Ella’s Experience as a Qantas Graduate

Internship: Bridging academic studies with the real world 

In the final year of my Bachelor of Commerce at The University of Sydney, majoring in Marketing and Physical Activity & Health, I aspired to put my knowledge and skills in marketing into practice through real-world experience. Fortunately, I secured an internship at Qantas. This opportunity provided hands-on exposure to campaign development, email campaigns, digital and social media, website and app management, resource booking, and campaign reporting. Supported by encouraging managers, I successfully balanced university expectations while performing well in the workplace. I'm truly thankful this role has guided my career path.

Rotation One: On the ground 

I joined the Airports team at QantasLink in my first graduate program rotation. Beyond managing suppliers and exploring the happenings of many regional Australian airports, I led a six-month project developing a metric for over 80 airports and 35 ground service providers. Despite limited prior knowledge, the rotation provided a challenging and positive learning environment, and completing the project and adding significant value to the business's future management was undoubtedly a standout moment in my career so far. 

Rotation Two: Protecting the future of travel

Protecting the future of travel My second rotation landed me in Sustainability, a dynamic business area that sparked my interest from day one. I'm so grateful for exposure to pivotal initiatives like our carbon offsetting strategy and advancing our journey with Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). It has been incredible to work in a sector filled with constant evolution and the absence of a one-size-fits-all solution. I have also found this rotation immensely satisfying at an individual level, as my commitment to environmentally conscious practices aligns with the strong focus on sustainability at Qantas. 

Making an impact beyond the office 

One highlight in my graduate journey has been immersing myself into the impactful partnership Qantas has with the Clontarf Foundation; a not-for-profit on a mission to uplift young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men by enhancing their education, discipline, life skills, self-esteem, and job prospects. From lively sports carnivals to engaging events, breaking free from the office routine to make a meaningful impact in our community has been an uplifting experience. 

Another great highlight was representing Qantas in The J.P. Morgan Corporate Challenge, the world's largest corporate running event. This was a great afternoon filled with thousands of people from various businesses, all geared up for some healthy competition and striving to bridge the gap between work and wellness. I've found that getting involved in activities like this is a fantastic way to expand your network and strengthen connections through shared experiences, even with colleagues you may not directly work with. 

Reflecting on the year 

The past year as a Qantas Graduate has been an amazing experience, providing me with valuable opportunities to expand my skill set and discover the kind of employee and leader I aspire to be. In addition to personal growth, I've made some wonderful friends, appreciating their guidance and shared experiences as we navigate this journey together. I am fortunate to have such strong support in this role and am eager to see what the future holds for me at Qantas. 

Advice for future graduates 

My advice for those interested in applying to the graduate program is simple: go for it! This role offers a learning environment that is challenging, positive, and secure, opening the door to a variety of exciting paths. Make sure you let your enthusiasm for Qantas and the aviation industry shine when applying. Demonstrate how your values integrate with our culture – think innovation, integrity, and a commitment to excellence. It is your passion that will make you the standout candidate!