Griffith Universitystudent Tessa McKinnon has landed a highly prized graduate position with the Reserve Bank of Australia, just months ahead of completing her Bachelor of Business degree at the end of this semester.
Tessa, aGriffith Business Schoolstudent, was chosen from a competitive field of candidates seeking a graduate role with Australia’s central bank.
Tessa said the position was a significant first step in her career.
However, it’s a far cry from the early career plans of the talented student who is majoring in Economics and Supply Nework Management.
“I actually started university with plans to do a double degree in journalism and business, mostly because I loved to write,” said Tessa.
Economics best career path
“However, I got a taste for business when I started doing the books for my father’s business. After taking a gap year and working full-time, I went back to university and straight into a business degree. I found in my first year that economics stood out as the best career path for me.”
Tessa said the RBA posting, which she assumes in February, offers exposure to a broad range of disciplines in economics and finance.
“I am passionate about utilising my skills and knowledge to make a positive impact, and I think working for the RBA will give me the opportunity to pursue that passion.”
Sydney will be a change of pace for the student who was raised on acreage.
“I love the outdoors and grew up riding motorbikes and driving cars with my brother and dad, but I think I am ready to experience life in Sydney,” she said.
“My parents are incredible role models and I have been inspired by them to achieve greatness. Together they built a maintenance business which has been in operation for almost 30 years.
“From childhood I have worked extremely hard to make my parents and myself proud. In doing so I have developed a work ethic which has got me to where I am today.
“At this point, I am unsure of what the future holds. I don’t have a set career goal, however I know that as opportunities present themselves I will be ready to seize them.”