This Friday, we're lucky enough to learn about the Graduate experience directly from the source with a stellar write up from past-grad and current Maintenance Planner Eric Wang!
Beginning his journey with Programmed Facility Management in 2022, Eric has recently been appointed in a permanent Maintenance Planner role thanks to his strong team rapport paired with his engineering background and proficiency. But enough from us - here's Eric's story in his own words!
"I started at Programmed in September 2022, coming in pretty fresh out of university, I was faced with the daunting task of starting a new job in a new industry.
I had been hired into Programmed's Graduate Program as a Graduate Engineer. Joining the GWW Contract (Best in the West), I was tasked to work on Package Works. With 0 experience in the water industry, I was trained by Bharath - another graduate that had done it all before. I endeavored to absorb information and skills like a sponge.
Soon after I started, I attended the first of many Graduate Sessions - meeting and networking with the other graduates as well as the many enriching professionals across Programmed. Then the ball began rolling, I attended the first Graduate Development Workshop at the new Collins St office with Jim and Sam, who facilitated industry-based professional development.
Across the 6 workshops - Jim shared insights into techniques to build the foundations of a successful professional career. Our graduate cohort shared understanding of personalised DiSC behavioural profiles and tendencies - giving us insight into professional behaviours and how they can affect interactions around the workplace. We explored identification of managing conflict - how to generate positive/constructive conflict as well as how to navigate negative conflict. We engaged in using the seven skills of EI to be a better communicator within the workplace and at home. One of the most valuable workshops I attended included presenting and influencing, where we were tasked to deliver and present a topic to an audience and field questions and answers. These were just some of the highlights from my time throughout the Graduate Development Workshops.
Personally, one of my biggest takeaway’s from Programmed's Graduate Program were the connections and friendships I made along the way. Meeting the other graduates and engaging with the experienced professionals/managers were invaluable opportunities that I wouldn't've had without the Graduate Program. The program so far has proven to have provided me with the necessary foundational skills and experience and most importantly, the confidence to excel in any professional environment and especially, my current role at GWW.
In the last couple of months, I have been implementing the plethora of skills I've acquired from the workshops. This has allowed me to continuously build rapport with key professionals around the Brooklyn Depot, providing additional opportunities to learn and upskill. Recently, apart from Package Works, these skills have led me to have the opportunity to lend my skills across different operational support avenues - including but not limited to, 3rd party permits, reactive works as well as quoting in planned maintenance. Even finding the skills necessary to be successful in my application in the Maintenance Planner role. In summary, the Graduate Learning Pathways have provided me valuable fundamental knowledge and proficiency to land myself a permanent role in Planned Works."
A huge thanks to Eric for sharing his experience with this awesome write up!
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