Heather Mason-Videc
Role: Customer Labs – Digital Graduate
Describe your rotations: what division were you in and what did you learn/get involved in?
For my first rotation, I worked on the Group IT Strategy for IAG, where I learned all about IAG’s current technologies and applications, capabilities and future view for the organization for IT. I was responsible for providing weekly updates to the other squads about our team’s progress. I was also responsible for chairing weekly meetings and setting our agenda.
I learnt how to extract information from excel using pivot tables and then provide these values and information to a stakeholder.
Working with a great team, there was the chance to meet many key members of the organisation and also providing value to our team and deliverables, such as the Technology Portfolio Model (TPM).
During my second rotation, I’ve been working in the Sydney Foundation squad for the Cloud Migration Project within Customer labs. My role in this team was as a developer and previously had not much exposure to this previously, but now I can say, I’ve learnt a lot. I’ve learnt how to write python and groovy scripts, using git commands and changes to bitbucket and jira.
Most importantly I’ve learnt a lot about the cloud, especially AWS (Amazon Cloud Services) and I’ve just completed my AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate exam, and now can say I am AWS cloud certified.
Describe in three words your experience on the graduate program so far:
Rewarding, Challenging (but in a good way) and Fun
What’s a typical day like?
In the morning, I sit at my desk, check email and make a list of what I need to do for the day. I may have already picked up a task from our agile board to work on. I would also continue my AWS study and take some time out for that. My work schedule is very flexible and can choose what work I will do, depending if there is any work pending. There is a daily stand up at 10am, but most of my day would be working on my tasks, studying or attending additional meetings.
What has the support network at IAG been like for you as a Grad?
The support network at IAG has been great, everyone I have interacted with have been very helpful and willing to share their knowledge or at least point me in the right direction or someone to speak with.
Why would you recommend this program to uni students?
I would, it is a great opportunity to learn in a large organisation and pick up a bunch of valuable skills in different areas. The program provides lots of learning opportunities, plus a network of other grads that you can interact with, who may not be in the area you are rotating in, so the networking continues. It’s an amazing program for any student who in curious and wants to learn.
What have been the two most memorable experiences you have had on the Grad program?
The Amazing Race – On our first days we were split into groups to complete an amazing race. It was good fun, and a great way to meet our fellow grads.
The 90 Day Project – This was our project, where we were provided a business problem, for us to investigate in you guess it, 90 days. At the end of the 90 days we presented our project to the CEO (Peter Harmer), our rotation managers, our team and other invited guests. It was a great experience, and got wonderful support from our sponsors to coach us through the presentation.