Transitioning from university to a professional career can be daunting - leaving the comfort zone that your classmates and coursework bring for a work environment that is new and intimidating. Being in this pivotal moment as a fresh graduate, I was looking for a company that understood the subtle difficulties that come with this change. 

Being just past 4 months in, I can confidently say that the nbn Graduate Program is thoughtfully constructed, focusing on developing the soft skills required to succeed in a business environment, whilst giving you freedom to explore your own interests and strengths through well-coordinated rotations within a variety of departments. As an Engineering graduate, I have (so far) been exposed to an incredible amount of learning that University could not have possibly prepared me for. 

Being part of substantial projects that are delivering real value, I have been consistently encouraged by experienced developers and engineers to think outside of the box, to be inquisitive and to adopt a problem-solving mindset. Things can always be done better and as a Graduate at nbn, I feel as though my ideas are truly valued and sought-after by the wider business.

I believe that being part of a strong and supportive team is a key factor of success. I think it is important for everyone to be comfortable engaging with people around them to ensure that everyone can offer their input to team challenges and decisions. When people from diverse backgrounds come together, they bring with them different ideas and perspectives. Listening, understanding and working with others has been one of the best ways I’ve learned and developed.

From my first day, it was clear that this value was also a part of the company’s culture. I really have become a part of ‘one team’. Everyone I’ve met is passionate about the work they’re doing to connect Australia and bridge the digital divide. My current team’s role is to analyse network data and produce tools and insights that help other teams make important decisions. This means having strong relationships with each area of the business to understand the role they play and how they can be more effective and efficient.

As part of the graduate program I have a large support network around me which includes a buddy, mentors, rotational managers, and other members of the graduate program. Each person I get to work with takes the time to explain any questions I have and is genuinely passionate about helping me learn and grow. By working in a strong and supportive team, it is giving me the greatest opportunity to develop my knowledge and skills for the future.

It was daunting to be the new kid on the team on my first day here, but I was welcomed with open arms. It’s a community of workers from different cultures and backgrounds, working together to connect Australia, but also to help each other grow in our professional lives. 

The best example of this is when I was asked to give a presentation, my first one here. Everyone in my immediate team contributed to make sure my presentation looked great. They took time out of their schedules, encouraged me and gave me helpful feedback. Their time investment reflected the belief that my success meant the team's success, which in turn meant the company’s success. I've seen how this belief in working together appears at every level of the company. It’s a great place to learn how to be a team player.

On my journey to the office on my first day at nbn, I couldn’t tell you how much I wanted to burst out of the train carriage from my nerves and excitement. Though, as I arrived, I was warmly welcomed by my Systems Engineering Manager and introduced to my team from the Data Interchange Chapter. I was so impressed with their level of commitment to connecting Australian homes and businesses, and the focus on improving customer experience. 

A great part of my rotation is that it has allowed me to be incorporated in the business and technical side of Technology Delivery. This has involved creating Monthly Release Scope Kick-off pages; outlining the specific platforms with the corresponding API services through to conducting Risk and Security Identification Assessments. More recently, I’ve gained an understanding of how our deliverables are tested through manual and automated script testing, which is something I had never experienced at uni.  

As a graduate, working from home during COVID-19 has not been an issue. There is constant support and communication; you never feel like you’re working alone. nbn also provide opportunities for your self-development by organising many training and certification courses, as well as ensuring that your wellbeing is looked after. Volunteering in the Mindful nbn Group has been one of the best highlights of my Graduate experience as I’ve been able to contribute in positively impacting other employees especially when I had the opportunity to lead Yoga and Meditation events for 'Mindful May'.  

Overall from the last few months, I am truly thankful to be part of a wonderful and supportive organisation. I look forward to my next rotation and the many learning opportunities to come. 

I’m surrounded by people who care about a shared goal – of connecting the nation. The people here are central to making this a reality, and it’s illustrated by the support colleagues show for one another.

On my first day, I was welcomed with balloons and salt and vinegar chips (my favourite snack) on my desk. Colleagues from my extended team invited me out for coffee to help me understand what they do and to share their insights on how to make the most out of the graduate program.

My team is constantly looking for opportunities for me to learn and develop my skills, whether it be attending meetings, training, professional development sessions or off-sites. During my first few weeks in the team I had the opportunity to travel to Melbourne to attend customer meetings, as well as visit a Telstra Exchange to see how the MTM (nbn Multi Technology Mix) works.

I could not have anticipated the level of genuine care shown by the people I have encountered. I’m grateful to be starting my career surrounded by people who are so invested in my professional and personal development.

The nation’s eyes are on us to deliver a high-speed wholesale broadband network. Everyone here is truly committed to this mission and stand by the company’s values. Our transparency and focus on improving the end customer’s experience is throughout the organisation and everyone here is empowered to deliver on this promise.

During my graduate program rotations, I’ve been fortunate to work in a variety of teams that all contribute in different ways. In the Security Group, I was able to assist with programs to educate employees about security risks and conduct risk analysis on our Delivery Partners to ensure the network we’re delivering is safe and secure. On another rotation in Commercial Finance, I was able to provide key insights and track areas of interest to better enable our Network Engineering and Operations team to deliver a faster, more reliable network.

I look forward to taking on more exciting opportunities in my final year of the program.