What's your job about?

I am part of TAL’s Graduate Program, working in one of TAL's largest business units, Individual Life. The program allows graduates to complete four rotations over two years, with each rotation lasting six months. So far, I have completed rotations in Marketing, Business Management, and Training and Development. I am currently in my final rotation and will soon transition into a full-time role at TAL after completing the program.

My current rotation is with the Project Management Office as a Business Analyst. The Project Management Office manages all projects across Individual Life and oversees key enterprise programs. My role involves working closely with the broader business to ensure their needs are met in each project. Specifically, I act as the link between the technology development teams and the business, translating business needs into software specifications. I am responsible for ensuring requirements are accurately documented, fulfilled, and deliver overall positive outcomes for the business.

What's your background?

After completing my HSC, I pursued a Bachelor of Commerce at the University of Notre Dame Australia, focusing on Human Resources and Management.

A pivotal moment during university was in my final year when I was given the opportunity to complete an internship in my chosen field. As my focus was on Human Resources, I started searching for internships on LinkedIn and came across TAL’s campaign for the next Graduate Program intake.

I immediately researched TAL, exploring their website to learn more about their mission and values. I was particularly drawn to TAL’s purpose, which emphasizes putting customers at the center of what they do.

Motivated by this alignment of values, I reached out to the recruiter for the Graduate Recruitment campaign to inquire about potential internship opportunities in the People & Culture Business Unit. The recruiter responded, and a few weeks later, I found myself walking into TAL’s beautiful Sydney office, knowing this was the place for me.

I completed a six-month internship in the People & Culture team as part of the Organisational Development team. This experience inspired me to apply for the next intake of the Individual Life Graduate Program, and I was thrilled to receive an offer. That’s how I arrived at where I am today!

Could someone with a different background do your job?

One of the things I love most about TAL is how it welcomes people with diverse backgrounds and qualifications. When I started at TAL, I had limited knowledge of life insurance, but I learned so much as I progressed through my rotations.

The key to success in a graduate program is curiosity and the drive to learn. A business sponsor once told me that the main role of a graduate is to "be a sponge and soak up as much knowledge as possible." If you have a passion for learning and a willingness to try new things, TAL will have space for you, regardless of your background.

What's the coolest thing about your job?

What I love most about being a graduate at TAL is the sense of community and the strong support network. We have fantastic managers, team members, business sponsors, and graduate program coordinators who ensure that the experience is smooth and enriching.

This is closely tied to TAL’s culture, which I would describe as warm and welcoming. Everyone I have met or worked with has been kind and generous with their time, always willing to help when needed.

What are the limitations of your job?

I wouldn’t describe this as a limitation, but rather a challenge I’ve had to learn to overcome: becoming comfortable with ambiguity. This is particularly true when transitioning into a new team. Changing roles every six months can feel daunting as you need to adjust to new disciplines and team dynamics.

The best way to handle this is by embracing change and letting go of unrealistic expectations. Focus on doing your best to learn, asking questions, and seeking guidance. I often remind myself that growth comes with change, so it’s something to embrace rather than avoid.

3 pieces of advice for yourself when you were a student...

1. Remind yourself that you don’t need to know everything right now. The goal of a graduate program is to keep learning, so be open to feedback and use it to grow.
2. Don’t compare yourself to others. Everyone is on their own unique journey, and it’s unfair to compare yourself to someone at a different stage.
3. Take time to recharge. Recognizing when you need a break is a strength, not a weakness.