A partnership between the Career and Employment Service and the Merit Scholars Program has seen the development of the Career Accelerator Program, providing Merit Scholar students with inside, real-world knowledge and the opportunity to impress potential employers through career development workshops held in the workplace.

“The program brings together our high-achieving students with blue chip employers,” said Career and Employment Service Manager Julie Doherty. “It also further develops our relationships with business partners, in particular when looking at developing the leadership skills employers seek in our graduates.”

During the first week of their winter vacation, 48 Merit Scholars took part in workshops with six 2014 employer partners including Optus, Ernst & Young, Macquarie Group, Optiver, Johnson, Winter & Slattery and Maddocks Lawyers, with the focus on developing a personal brand, how to shine at professional networking and creating a global mindset.

Third year Bachelor of Applied Finance and Economics student and Merit Scholar Aram Mikaelian said the experience gave him a unique opportunity as an undergraduate student to get his foot in the door and start networking.

“My professional skills were enhanced through insightful and practical presentations by each workplace,” said Aram. “I would definitely recommend the Career Accelerator Program to any Merit Scholar who would like to gain an upper hand in gaining a graduate position.”

Optiver Graduate Recruiter Martina Carr said they were honoured to be part of the program.

“As a graduate employer, we hire the best and brightest students, and it was a fantastic opportunity for us to interact with Macquarie’s Merit Scholars and get involved with their development,” said Martina. “We valued the visit as it really helps students gain a better understanding of our company and culture.”

Learn more about the Career Accelerator Program, Merit Scholars Program and the Career and Employment Service.