CommBank’s Graduate Program is the ultimate crash course in real-world experience—with a safety net.
By Sarah Marinos
The first year of full-time work involves a steep learning curve for any graduate but it can be tough to get the support you need to upskill in a busy workplace. In CommBank’s Graduate Program, every new task or challenge is designed to teach, engage and encourage. We caught up with a few members of the 2024 cohort to hear all about what they learnt, the surprises they encountered and how this experience is setting them up for what’s next.
Oliver Guerreiro and Ryan Cleminson took part in CommBank’s Graduate Program.
Oliver Guerreiro is an Analytics Graduate who’s completed a Bachelor of IT at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS).
“My first rotation was focused on enhancing communications to lenders and now I’m looking at how AI technology can be incorporated into new products and services. I’ve also worked with different teams to help combat fraud and support call-centre staff. One of the biggest lessons I’ve learnt is that networking can lead to new projects and opportunities to acquire skills. The program has confirmed for me that I love data science and I see myself working in coding and analytics in the future. But right now, I’m listening, building my skills and absorbing as much information as I can every day.”
Ryan Cleminson is a Technology Graduate with a bachelor’s degree in data engineering from UTS.
“I’m interested in how technology can help people so one of the best parts of the program so far has been working on a data-science modelling project that uses insights to create cost-of-living solutions. So many people have given their time to help me develop—it’s the people that make this bank. The program has reinforced that I want a career in data science and engineering—it has a real impact on people’s lives. My advice to those starting their career at CommBank is to be a sponge. The organisation is filled with experts who have a wealth of knowledge and you can leverage that, build your skills and then share those with the people who come after you.”
CommBank’s Graduate Program is designed to teach, engage and encourage.
Brodie Booth joined CommBank as an intern while studying commerce and arts at UNSW. She’s a Commercial Graduate.
“After my internship in the analytics team, I became a part-time junior insights analyst in the customer service network and then helped launch CommBank Yello. Since joining the program, I’ve helped enhance the home-buying tools used by our customers and, with the behavioural science team, I’m learning how customers think. At the start, I experienced some imposter syndrome because I don’t have all the skills but a willingness to learn is important. In the future, my sweet spot would be a role that combines analytics and customer impact. The grad program has a great community aspect, too. A highlight has been volunteering at Thread Together, a charity that gives brand new clothing to people in need. There’s more to the program than simply the work you do.”
Sebastian Soo is a Business Banking Graduate with CommSec in Sydney. He studied a Bachelor of Commerce, majoring in finance and banking, at the University of Canberra.
“In high school I developed an interest in the share market so the CommSec Graduate program seemed a good fit. I started in the product area in equities, with a focus on business performance and internal controls for maintaining our products and for risk and compliance. Then I moved to the digital and customer area in customer research and realised my skills fit best in the product area. At first, I thought everyone knew everything but now I know that even when you specialise, by continually asking questions, there’s always more to learn and discover.”
Vivien Heng was torn between careers in medicine and mathematics but the latter eventually won and she is now a Data Science Technology Graduate in Adelaide.
“When I went to university, I studied medical sciences and was offered a PhD scholarship—but I missed maths! So instead of doing my PhD, I studied mathematics and computer sciences at the University of Adelaide. I’ve always loved maths and technology. Coming to work knowing that what you do is helping people is very rewarding. My parents came to Australia as refugees and I’m the first in my family to go to university so using technology to help people who struggle with financial literacy means a lot to me. I’m co-chair of the tech graduate committee and I’d like to become a leader who brings people together to do amazing work.”
When you join as a grad, you’ll be a full-time permanent employee. CommBank’s varied rotations across the business aim to keep you curious and develop your skills. At the end of the 12-18 month program, you’ll be supported to find a career that best suits you.
CommBank has roles located across Australia in metro and regional locations, depending on the chosen career pathway. Applications for the next intake will open in February/March 2025, with the program starting in February 2026. To check eligibility and apply, visit the graduate page on the CommBank website.
Learn more about CommBank’s Graduate Program.
This article provides general information of an educational nature only. It does not have regard to the financial situation or needs of any reader and must not be relied upon as personal financial product advice. The views expressed by contributors are their own and don’t necessarily reflect the views of CBA. As the information has been provided without considering your objectives, financial situation or needs, you should, before acting on this information, consider the relevant Product Disclosure Statement and Terms and Conditions, and whether the product is appropriate to your circumstances. You should also consider whether seeking independent professional legal, tax and financial advice is necessary. Every effort has been taken to ensure the information was correct as at the time of printing but it may be subject to change. No part of the editorial contents may be reproduced or copied in any form without the prior permission and acknowledgement of CBA.
