For more details on our interview with Jason Khu, you can check this video below 👇
Could you share your academic background and how it relates to your career journey?
I attended UNSW and pursued a bachelor's degree in Arts Studies and Commerce, majoring in Quantitative Data Science and Information Systems. My interest in data analytics developed around my second year of study, and I found that the knowledge I gained from courses like business analytics and social media analytics was directly applicable to my current role.
Did your degree background play a crucial role in securing your current position, or does Quantium hire from diverse academic backgrounds?
Quantium values diversity in academic backgrounds. My fellow grads come from various fields such as physics, bioinformatics, economics, and computer science. While there's no strict degree prerequisite, most of us have some analytical component in our studies.
At what point during your studies did you think about careers? And what were you looking for and how did you ultimately come across the opportunity at Quantium's Graduate Program?
I began thinking about my career right when I started university. I chose my degree with the idea of having various opportunities after graduation in mind. During my first year, I came across a helpful guide online, shared by a graduate, about landing a graduate job. I followed the advice in that guide, which included getting involved in societies and pursuing internships.
As for discovering the Quantium opportunity, I first knew about Quantium in my first year because I was active online and saw opportunities from student societies. They were an industry sponsor for the Actuarial society, so I saw their name around. However, I didn't know much about their work until my second year. That's when I decided to reach out to someone at Quantium to learn more about their roles and their work. I had a phone call with them, and I found their work intriguing. I wanted to get involved in their internship program, but due to Covid, that didn't happen.
Fast forward two years, I applied for Quantium Data Science Stream. I became a finalist, and when the grad program applications opened, I thought, 'Why not give it a go?' I already knew one of the recruiters, so I applied and ultimately secured the role. That's how my journey to Quantium unfolded
What advice do you have for current students who may be uncertain about their career paths?
For those who are exploring their career options, my advice would be reaching out to professionals working in fields of interest, emphasizing the value of networking on platforms like LinkedIn. Networking on platforms like LinkedIn can be very helpful. Listening to their experiences and insights can give you a clearer picture of potential career paths. While everyone's journey is unique, it's a valuable first step to understanding your options.
Also, one thing that I guess would be helpful, is to reach out the person who are the same alumni as yourS, because it would be easier for you to relate to their experiences. This shared academic background facilitated more meaningful and relatable conversations during your networking.
What is Quantium actually does?
Quantium is basically a data analytics and data science company. They work with various clients, including big names like Woolworths and Coca-Cola, across different industries like retail and banking. Their job is to help these companies make the most of their data, so they can become better at what they do and provide more value to their customers.
To put in a perspectives, example of deriving value from data involves analyzing data to make strategic decisions. For instance, in retail, they assess which promotions perform well, decide on discounts based on purchasing data, and identify high-value customers. These insights help companies make pricing and promotional decisions, enhancing their overall strategy.
What is the application process you went through to secure your role at Quantium?
The application process at Quantium involves four stages. Firstly, there's a written application where you submit your resume and fill out some online fields. Next is the online test, which assesses your data interpretation and calculation skills, especially important for analyst roles. The third stage is a behavioral interview, where you're evaluated on your knowledge of Quantium, its products, and you'll face typical interview questions. Lastly, for analyst roles, there's a technical test and interview.
You'll receive a case study, answer questions, and then explain your answers in a 30-minute call with an analyst. Please take note that you don't need a technical background, as Quantium expects graduates to learn on the job. Based on my experience, the tests are all online, and the behavioral interview may be virtual.
How did you prepare for the behavioral interview, and do you recall any challenging or unique questions?
In terms of preparing for the behavioral interview, I'd say the key is to be ready for questions that might not be the typical ones you find online. During my interview, they framed questions in a slightly different and unfamiliar way, which could catch you off guard. So, my advice is to practice all the standard interview questions thoroughly. If you can't come up with an instant response, it's absolutely fine. Take a moment to think about it. I personally had to pause and think for a few seconds before answering some questions during my interview.
During the technical interview, how did you prepare for that interview?
Preparing for the technical interview, which involves interpreting data and presenting it on the spot, can be challenging. The test is an hour long, followed by a 30-minute interview. For the test, you're given a case study to analyze, and then you'll face questions related to interpreting data within that context. To prepare, it's important to understand that you don't need specific technical knowledge from university or elsewhere. They provide a document listing the concepts that might be assessed, so it's crucial to thoroughly research and comprehend these concepts.
My recommendation is to go beyond a surface-level understanding. You should be able to apply the concepts logically and explain them in a straightforward manner. Remember, the analysts don't expect you to be an expert, but they do want to see your ability to grasp and logically apply the relevant knowledge.
Do you have any last tips for prospective applicants who want to apply for a graduate job at Quantium?
For instance, it's beneficial to practice numerical psychometric tests and calculations, as these often appear in online and technical tests. University students can utilize mock exams provided by their institutions for preparation. Also, consider building a strong foundation in skills such as data analysis, data visualization, and client handling, as these are valuable in many roles.
What did the early days look like in terms of the initial few days of the onboarding process at Quantium?
The onboarding process at Quantium was well-structured and engaging. It began with a three-day induction program, where we participated in team-building activities and even had a scavenger hunt around the office area to familiarize ourselves with the surroundings. We also received our laptops during this time, allowing us to set up for the upcoming weeks.
The onboarding process extended beyond the initial days, with additional activities like personality assessments. Graduates also received Quantium merch and were provided with a monitor for working from home. Overall, it was a comprehensive and enjoyable onboarding experience that helped us integrate smoothly into the company.
How does Quantium handle training, especially for students without a data technical background?
Quantium doesn't expect new hires to possess advanced technical skills right from the start. They offer a graduate proficiency checklist, which outlines the skills graduates should develop during their program. This covers various aspects, including handling clients, cleaning data, analyzing data, and visualizing data. Graduates have two years to work on these skills and complete parts of the checklist. While technical skills like programming are helpful, there's no initial requirement for them. Quantium focuses on teaching best practices along with technical skills.
What's the structure of Quantium's graduate program, and how does it transition from being a graduate to an analyst?
Quantium's graduate program typically spans two years with two one-year rotations. After the first year, graduates have the option to stay in their current team or move to another. While some consider the program as one year followed by a promotion to an analyst, for simplicity's sake, it's generally seen as a two-year program with rotations. In the second year, graduates transition from being considered graduates to becoming analysts.
What does a typical day-to-day look like as a graduate analyst at Quantium?
My typical day at Quantium is quite varied. It starts with a team huddle to discuss ongoing tasks, challenges, and accomplishments. The work primarily involves ad hoc requests and project-based tasks. This may include creating dashboards, automating processes, and building data pipelines. It's a combination of coding and data pipeline development, which supports the team in handling financial data effectively.
What's the social dynamic like among the graduates at Quantium?
The social dynamic among graduates at Quantium is a mix of organized events and initiatives driven by graduates themselves. The People and Culture team organizes events like induction and knowledge sharing sessions. They also facilitate buddy systems for new graduates to connect with those who started earlier. Besides, graduates often organize their social activities, like going for drinks or dinners. There are also company-wide events, such as Harmony Day potlucks, enhancing the overall social culture at Quantium.
Can you reflect on the best aspects of your time in the grad program at Quantium?
The best part was definitely the people and the learning opportunities. Quantium has a unique, relaxed culture with no strict hierarchy, which fosters a friendly and collaborative environment. Plus, the learning opportunities here are top-notch, ensuring I not only acquire skills but learn to apply them effectively.
What traits do you think make someone a good fit for a career in analytics?
Number-savvy individuals who enjoy continually expanding their skillset thrive in data analytics. It's a field that requires adaptability as there's no one-size-fits-all solution. If you prefer a more startup or tech-like culture and value collaborative environments over competition, Quantium could be an excellent fit.
What advice do you have for students considering a similar career path?
Don't hesitate to ask questions as a graduate. Even if you have a degree, you'll be learning on the job, and it's better to clarify doubts early on. Pretending to know something when you don't, it can be counterproductive. Remember, there's no such thing as a silly question, especially as a grad.