Gold sponsor, KPMG, is one of the world’s largest professional services firms, working with a diverse range of projects in advisory, tax and accounting. They offer fantastic Vacation and Grad Program opportunities to students from all disciplines. We were fortunate enough to have KPMG representative Kate Rydberg, give some insight into what you could expect working with them.

More than Accounting…

At KPMG we look for people with a range of degree backgrounds. Our clients are diverse and we need our employees to be just as diverse. Within our Tax division for example we have people with Mathematics degrees, Engineering degrees and even someone with a Zoology degree! Our Advisory division also employs people with Health backgrounds, Teaching, Nursing as well as Information Technology. We are open to any degree discipline – the technical skills we can teach you, we are more interested in your communication skills, ability to learn and how well you will fit in with our culture.

Vac Programs…

Right from your first day, you will be networking with your fellow employees. We have a comprehensive induction day and introduce you to your team members and fellow vacationers. From your second day, you will be out with clients. The type of work you will do depends on the division you work in, but it will be real work and you will be exposed to what life would be like as a graduate.

Professional Development Advice…

At KPMG we are very supportive of further development. We have an in house Chartered Accounting program, for those who want to go down that path, but we also support many other post-graduate studies. Support includes financial support, study leave, exam leave and you’ll be working with a group of peers going through the same thing as you. The advice I would give is to embrace it, it can be hard working full time and studying but everyone is in the same boat and it will only further your relevance in the work place.

The other advice I would give is to stay on top of business issues, read the newspaper so you know what is happening in your industry and you can speak to your clients about topics with confidence.

And last but not least, it is never too early to start building your networks, both internally and externally. This is something students should already be doing in order to further their careers.

Want more info?

• If you can make it on campus, KPMG will be attending the Curtin Careers Fair, March 5, 11am – 2pm
• KPMG’s Vacation and Grad Programs are open now for application – find out more online