Case Studies
Hear how two of our past graduates, Naresh and Christine, spent their time at Sensis, and what they're up to now.
Graduate Case Study: Naresh Pereira
Naresh joined Sensis in 2003 through the graduate program and is now a Product Manager in Yellow Pages Digital & Search.
When did you start the Graduate Program at Sensis?
March 2003
Why did you choose the Sensis Graduate Program?
As a Commerce/Science grad with no fixed career ideas I liked the chance of working in a news business group every six months.
What were the best things about the program?
With the rotations I got to work with and for people from different backgrounds and experiences. And I was given a lot responsibility but always had day-to-day support with a buddy and/or mentor.
What are the best things about working at Sensis?
Working for a leader in such a dynamic industry means things are fast paced, challenging and interesting. The people here are talented and genuinely motivated to see Sensis maintain its market leadership and I have made very good friends here.
What has been your biggest success story?
Probably being part of the team that introduced and started implementing the Sensis Operating Cycle and within that I loved developing company strategy and business plans.
What is your current role and how have you progressed at Sensis?
Today, I’m a Product Manager in Yellow Pages Digital & Search. My role focuses on maximising our Australian customers’ advertising spend by expanding its market reach via relationships with relevant third parties. My team’s most recent activities include the distribution of Yellow Business Listings on Google Maps and the new ninemsn/Microsoft site Bing Maps.
In this role I am involved in the acquisition and management of partners and communicating the additional usage we generate to advertisers.
Prior to this I was an Analyst in Corporate Strategy doing things like strategy development, mergers and acquisitions, initiative and business unit planning.
My career at Sensis is largely driven by my interests and a wide network of Sensis people who understand my capabilities and aspirations.
Any tips Naresh?
- Keep an open mind because you might find your best work experience where you least expected it.
- Finish all the rotations because such structured exposure to so many diverse business units in this timeframe is is a rare opportunity.
- Ask lots of questions.
- Identify people whose jobs you’re interested in – and pick their brains about what they do and their career path.
- Look for people, experience and training opportunities that can help you build your toolbox.
- Your career is your responsibility – don’t expect others to map it out for you. Actively pursue your plan and seek help from others when required.
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Graduate Case Study: Christine Tan
Senior Domain Analyst Christine Tan has enjoyed a wide range of career experiences since taking part in our first-ever Graduate Program six years ago.
When did you start the program?
I started in March 2003.
Why Sensis?
After university I started with Sensis as a temporary Telesales Consultant within the White Pages New Business Team. Like any other fresh graduate, I was looking out for any career opportunity and six months after joining Sensis they launched the first Graduate Program. The structure in the Sensis programs is much more exciting that others I looked at with the opportunity to be assigned to four different areas within the business over two years.
What was the best thing about the program?
I really enjoyed the rotations within the business. It allowed me to learn the basics of how different business units operate and helped me evaluate what I really want to do after the graduate program.
What is the best thing about working at Sensis?
The people are always helpful and willing to share their knowledge.
What has been your biggest success story?
There are a few but the most recent would be being part of the team transforming Sensis' systems and processes. I’ve taken on a few new roles and responsibilities in the last few years since I started this project. The project timeline is very tight and there is a lot to do to stay up to speed and support business units that are affected. While it can be very challenging it is great to know I am able to achieve the results and assist the business get the desired outcome.
Christine, got any tips for people wanting to join the program?
- Don’t think you are any different being a ‘graduate employee’ to any other employee. You are in the real world, doing a real job!
- Don’t be afraid to ask questions.
- While you may have the ideal job in mind, keep your options open.
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