ANZ grads buoyed by bank’s supportive alumni network
Professional relationships lie at the heart of ANZ’s business operations – not just between bankers and their customers but also between employees.
The Big Four bank believes networks are an important part of a successful career and can help graduates grow, allowing them to get where they want to be in the world sooner. ANZ’s graduate program is well known for fostering friendship between colleagues within each cohort, providing a strong and dependable network for them throughout their careers.
However, it also encourages relationships with others across the graduate alumni network, which likewise provides participants with informal support and mentoring. The opportunity to build relationships with customers in rural communities was what first attracted Ella Kearsley to ANZ and its Agribusiness program.
Working alongside primary producers and building client relationships across rural Australia was a highlight of Ella Kearsley’s summer internship at ANZ.
“Our Agribusiness program offers something truly unique – the chance to work with diverse customer segments and experience life across Australia,” says career programs manager Kristy Abbott. “This breadth of exposure builds technical expertise, adaptability and strong relationship skills.”
Kearsley says working alongside primary producers was one of the most enjoyable and satisfying parts of a summer internship she completed at ANZ while studying a bachelor of commerce (international trade and management) at the University of Adelaide.
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Then, when it came to meeting, learning from and developing long-term relationships with her own cohort and alumni during her graduate program, Kearsley seized upon every opportunity that came her way.
“The alumni network is such an integral part to the grad experience; we met and worked with so many grad alumni while on the program, and it’s created such a strong network across the country – and globe – to lean into,” she says.
“The alumni network is so generous with their time and knowledge. Everyone understands the motivation of grads so can truly help them succeed.
“I’ve been introduced to such interesting and diverse past and current grads and now look to provide opportunities to the incumbent cohort like those that I was afforded.”
Among the people with whom Kearsley has formed a close relationship is Jasamine Goddard, ANZ Business & Private Bank’s Diversified Industries state director for greater NSW and ACT.
The two met at a graduate event when Goddard was volunteering as a graduate coach while working as a relationship manager. They stayed in touch for the rest of Kearsley’s 18-month graduate program, during which she worked in frontline and operational roles across regional South Australia, north-west Tasmania and at ANZ headquarters in Melbourne.
ANZ graduate alumni Jasamine Goddard (left) and Ella Kearsley have formed a close bond through seven years of mutual support and honest sharing.
After completing the program, Kearsley worked alongside Goddard as an assistant manager, then stepped into her relationship manager role while Goddard was on parental leave.
“I’ve supported Ella in navigating early career decisions and provided opportunities and connections to help her advance,” Goddard says. “In turn, Ella brought fresh perspectives and energy to our team.”
Goddard herself was a participant in ANZ’s graduate program, having been drawn to the bank because it offered the opportunity to work in a corporate environment while remaining connected to the regional areas she had grown up in and loved.
“Seeing customers succeed and knowing I’ve played a role in that is incredibly rewarding,” she says. “Engaging with decision-makers and generations of entrepreneurial business owners adds depth and excitement to my work.”
She believes the grad alumni network provides a strong sense of camaraderie and connection to a shared experience.
Personally, Goddard says the introductions facilitated by the network have strengthened her professional network and understanding of the importance of relationships.
The network also provides legitimacy and authenticity when she reaches out to others, not only making the introductions easier but also more meaningful, she adds. “It’s a fantastic platform for networking and gaining exposure to diverse groups of colleagues across the bank and to senior leaders,” she says.
“I’ve benefited so much from alumni who’ve been there for me, and I love being able to do the same for others starting out.”
Her relationship with Kearsley has evolved over the past seven years with the support now reciprocal. “As we now have a trusted and close relationship, Ella often provides me with honest and helpful feedback on how I can continue to improve as a leader,” Goddard says.
Only three years after finishing the program, Kearsley became a relationship manager for ANZ Business & Private Bank’s Specialised Agribusiness division. She says being supported and challenged by graduate alumni has played a big role in her achievements and career progression.
“The most enjoyable part of my role is, of course, working with our wonderful customers and building genuine relationships,” she reflects. “Playing a part in helping customers achieve their business goals is something that I don’t take for granted. I feel privileged to be able to make a difference to people’s lives.
“I can’t stress the importance of the relationships I built on the graduate program and how fostering these has got me to where I am today.”
Goddard, meanwhile says opportunities to grow and develop continue throughout a career with ANZ. “I value the continuous learning – both formal and on-the-job – often in areas I never imagined I’d be interested in,” she says.
“ANZ is small enough that you know you’re making a difference, yet large enough to challenge yourself and expand your career and try new things.
“Every day brings new challenges and opportunities for problem-solving.”
Applications for ANZ’s 2027 Graduate Program are open from March 5 to April 13. For more information, visit here.
