Graduate Careers Australia
ergo - Number 97 Dec 2004 - Feb 2005
2004 In Review – Cindy Tilbrook
A Chinese philosopher once said: “May you live in interesting times”. As I reflect on the 2004 year, I think of how appropriate this statement is in terms of the achievements of the GCCA over the last twelve months and the opportunities available to the organisation in 2005. In summary:
The GCCA embarked on an intensive period of strategic review, culminating in a full-day planning session for Board Directors in late July. This process has re-affirmed our commitment to our stakeholders and our two key business areas: the provision of career resources to students and the higher education sector, and the conduct of and reporting on the Graduate Destination Survey.
A number of staffing changes occurred during the year as contracts concluded or staff members moved to other positions. This allowed the Board, in liaison with an external consultant, to evaluate the existing organisational structure and revamp it to accord more closely with the new strategic priorities. Bruce Guthrie, Dugald McNaughtan and I are now joined by Di Rachinger and Colette Keech to form the nucleus of the new GCCA team, with the addition of a new Senior Research/Surveys Officer in early 2005.
CEQuery Launched
March saw the very successful launch and introduction of the CEQuery software product, which evaluates the qualitative comments contained in the Course Experience Questionnaire. This software product is being distributed to the higher education sector through funding provided by the Department of Education, Science and Training (DEST), and the GCCA has the responsibility for all training and support for the software. A number of workshops have been conducted throughout Australia over the last nine months, with very positive feedback from those institutions who have started using this exciting new product.
GDS Methodology Reviewed
The period of April to August this year saw the conduct of the “2004 Graduate Destination Survey Methodology Review”. Through a process of internal review and a series of questionnaires and forums conducted with survey managers and other interested sector personnel across the country, the entire survey process was assessed and analysed. The findings of this review will provide key information for our ongoing planning for survey operations.
gradlink Website and OGDS Updated
Two major infrastructure projects were concluded during the year – a further upgrade to the gradlink website (incorporating online forums, a shop and other features), and extra functionality added to the Online Graduate Destination Survey (oGDS).
Graduate Careers Network
A new initiative, the Graduate Careers Network, was launched during 2004, with functions held in Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide and Hobart. These networking functions bring together representatives from university career services with graduate employers in a relaxed, informal environment. Based on feedback received, these events will certainly continue (and hopefully expand) during 2005.
NACE and CACEE Conferences
I was fortunate enough to attend the NACE (USA) and CACEE (Canada) conferences in June this year. Not only was I interested to learn of the similarity of issues faced by our counterparts in other countries, but also impressed by the fact that both Australian career services and graduate recruiters are meeting global standards in their operations. I was proud to be able to talk about some of the great achievements our organisations are making in furthering career opportunities for our new graduates.
At the GCCA we have made numerous presentations throughout the year, and continued our involvement with a number of external bodies – HEWSO (the Higher Education Workplace Skills Olympiad), CICA (the Careers Industry Council of Australia), and NAGCAS (National Association of Graduate Careers Advisory Services) to name just a few.
New Brand and Image in 2005
To top it all off, we will be consolidating our new strategic direction and staffing with the introduction of a new corporate brand and image – merging the various existing GCCA brands (Graduate Careers Council of Australia, GCCA, gradlink, etc) under a common brand – Graduate Careers Australia. This new branding and image will be introduced progressively during 2005 – so look out for our “new look”!
It’s astounding to think that we undertake and achieve these new projects on top of our ongoing provision of traditional services and products – all with a staff of no more than six people! So, from the team at the GCCA, we wish each and every one of you a very safe and joyous festive season. We are moving into 2005 with enthusiasm and commitment, and look forward to our continued relationship with you all.
Cindy Tilbrook,
Executive Director, GCCA
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