We would like to introduce you to Eric. He joined HLB Mann Judd Sydney’s Wealth Management division in late 2020.
Having always had a strong interest in wealth management and financial advisory, Eric was referred by a friend about the graduate opportunity at HLB, and he jumped at the opportunity.
What’s your ‘Team HLB’ story?
Being a fresh graduate, I knew I wanted to work at a firm that would give me a diverse range of work and responsibility to get a broader understanding of the field.
Since joining the firm, I have been given a broad range of tasks such as the preparation of superannuation accounts, writing up of investment commentaries and preparing material for client meetings. I have even been given the opportunity to attend some of the meetings with the partners and managers. I’ve discovered there’s a lot of flexibility for me to develop my skills and experience in the areas that I find interesting.
For instance, my manager recently noted my interest in the areas of investment and invited me to attend one of the broker meetings. I find that the smaller team size, access to on-the-job training and CA assistance really supports my career path. What also reaffirmed my decision was when HLB won best accounting and consulting firm at the 2020 Client Choice Awards – it’s a great place to work.
Follow Eric as he walks us through a day in the Sydney office
9:00am
Upon arriving at the office I usually head downstairs with another graduate to grab my morning coffee. Sometimes if I’m feeling lazy, I’ll head straight for the staff kitchen and grab a coffee from the Nespresso machine.
Once caffeine is in hand, I’ll head to my desk to plan out the day and update my manager accordingly.
Mid-morning
There’s a client meeting scheduled later today. I start working with one of the managers and a partner on the materials required for the client meeting. We usually liaise back and forth several times to review and amend my draft before we finalise it together.
Lunchtime
I must confess – timing for my lunch breaks are quite flexible so I vary them depending on the day’s workflow.
A few of us grads usually get together for lunch. We tend to walk towards Wynyard as the options for lunch are endless! Sometimes it’s a chicken schnitzel wrap down near the waterfront at Barangaroo or a banh mi at the hunter connection food court. After a nice lunch, we head on back to the office.
3:00pm
I’ve just finished attending the client meeting with the partner and manager. I take the opportunity after the meeting to discuss any queries and questions I have with my manager.
After finalising the meeting material, I speak with my team to wrap up any other outstanding tasks and plan out my workflow over the next few days.
It doesn’t happen everyday however…
I was invited by my team to join Sydney’s weekly Friday yoga session. I was a bit hesitant at first due to having no prior experience with yoga. However it has now become a weekly routine that I greatly enjoy… despite my limited flexibility!
I’ve always been quite a keen runner and have recently taken up bouldering so the yoga really compliments my interests out of the office.
Eric’s advice for graduates
Be open to trying out new things and really make the most of the graduate program. Don’t feel scared or shy to make mistakes and ask questions from your managers and partners as that’s the best way to learn. They are always there to help.