Virgin Money Mentoring Program

From the moment I first started studying at the University of Sydney, I have been involved with the Inspired by Business Program. Through this program, I was provided with a unique mentoring opportunity with professionals working for Virgin Money Australia. I was fortunate enough to have been partnered with Brian Bissaker, who was appointed CEO of Virgin Money in April 2013, and before that, had conquered a long and high-profile career in financial services.

During our first session, we discussed a variety of my goals, and I described some of my work preferences. From this, Brian identified a number of roles that were within the financial services industry that may complement my personality. He provided a number of examples from his own career and taught me about certain jobs that I never considered, and some that I didn’t even know existed. From this, I was provided with information that allowed me to really narrow down and understand where I would eventually like to gain employment, and once this was identified, I could really make sure that I was taking the correct steps towards achieving that goal in the future. During this time, I was also in the process of applying to internships as I’m currently in my penultimate year of study. Brian was really helpful here, as he ran through interview tips, and allowed me to ask him a number of questions about what employers might typically look for. Through this preparation, I was instilled with the confidence to sit through an interview and not feel too nervous about it.

In our second session, we went through skills development. Here, I was provided with the opportunity to discover what skills I currently had and also learn about which skills I might need to acquire before I complete my degree. Brian went through a range of skills he himself has found to be important, and I was able to ask him about the specific roles I was interested in, and what abilities would be advantageous in such fields.  This really helped me understand what I might need to do to achieve my goals.

In our final session, Brian and I went through a CV Review. I found this to be particularly useful since I was at that stage of my education where it was important to try and secure an internship. I was very eager to learn about what could be changed on my resume, and what could make me stand out among other candidates. I always had the idea that with resumes, the best bet was to keep everything short and concise, but through Brian, I actually learned that employers appreciate the details about your previous work experience, any of your personal interests as well as any educational accomplishments because they often use the resume to try and get to know the person who’s applying for the role, and they appreciate when your personality can shine through your writing.

That last session was in the early days of November. Currently, a month following the Virgin Money Mentoring Experience, I have begun working as an intern in financial services, I have a clear vision of where I want to go in terms of career progression once I finish university, and I definitely know more about what path I might need to take to get there. This has been a truly insightful experience, and I’m very grateful to Brian and everyone involved.

Ivana Dimic

Current student at the University of Sydney Business School 

Having a corporate mentor-Virgin Money Mentoring Program

The start of the Virgin Money Mentoring Program began this year in early August. The team at Virgin Money and the Business School's CEO created this new corporate mentoring program to provide students with support from people in the business world with first-hand experience. Eight students of various years in the Inspired by Business family are currently participating in this opportunity with the first event held as the launch and as a chance for us to network with business representatives, which then began the start of our mentoring relationships. From cups of coffee, to meeting rooms, our 3 sessions have allowed us to have casual catch ups as well as follow the program structure.

My Mentor

My mentor, Eimear Grant, has had 10 years in the business industry, beginning as a system analyst and then moving onto project management.
As a project manager, she has meetings with various team members to create a plan and operating model for a project idea that the business has generated. She assists in the plan to remove obstacles and find solutions to problems they encounter while managing stakeholder updates, regular project meetings and project delivery.

In reaching her current position, she had to overcome many obstacles in her career path, beginning with her degree in software engineering. This goes to show that you might not be exactly sure of where you want to end up since your path will constantly change; just as Eimear's did across her various roles. Similarly, students don't need a business background to step into the business world. Your degree can lead you anywhere.

Sessions

The first session involved getting to know each other, although we learn more about each other with each session. Eimear informed me of her career path, the adversities she faced, how she overcame them, and more about her current role.

The second session focused on me: my strengths and weaknesses, and where I see myself in a few years’ time, as well as alternative career options. It also came with perfect timing as it really helped me to build my confidence in my interview skills. Eimear helped me step by step in questions that I could be asked and guided me on how to better word myself and sell myself to employers, teaching me tips and tricks to avoid difficult situations. Thank you Eimear!

In the third session, we exchanged resumes and Eimear provided me with tips to make my resume more succinct and well structured, making the best of the limited space. She also really sold the role of project management for me which has helped me in deciding on my last major, however still providing me with options, such as offering to shadow her in marketing meetings at Virgin Money.
I am fortunate enough to say it will not be the last of our mentoring relationship. Eimear has kindly offered to guide me further such as through mock interviews, which will be very helpful, yet a nerve racking and interesting experience!

It has been an amazing experience having someone guide you through career aspirations and I have learnt so much from our mentoring relationship, especially with her contribution to my professional development.

I am honoured to be one of the first participants of this program and I hope it continues for many years to come. This opportunity would not be without the work commitments of Nadia McDonald, Sarah Fletcher and the rest of the CEO team along with Danielle from Virgin Money and the mentors themselves, thank you.

Thank you for finding endless ways to develop our IBB family!

Elizabeth Trinh
Current student at the University of Sydney Business School