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Irene Dao

Make connections in your professional and personal life. Build a good support network of people who can learn from and lift up one another.

What's your job about?

AMP is a financial services company. We provide banking, superannuation, and advice to clients across Australia and New Zealand. As a technology graduate, I’ve had the opportunity to work with a variety of great teams on different projects to enhance our operations and products. My responsibilities have included overseeing our internal collaboration platforms, designing the user experience and interfaces of our digital assets, delivering on strategic initiatives of our bank, and most recently leading data-driven decisions for our financial crimes team. A typical day for me might involve running an analysis on business problems, coding and testing new features, or presenting to stakeholders.

What's your background?

I completed my Bachelor of Commerce (Marketing) and Information Systems at the University of New South Wales in 2019. During my time there, I was involved in student societies – creating promotional materials and coordinating events to facilitate student development. I also worked a customer service job at a restaurant. Joining the AMP graduate program in 2020 was my first corporate job, so it was equal parts terrifying and exciting back then – but fully exciting now!

Could someone with a different background do your job?

Yes! The AMP graduate program’s technology stream offers a variety of both business and technical roles, so you’re sure to find something that fits your interests and goals. AMP graduates come from a wide range of backgrounds. The diversity in our degrees, experiences, and thinking brings fresh perspectives to the table that are enthusiastically welcomed by the company. Prior experience in finance is helpful but not a prerequisite, as you’ll mostly be learning on the job with support from the experts themselves.

What's the coolest thing about your job?

I love working in technology because it’s a field that is continually expanding and evolving. There is always an innovation to be explored or a process to be improved upon. I’ve picked up new skills and knowledge which I’m able to apply and hone every day. There are countless aha moments – like when I overcome the learning curve for a system or troubleshoot a technical problem – and they are really gratifying each time.

What are the limitations of your job?

For my job, I must develop my understanding of not only the technology itself but how it will be used by the business. Finding the right questions to ask the right people as well as coming up with a solution that balances all their different expectations and goals can be challenging. But when it finally does come together, it’s very rewarding to see the value it brings.

3 pieces of advice for yourself when you were a student...

  1. Go out of your comfort zone. This is the best time to make as many mistakes as you can and learn from them. Being open and curious will help you figure out what you truly enjoy doing and appreciate what you’re capable of.
  2. Think critically. Don’t be afraid to question the current way of doing things and explore a new approach. Take the time and effort to understand the different perspectives when forming your own opinions and decisions.
  3. Make connections in your professional and personal life. Build a good support network of people who can learn from and lift up one another.