Career Prospects at Optus

We've had the chance to speak to many previous graduates that have been in our position once and have now gone onto director roles etc. within the company over a number of years.

Networking is key when it comes to career mobility. Being a cultural fit for the team is often just as important as functional competence.

Although the grad program description promises permanent roles after the program, the lack of documentation and communication has made it difficult for me to imagine what promotion after the program is like

As a new starter, I am not too familiar with promotion opportunities. But it seems as though there are opportunities to move up the ranks given that you are willing to put your hand up and demonstrate you are able to.

Promotion opportunities are available when we roll off the graduate program. What it takes to move up the ranks:Being part of the right projects and being recognised for your contribution to that project. Being able to deliver financial benefit within a short amount of time.

I don't have the full run down on career progression as I am still newish to the job and the program is 2 years

I know that many people have left the company due to very rigid processes in regards to career progression, compensation and salary negotiation. Our Group CEO has announced new processes to make internal mobility easier but I am yet to see that in reality.

Promotion opportunities are ok.

I would prefer if there was more clarity around what the rules/ expectations are about how and when you can roll off the program. As many people have done it in different ways, but more people recount it being a lengthy process that was not a smooth

some of the grad alumni got promoted to manager or even director level within 5-7 years

Promotion opportunities are limited at the moment with a tight budget and limited vacant roles. To move up the ranks you must wait for someone to leave or move roles so that a position becomes vacant. It is rare that new roles are created.

I have had phenomenal managers that look to advance and grow me into a senior leader. This culture to nurture young talent not use or ignore is vital for career progression.

Following the 2 year Graduate Program (x3 rotations over 2 years), we are guaranteed a permanent position within the same BU. From here, if you remain a high potential, there is the opportunity to participate in the exchange program or look at internal mobility options. We have an internal job board where people can apply or refer others to roles. From my understanding, a lot of the career progression is about having the right people know about you & your career aspirations as there are many internal promotions.

After the grad program we are essentially promised a permanent role, and that usually means becoming an Executive. However I've heard that progression/promotion past this is pretty time-consuming - 3+ years to become manager.

There are many opportunities to explore different rotations which align with your interests in the business.

As a Grad it is not guaranteed that I will receive a job after I finish the Grad program. But I am not stressing because I feel confident that through my network I will be able to secure something even if it is in another company. I also feel that my colleagues will help guide me in securing a job after the Grad program.

Doesn't seem like many opportunities to move up. Company prefers to hire externally seems to be the general consensus, but I would assume that is the case in most places. That said, I haven't experienced this first hand so not really in a position to comment yet.

There are always oppurtunities to explore your career vertically or horizontally (i.e. promotions or other career avenues), I have never gotten the impression that people are stopped from exploring career progression opportunities. The only thing is that for grads, once you are placed in a business unit (i.e. IT), you cannot do your rotation outside of that general area. This is not personally a problem for me as I want to stay in IT, but it kind of boxes grads in a bit.

Experience and enthusiasm, networking and going above and beyond to be recognised in your role.

There are some caps for movements (can't move up too many levels at once), some graduates really move up the ranks quickly (from graduate to director level in less than 10 years)