What's your job about?
ITW is one of the leading companies in construction products, with well-respected brands such as Paslode, Ramset, Reid and many more, stocked in some of the biggest trade suppliers like Bunnings and Total Tools.
In the graduate program, we rotate throughout most areas of the business having the opportunity to experience multiple brands and functions.
I have completed rotations in communications, marketing and supply chain, each offering unique exposure to the majority of our business, which is important to navigating our own careers and what our future looks like.
It is important to be self-motivated and organised as we are given responsibilities to manage our own projects with the support of our boss and mentors.
I am currently in the supply chain working on understanding our external suppliers' ways of working – which involves a lot of excel. My main task is interviewing suppliers with a questionnaire I developed, so we can continue to improve our relationship becoming easier to work with.
This information with helps us ensure our purchase orders and forecast is accurate so we can continue to have top tier performance with our customers.
What's your background?
I am lucky enough to have the great support of my family as people and professionals. My dad has worked his way up in pharmaceuticals and has been able to offer my advice and guidance in the direction of my career. My mum runs her own business giving me entrepreneurial exposure, both these factors are what led me to my university degree
I completed my Bachelor of Media and Communication still unsure of what I wanted to do or how I should use my new qualifications. That is what was so attractive about the ITW grad program, we are able to move around in our field but also try projects in areas out of our comfort zone – creating well rounded, diverse employees.
Could someone with a different background do your job?
ITW offer support to all employees, they want you to succeed and deliver the best you can – offering the tools and resources to do so. All the graduates in my year studied different degrees and have different qualifications however are all supported if a project is in a area we may not have the skills in.
What's the coolest thing about your job?
The coolest thing about my job is seeing our projects come to life. Our projects are our baby for 6 months, but seeing someone else value and take it on and it actually being of use to the company is awesome.
I also think it is cool to look back at where I was at the start, I was nervous about speaking to large groups and interacting with people I didn’t know – but I have grown in confidence and learnt how to communicate professionally which I didn’t expect to happen in a year with the company.
While presenting to management is incredibly nerve-racking – hearing the feedback from our Group President and other influential people in our business is the highlight of the program, not many people get face time with the GP but we are able to take on feedback and be inspired by leaders in their element.
What are the limitations of your job?
You have to be very diligent to work at ITW, everyday doesn’t look the same and being adaptable to your surroundings is crucial.
You must have the ability to step out of your comfort zone, although it may be intimidating at first – this is not only such an important skill in the business but in life.
3 pieces of advice for your university-self?