The Inside Look at Lendlease’s Graduate Program

It’s that time of year again where we seek our next generation of graduates to join Lendlease on our two-year graduate program. We know that applying for graduate programs and going through the process can be daunting and often stressful. However, I’m here to give you the ins and outs of what Lendlease looks for and hopefully make the process more exciting than stressful!

1. What are the top 3 qualities you look for in a new graduate or intern?

Lendlease is a diverse workplace – we are diverse in gender, diverse in the work we do, diverse in thought, and the list goes on. To achieve and maintain diversity, we look at people with many different qualities however, it is important that we link it all back to what Lendlease stands for. The top three qualities we look for in new graduates are:

• Respectful
• Innovative
• Passionate about the work we do

2. What are the essential skills you look for in a new graduate or intern?

Having the top marks doesn’t always guarantee spot on a graduate program. Soft skills are at the forefront of what we look for in new graduates. A recent study conducted by the Australian Association of Graduate Employers shows we aren’t alone, with the top two skills employers look for in the application process being communication skills (100%) and teamwork (97%). Throughout our process, the top three skills we look for are:

• Communication skills
• Collaboration (teamwork)
• Problem solving

3. What fields of study do your graduates come from?

With the varied work that we do, we have graduates who come from many different fields of study. Across our program, we offer opportunities in four streams – Building, Corporate Functions, Property and Engineering & Services. In last year’s intake, we saw graduates come from construction management, business & commerce, engineering (civil, mechanical, electrical), information technology, occupational health & safety, law, human resource management and risk.

Being a diverse business, we often take new graduates who are versatile across different streams i.e. Building and Engineering.

4. How does Lendlease’s program differ from others?

Aside from being a leading international property and infrastructure group, we offer a graduate program designed to develop and enhance your skills, to further yourself and enable you to help ‘create the best places’. As part of our two-year program, you will have a minimum of two rotations which will provide you with invaluable hands-on experience across various business units and projects, a structured learning program, networking opportunities and a support structure. As part of your support network, you will be assigned a mentor, a buddy and your line manager.

You will get to see your work come to life, leaving a legacy not only on major cities but also communities, the environment and infrastructure. Imagine working on our projects such as Circular Quay Tower or Darling Square and looking back in years to come, knowing you were part of that legacy!

5. What tips do you have for new graduates to strengthen their application?

Research! My colleagues would agree, it is so important to do your research. Not only does it show that you are interested in the company but also to make sure that it’s the right fit for you! Have a look at our website, LinkedIn and YouTube to gain insight into what it is like working here.

Make sure you demonstrate your passion for wanting to work in the property industry and are passionate about the work we do here at Lendlease. Whether it be the towers we build or our focus on sustainability – we want our people to be passionate to ensure we can continue driving our vision across the business.

Use the STAR (situation, task, action and result) technique when answering behavioural based questions in our application form. The way you approach these questions can leave a lasting first impression on the recruiter.

Most importantly, be yourself!

To learn more about Lendlease’s Graduate Program and to apply, visit their website.