A playground of innovation
Being part of CommBank’s Technology Graduate Program is like stepping into a playground of innovation, says 2024 graduate Nandinee Pardasani. “The idea of diving into cutting-edge technologies, collaborating with brilliant minds and continuously learning in a dynamic environment is what truly excites me. It's the perfect recipe for growth and pushing boundaries.”
Many of CommBank’s new graduates spoke of their excitement in helping the bank deliver leading technology, and leveraging new technologies like AI to enhance the customer experience and build the bank of the future.
“CommBank is at the forefront of technological development in Australia and being part of that journey is such a great opportunity,” says Vandana Prathapar, who also spoke of her inspiration to help create digital solutions that support the broader community, including victims of financial abuse.
Gina Brichacek, who originally majored in chemical engineering but switched track after completing her first computer science course, said: “CommBank is embracing emerging technologies. This resonated with me as it shows the bank’s commitment to the customer.”
Investing in the future generation of technologists
As digital transformation reshapes the banking sector, we’re investing in building a team of future technologists that do impactful work for our customers, anticipate customers’ digital needs and create global best digital experiences,” said Commonwealth Bank Executive General Manager Human Resources Technology, Jane Adams.
“Technology is central to everything we do for our customers, and we’re committed to building a skilled, future-ready workforce, supporting the next generation of Australian technology professionals and ultimately building a brighter future for all.”
Furthermore, CommBank is committed to promoting gender diversity and inclusion in STEM, and encouraging more women to consider a career in technology, demonstrated through its partnership with Vogue Codes 2024. In 2024, 34 per cent of the bank’s technology graduates are female – up from 33 per cent in 2023.
Building a career at CommBank
When it comes to finding technology graduates, Ms Adams said: “We are looking for diverse people who want to work on solving meaningful and complex problems that positively affect the lives of our customers and help build the bank of the future.”
Over 3,500 people applied to be a part of CommBank’s 2024 Technology Graduate Program intake – up 90 per cent from the previous year, demonstrating the program's desirability, with CommBank recently named no.4 in the Top 100 Graduate Employers in Australia.
During the program, the CommBank technology graduates complete 12 months of formal learning including three six-month rotations, and are provided with targeted technical learning and exposure that is aligned with both business demand and individual development plans.
CommBank’s new graduates expressed excitement at being part of the program’s rotations, getting to see how different teams operate, gaining broad exposure and knowledge, meeting new people and stepping outside their comfort zone.
The bank's new data scientists kick-started their graduate experience with a seven-week curated onboarding program, involving a two-week in-house data science essentials training course and a five-week mentor-led modelling activity to apply their learnings in a safe, structured and supportive environment.
Ultimately, the program focuses on helping graduates build a career at CommBank, with 58 technology graduates from the 2023 program recently successful in early promotion, rolling off into skilled technologist roles in the bank within data science, cyber security and engineering.
“We saw one in four graduates achieving early promotion within the first 12 months of the 18-month program. We’re proud to elevate our graduate talent and show that the bank truly offers rewarding career pathways as we build the workforce of the future,” said Ms Adams.
Find out more about CommBank’s Graduate Program.
