Vertech Group congratulates Elias Amsha for their progression into the Lead Graduate Role and Kurt Hamilton for their promotion to Marine Scientist. We asked Elias and Kurt to reflect on their time at Vertech as a graduate and how 2024 looks in their new role; check out their responses here:
Elias Amsha:
As a graduate, progression throughout the job is extremely important in building your career. My time at Vertech saw me progress through my first year to Lead Graduate Engineer. This was made possible through communicating with my supervisors and six monthly PDPs, which allowed us to define a clear pathway and what milestones and skills should be hit along the way.
My progression was made known throughout the business, which allowed me to pick up extra responsibilities and ask for additional help much easier. The support from everyone at Vertech was very helpful in my progression, and the skills and experiences will help my professional development immensely.
Looking into 2024, my main goal is to continue working hard and building my skills and experience before completing my graduate program in August and moving into a Project Engineering role within Vertech. This will be achieved by closely working with supervisors on bigger and grander projects to ensure my experience is broad and I am ready to run.
Another goal I am closely working on as the Lead Graduate is enhancing the graduate program with diverse activities and experiences to improve our technical and interpersonal skills. I look forward to championing the program for continued growth and professional development through this program for all our graduates under the Vertech Group in the coming year.
The advice I would give to graduates in my field is to ask as many questions as possible because our experience and skills are what will create a successful future career. Chase every opportunity you have, especially if it takes you out of your comfort zone, as that means it is something new for you to master and experience for any future endeavours.
Kurt Hamilton:
1. What was your original job title, and what role have you been promoted?
My original job title was ‘Graduate Marine Scientist’; I have now transitioned to ‘Marine Scientist’.
2. How do you feel having a graduate role prepared you for a full-time role?
My role as a graduate has provided me with a solid foundation to acquire skills and practical experience progressively. Throughout this role, I’ve appreciated the opportunity to work independently, supported by the guidance needed to learn from my experiences and mistakes. This hands-on approach has proven to be the most effective method for my learning. The environment has consistently positioned me for success, fostering my confidence and enabling me to take on increasing levels of autonomy. With two years in this position, I am prepared to embrace a full-time role and confidently manage its associated responsibilities. My journey as a graduate has played a pivotal role in shaping my professional confidence. I attribute much of my current success to the invaluable transition period I experienced during this time.
3. What are your goals for your new role in 2024?
My primary goal for my new role in 2024 would be to establish a clear individual role within the team and identify areas in which I can add value to the business. Additionally, I will be looking to continue to be involved in more field-based projects and begin to progress into being more hands-on throughout the life cycle of such projects. Lastly, as I progress in my career and broaden my comfort zone, I will pay specific attention to ensuring I continue to put myself in situations outside of my comfort zone, sustaining my focus on growing as a professional.
4. Do you have any advice for current graduates in your field?
My biggest advice for current or future graduates in my field would be to say yes to as many opportunities to learn and grow as possible, especially those outside of your comfort zone. Whether it is networking events, fieldwork, or professional or technical development courses, jump at those opportunities and embrace them. The more opportunities for learning you expose yourself to, the better off you will be, both as a professional and a person.
Secondly, as a graduate or even a junior employee, it is very important to remember that you are surrounded by people who know far more than you, so it is vital to ensure you listen to these people and apply what they say. With this in mind, it is key to follow what senior staff members say and to be curious and engage in conversations and discussions, which can paint a broader picture of understanding.
And lastly, enjoy it! It is an awesome point in your career, so be grateful for the opportunities and undertake them with a smile and a good attitude; both will take you a long way.
Congratulations again to Elias and Kurt on their successful progression into full-time roles at Vertech Group! If you think a graduate role could be for you, please email your CV to hr@vertechgroup.com.au
