Three ways to get ahead in your career

Alumna Emily Dally's career has taken her from a graduate role in human resources to positions as a HR Associate and Career Transition Consultant, and now as a HR Advisor for Westpac Group.

We picked her brain for tips on getting career-ready around the time of graduation, and she had plenty of useful insights to share. 

Receiving career advice from people who work in human resources is incredibly valuable: they're already well-versed in providing advice to employees and leaders alike, and it's their job to be aware of important changes in both the organisation they work for and industries more broadly. Increasingly, wellbeing is coming into sharp focus by those in HR as well - and Flinders graduates like Emily Dally have been enthusiastically entering the sector for that reason.

"I chose Flinders due to the ability to combine my two interests - wellbeing and people - and undertake a combined degree, a Bachelor of Business (Human Resource Management) and Bachelor of Health Sciences (Health Management)," Dally says. "The vibrant campus culture also attracted me to Flinders, and it certainly lived up to expectations."

Dally graduated from Flinders in 2019. Initially hired in a Graduate role with the Westpac Group, she's since worked at the company as a HR Associate and Career Transition Consultant, and is now enjoying her current role as a HR Advisor. 

We asked Dally what career advice she'd give to someone who recently graduated, or is nearing graduation. Read on to discover her thoughts.
 

Tip 1: Tap into the 'hidden job market'

"Your network is key. Start in your early years of your undergraduate degree to build up your contacts in industry and ask people out for coffee catch ups - or meet virtually," says Dally. "Ask how they got to be where they are, and their recommendations as to how you can do the same. It's so important to be more than a name on a piece of paper when you apply for roles in your final year of studies and tap into the hidden job market."
 

Tip 2: Get experience while you study

"Put your hand up to volunteer, join a student club or association, work a part-time job. You need to develop transferable skills alongside the technical skills you gain from your degree to be successful, as employers are looking for well-rounded individuals." 

Need help building experience while you're studying? Check out our Employability Roadmap for Business students.
 

Tip 3: Access career support

"Take advantage of the career support offered by the Flinders Careers and Employability team," advises Dally. "The team will help you become career-ready with resume and interview preparation, help introduce you to employers on campus through career fairs, and help you start developing your transferable skills through the Horizon Professional Development award."

Find your Fearless. Study Business.

Pictured: Emily Dally, who graduated from Flinders with a Bachelor of Business (Human Resource Management) in 2019.