What makes you interested in applying for a graduate job at ANZ?
The ANZ graduate program caught my attention, firstly, because ANZ had a great reputation for being honest and transparent. Even though I wasn't a customer, I respected ANZ as a reputable company. As I delved deeper into their graduate program, I discovered opportunities to explore.
As a technology graduate, I found that ANZ offered numerous growth prospects in that field. Moreover, there were various other areas of interest that they could facilitate, providing me with a well-rounded experience. In my experience thus far, ANZ has lived up to its promise of providing ample opportunities for growth and development.
What is the application process for a Graduate at ANZ?
Applying to the ANZ Graduate Program is straightforward. Start by finding the program on their job board and submit your application. One interesting thing is that ANZ doesn't require resumes or cover letters, making it fair for everyone. Instead, they ask you questions to learn about you.
If your initial application passes, you'll do some standard psychometric testing. Then, you'll have an interview with people who might be your future managers or teammates. After this process, you usually hear back in about three to four days.
What does the onboarding process look like as a Graduate at ANZ?
ANZ's onboarding process is quite comprehensive, given the nature of working in a bank with sensitive information. It starts with background checks and sharing necessary information. Once that's completed, you begin with an orientation week.
Due to the COVID situation, our orientation week initially started virtually. ANZ provided a laptop with clear setup instructions. During the orientation week, we learned about ANZ and its cultural values, met the grad program team and buddies from the previous cohort, and discovered ANZ's values. Following this, we split into division-specific onboarding sessions. In the weeks that follow, you'll meet your manager, your team, and you'll also need to complete mandatory training, including compliance training, which, let's face it, can be a bit tedious but is required for everyone.
Could you describe a typical day as a Graduate Experience Designer at ANZ?
Currently, I'm in experience design, and our workdays usually run from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., an eight-hour day for most of us. We follow a hybrid work model, so I come into the office about two days a week, even if it's not mandatory.
I start my workday by logging in and diving into designing the ANZ app, which is really exciting. Throughout the day, I attend meetings, occasionally chat with fellow grads, and keep it light.
For lunch, I like to explore Melbourne's food scene if I'm in the office. When working from home, I generally eat leftovers from the previous night.
In the afternoon, on Tuesdays and Thursdays, I have a laid-back catch-up with the rest of the design chapter. It's a great opportunity to connect and learn about each other's projects.
Since we collaborate with a significant workforce in India, many meetings occur in the afternoon as they come online. I typically wrap up my work around 5:00 - 5:30, depending on the day's workload.
What is the coolest project you’ve worked so far as a graduate at ANZ?
One of the most exciting projects I've been a part of isn't related to my regular work tasks. It's the graduate social committee. We organize events not just in Australia but also internationally to connect grads worldwide. While most of our grads are in Australia, we aim to reach beyond borders.
One cool initiative is "coffee roulette," where you get randomly matched with a grad in India, Australia, or New Zealand, and you're never matched with the same person twice. It encourages you to reach out, learn about their work, and expand your network.
But the absolute highlight was the graduate ball. It brought together ANZ grads from all over Australia for a fantastic night, and what makes it even cooler is that it was entirely funded and planned by us, the graduates.
What type of career opportunities for a graduate at ANZ?
ANZ offers excellent career prospects for its graduates. At the end of the program, there's a guaranteed job offer waiting for you. The program consists of three rotations, each lasting six months, and you have the chance to return to any of those teams. If you've enjoyed your experience and they see your potential as a full-time employee, you can negotiate your placement.
Whether or not you've had a rotation in a specific area, you can choose where you want to work within the bank. It's a straightforward process, and the grad team is incredibly supportive. They provide you with the tools and assistance you need for negotiations, connecting you with the right people if necessary. It's a fantastic opportunity for all graduates.
What learning and development opportunities are available for ANZ graduates?
ANZ offers a wealth of learning experiences. They have dedicated squads that provide us with these opportunities. In the tech realm, there's an exciting event called GrowChella, a play on words inspired by Coachella. It's a week-long learning festival packed with events from Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
During GrowChella, you can explore various topics, from integrating human-centered design into your team, even if you don't initially think it's relevant, to enhance your team's front-end appeal and effective networking. It's a tech-focused event, but it's open to everyone at ANZ. What's even cooler is that it's expanding internationally, reaching India and the Philippines. So, there's ample room for learning and growth.
What is the working model for graduates at ANZ? Do ANZ have a remote/hybrid working model?
Absolutely, ANZ places a strong emphasis on hybrid work. The expectation is that you'll spend around 50% of your time in the office over a two-week period, which translates to about five days out of every 10 days in the office. Teams handle this flexibility differently, but most have one or two designated days when everyone is encouraged to come into the office. It's not a strict requirement but more of a suggestion to foster collaboration and connection.
Also, the hybrid environment is well-supported. ANZ provides incentives for buying ergonomic chairs and monitors, along with training on how to set up your workspace effectively. This approach has opened up opportunities that might not have been available before the hybrid model, making it a positive experience for graduates.
What advice do you have for students looking to apply to ANZ?
My top advice is to be genuine and transparent throughout your application and interviews. It's crucial.
While it's common to want to showcase your skills, there's a balance to strike. Overselling can be a pitfall, but underselling yourself isn't the answer either. The key is to present an accurate picture of yourself, both on paper and in person. Interviewers can often sense when you're not being forthright, even if they don't explicitly mention it. So, honesty should be your guiding principle.
What's the top reason you'd recommend the ANZ graduate program to other students and grads?
The number one reason has to be the incredible community at ANZ. It's a friendly and welcoming environment.
As a graduate, you're presented with numerous opportunities to network and build relationships within the bank. While you often hear about the culture at companies like Google, ANZ is a bit of a quiet achiever in this regard. It has excelled in fostering a fantastic workplace culture where people genuinely want to stay, learn, and grow in their careers.
There are formal learning opportunities like courses, but the real gem is learning from the people who've been here for decades and those who bring fresh perspectives from other companies. You can mold your career and skills based on the people around you. It's a unique and enriching experience!