Why did you want to work for GSK?

Initially I was attracted to GSK because it is a multinational company with opportunities to develop and work abroad. Working for an international organisation can be challenging at times but you have scope to learn about different markets, how they operate and the business culture globally. GSK also stood out to me as an employer because the company values align with my personal values, Transparency, Integrity, Patient Focus and Respect for People.

What degree and university are you a graduate from?

I graduated from Swinburne University of Technology in Melbourne, in December 2015 with a Bachelor of Commerce (Human Resource Management)

What type of work do you do?

So far I have had the opportunity to work through the merit and bonus review process, liaise with third party benefit providers and complete job evaluations and benchmarking.

What was your pathway into the business?

I completed my 12 month IBL program before completing my final year of uni (whilst working as a HR Advisor at GSK) and ultimately being successful for the first HR FLP role in Australia.

How did your IBL year influence your desire to continue with the business in a graduate role?

I completed my IBL year with GSK in 2014 and it had a huge bearing on my decision to continue working for the organisation and ultimately applying for the Future Leaders Program. Over the course of my placement I was trusted with valuable work and given responsibility that allowed me to develop both my HR technical and general professional skills. I had firsthand knowledge of the company culture and opportunities available to those who work hard and wanted to be an ongoing part of that.

What rotation(s) have you completed so far?

I have just started my first rotation in the Total Reward team; so far I have had the chance to work on annual bonus and merit review as well as job evaluations and benchmarking.

What are the best aspects of being part of the Future Leaders program at GSK?

It is probably too early to make a full assessment but at this stage I can say that the support network you have around you is second to none. I have a diverse network of people (manager, home manager, alumni mentor, business mentor, program lead and coordinator as well as other key stakeholders) with vested interests in my development ensuring I make the most of my opportunities and providing me with feedback along the way.

What are some of the challenges of being part of the Future Leaders program at GSK?

Again it is probably too soon to say; my challenge is probably different to others as I was already an employee at GSK when I made the transition to FLP. I have had to separate myself from the previous role I held working with managers on a daily basis to working largely with business partners and consultants.

What advice would you give to students and graduates considering an internship or graduate role at GSK?

My advice to students considering an internship or graduate role at GSK would be to apply. My own journey is an example of how much you can learn and develop through the IBL or Future Leaders programs and essentially fast-track your career.

How would you describe the impact of being part of the Future Leaders program at GSK, on your career so far?

So far, it has given me a very different experience to the HR role I was in previously and I am excited to keep moving into fast paced roles in the future. As mentioned I have a great support network that will enable me to develop my professional, technical and leadership skills over the course of the program. 

It is now 2020, what other FLP rotations have you completed since the above questions were answered in 2016?

As the HR FLPI rotated through the following roles:

• Total Reward: Provided specialist support to the business through delivery of the bonus/merit program, role grading, benchmarking and reward projects.
• HR Generalist (Boronia): Partnered with the Boronia manufacturing business to deliver the people agenda through talent review, coaching and driving an engagement program.
• Vaccines Marketing Associate: Supported Brand Managers to deliver the 2017/18 operational plan, working cross functionally to create review and approve marketing campaigns.
• APAC Recruitment Projects: Collaborated with external partners and Recruitment Leads across Asia Pacific to deliver recruitment marketing projects improving the candidate experience.

Post FLP, what role have you found yourself in?

Since completing the program, I have accepted a commercial role:

• Vaccine Account Manager: Delivering the marketing strategy through face-to-face and virtual interactions with Healthcare Professionals ensuring they have relevant information and resources to proactively discuss vaccination with patients.

How the FLP program has helped to leverage your career to where you are today:

• Networking: Throughout my rotations I worked closely with various teams and leaders, the trust and credibility I built during this time allowed me to move outside of the HR function when my program finished.
• Development: Access to inspiring line managers and business leaders who I can learn from.