what I’m good at – working with numbers – but use it to help people.”
I discovered that Workers Compensation Insurance and CTP industries were evolving towards a more compassionate approach, centered on the injured party's well-being, making it an exciting field to work in.
It was important to me that I find fulfillment in my work and a deeper meaning behind the numbers.
I know people who have worked at Suncorp and said great things, so I felt comfortable applying here.
I have friends who have been miserable at work because the culture wasn’t right for them. Throughout the Graduate Program, I have had the chance to explore different teams to find the meaning I was looking for. Learning about Suncorp's positive culture and community involvement reassured me that this was the right place for me. Our team's collaboration with the Australian Road Safety Foundation in promoting road safety felt like we were genuinely making a difference.
I'm on my last rotation in the CTP Customer and Performance team and I’ve had the privilege of supporting the CTP Claims teams across different schemes. It has been an eye-opening experience, working alongside industry experts, absorbing their wealth of knowledge, and contributing to projects that focus on automation and process streamlining.
The Program provided opportunities to interact with other graduates and team members, fostering lasting relationships and meaningful connections. Networking through coffee catch-ups, events organized by the graduate committee, and groups like the Graduate Media Club expanded my professional network and led to valuable friendships.
My manager's support for a flexible work environment allowed me to find a healthy work-life balance, even enjoying the company of my pet dog Mango while working from home.
They really do value the fresh perspective the graduates bring. I feel comfortable speaking up because they’ve told me that's what I'm here to do. They're open to trying something new – it doesn't have to be the way it's always done.
On one of my first days, someone told me: “We’re not an insurance business, we’re a helping people business”. That’s the sort of team I work with. There’s room here for me to put forward my ideas and have an impact.
As my time in the graduate program draws to a close, I am filled with both sadness and excitement. Sadness to roll off the program, but excitement for what the future holds. I'm looking forward to applying the knowledge and skills I've gained in the past two years to a role that I’m truly passionate about.
