Graduate Careers

Main tasks
Management consultants study an organisation’s procedures and systems to assess how it can operate at maximum efficiency and success. They may perform the following tasks:

• obtain and assess information on the function of relevant areas of an organisation
• assess work methods and systems, efficiency and productivity
• consult company training manuals and job descriptions
• assess data in reports and statistical records
• identify areas of concern and devise solutions
• compile reports and make recommendations
• assist in implementing new practices and systems.

Key skills

• strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• logical thinking
• good communication skills
• strong organisational skills
• understanding of business processes and resource management.

Salary
According to leading recruitment specialists, the starting salary for management consultants is around $40,000. The average salary across this occupation is around $110,000. Experienced management consultants and those in very senior positions can earn up to around $180,000.

Employment prospects
According to the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations’ (DEEWR) Australian jobs 2008, job prospects for management consultants are currently good, and unemployment is average. Future jobs growth to 2012–13 is expected to be strong.

Main employers
Management consultants have the option of working for consultancy firms or running their own consultancy businesses. They are also employed by government departments and in large commercial or industrial organisations.

Find out more
Australian Institute of Management (AIM), www.aim.com.au
Institute of Management Consultants (IMC), www.imc.org.au

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Main tasks
Human resources officers create and manage policies covering all aspects of the workplace experience in a range of different organisations. They may perform the following tasks:

• advertise and fill job vacancies
• analyse the skills and training needs of the workplace
• arrange and conduct workplace training
• coordinate personnel matters such as staff pay, leave, superannuation and enterprise bargaining
• develop and implement policies and procedures relating to occupational health and safety, equal opportunity, workplace discrimination
• engage in organisational and strategic planning.

Key skills

• strong interpersonal and communication skills
• good planning and organisational skills
• negotiation skills
• the ability to deal with a range of stakeholders
• discretion and confidentiality.

Salary
According to leading recruitment specialists, HR coordinators and officers with one to two years experience can expect to earn between $40,000 and $60,000. Experienced HR professionals and those in very senior positions (such as HR Director) may command salaries anywhere between $90,000 and in excess of $200,000.

Employment prospects
According to DEEWR's Australian jobs 2008, job prospects for human resource professionals are currently good, and unemployment is below average. Future jobs growth to 2012–13 is expected to be strong.

Main employers
HR professionals are in strong demand in a wide range of organisations. Among the main employing industries are property and business services, government, health and community services and retail.

Find out more
Australian Human Resources Institute (AHRI), www.ahri.com.au

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Main tasks
Retail buyers purchase goods for retail sale from local, interstate or overseas sources. They may perform the following tasks:

• gather information from retailers about stock levels and rates of sales
• consider factors that might affect sales levels
• research customer trends and demands, and anticipate changes
• inspect and purchase goods from manufacturers
• communicate with store managers about stock, budgeting, sales promotions etc.
• attend trade fairs to maintain knowledge of the range of available products.

Key skills

• knowledge of the retail market
• strong communication and interpersonal skills
• ability to negotiate
• strong organisational skills
• numeracy
• willingness to travel.

Salary
According to leading recruitment specialists, the starting salary for retail buyers is around $40,000. The average salary in this occupation is around $60,000. With more experience, senior retail buyers and those who progress to managerial positions can earn up to around $140,000.

Employment prospects
According to DEEWR's Australian jobs 2008, job prospects for retail buyers are average, but unemployment is low. Future jobs growth to 2012–13 is expected to decline.

Main employers
Retail buyers are employed across the retail industry by small retail shops, retail chains, and department stores. Experienced buyers have the option of working in a freelance capacity.

Find out more
Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply Australia (CIPSA), www.cips.org
National Retail Association (NRA), www.nra.net.au

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Main tasks
Hotel managers plan, control and oversee the functioning of a hotel. They may perform the following tasks:

• plan and direct all aspects of hotel operations, including accounting, guest services, food and beverage services, staff training and development, maintenance, marketing and PR
• allocate work tasks, manage resources, and develop marketing strategies and business plans
• manage accounts and budgets
• manage operation and maintenance of facilities
• prepare reports for senior management
• ensure government regulations are adhered to
• carry out marketing, sales, and PR activities.

Key skills

• enjoy working with people
• strong communication and interpersonal skills
• customer service skills
• strong organisational skills
• teamwork skills.

Salary
According to leading recruitment specialists, the starting salary for hotel managers is around $35,000. The average salary for this occupation is around $56,000. Experienced and senior hotel managers can progress to salaries of around $120,000.

Employment prospects
According to DEEWR's Australian jobs 2008, job prospects for hotel and motel managers are currently average, and unemployment is above average. Future jobs growth to 2012–13 is expected to remain relatively stable.

Main employers
Hotel managers are employed by hotels, resorts, motels, guesthouses and hostels.

Find out more
Australian Hotels Association (AHA), www.aha.org.au/home.html
Hospitality Training Association (HTA), www.hta.org.au

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Main tasks
Retail managers coordinate and oversee the operations of retail outlets ranging from small, independently owned shops, to chain stores, fast food outlets, department stores and supermarkets. They may perform the following tasks:

• supervise recruitment, training and work of staff
• ensure staff practise correct sales procedure and maintain a good knowledge of products
• devise staffing rosters
• maintain a high level of customer service
• handle customer complaints
• manage stock levels and order new stock
• maintain and analyse sales records.

Key skills

• strong communication and interpersonal skills
• good customer service skills
• strong organisational and leadership skills
• good people management skills.

Salary
According to leading recruitment specialists, the starting salary for retail managers is around $30,000. The average salary in this occupation is around $45,000. Senior and multi-store managers may earn in excess of $100,000.

Employment prospects
According to DEEWR's Australian jobs 2008, job prospects for retail managers are currently average, and unemployment is below average. Future jobs growth to 2012–13 is expected to be slight.

Main employers
Retail managers are widely employed across the retail industry by retail shops, retail chains, and large and small department stores.

Find out more
National Retail Association (NRA), www.nra.net.au

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