Graduate – property finance analyst

A hobby making jewellery helped Katherine Zikou secure a graduate placement at Westpac.

“I used to sell it at the local markets which gave me the exposure to running a small business. When I brought it up at the interview it definitely helped as it demonstrated I had insight into how a business worked,” the 23-year-old said.

Now in her second year at Westpac, the property finance analyst can pass on her graduate experience and useful tips on landing a position at a bank.

“I did a commerce degree majoring in economics and marketing and always knew I wanted to get into a finance job,” Katherine said.

“I chose Westpac because I heard great things about the organisation and them as an employer.”

Katherine applied online to the bank and completed an aptitude test and a phone interview before she was called in for an assessment day, which involved an interview, group activities and a presentation.

In preparation for an assessment Katherine advises finding out about the type organisation that you want to work for.

“I used a lot of resources at university at the careers centre, also use the company’s website to understand the organisation’s mission and values,” she said.

“In terms of interview and resume preparation, it’s important to know what your strengths are and how you are going to use them to contribute to the company.”

“It’s also very important to show them that you are willing to learn.”

During her first year at Westpac, Katherine completed the sales graduate program, which involved three to four month rotations in different parts of the business.

“It was a great experience. I got to see a number of different areas of the business and meet lots of different people.”

“I also learnt the importance of delivering results,” she said

Learning so much in a very short space of time is hard work. However, graduates are given a huge amount of support in the shape of a buddy, a mentor, a rotation manager and the program manager who oversees all the graduates’ choices.

“In the last rotation you get to select where you want to work,” Katherine said.

She is now working in property finance, but getting to grips with her job hasn’t meant quitting her hobby.

“I still make jewellery when I have the time,” she said.