Think you have to choose between career development, flexible work and a great team culture? Think again. At Bendigo Bank, you really can have it all. Our people say a career here means developing new skills, trying different pathways and growing capability and confidence - all without sacrificing the things that matter most.
Q. How has Bendigo Bank supported your development goals?
Hayley Lister, Project Coordinator, Adelaide:
“A lot of my first initial movements were definitely because my leaders encouraged me. I'm really lucky that I've had a lot of leaders who've seen potential in me, so they've mentored me and upskilled me to be ready for those new roles.
“The role I'm in now is probably most reflective of that. It's very much a role where there are leaders who just want you to be successful. So, there's a lot of opportunities provided to me and a lot of flexibility offered. Because it’s such a large organisation, opportunity just grows exponentially.”
Kimberly Dean, Retail Banking Coordinator, Melbourne:
“It’s always been employee-led, so it’s all been based on my goals and what I wanted to immerse myself in. Early on, when I was a Learning and Development Facilitator, I was supported to obtain my Certificate IV in Training and Assessment. And if I had any skill gaps, I just needed to talk to my manager and we’d work through that. Then when I had my babies, the bank was very supportive. I was actually the first in our State Support team to trial working from home when I had my first daughter, who’s nearly eight now. So, Bendigo Bank has always been really supportive in that sense.”
Q. Career development, growth and learning can mean different things for different people. How have you shaped the career you want at Bendigo Bank?
Justine Minne, Head of Community Banking, Bendigo:
“I started as a Customer Service Officer in the branches in Melbourne and have worked my way through different roles. I’ve experienced it all from a lending perspective, customer service and managing a branch. I went into HR as Head of People and Capability - Local Connection, and I was State Manager - Regional Victoria and Tasmania before this role I’m in now.
“I’ve done lots of different roles in various facets, which is a real advantage of working at Bendigo Bank. We have always provided opportunities for our people to advance, and I’ve been fortunate to have had some great mentors and leaders along the way.”
Kimberly Dean, Retail Banking Coordinator, Melbourne:
“I’ve had a lot of different roles at Bendigo Bank. I was a Facilitator in our Learning and Development department for a few years, which involved travelling around the country to train staff. I’ve also been a Retail Sales Lead, Local Connection Coordinator and Operation Coordinator. After having children and going through COVID-19, I became a State Project Coordinator, working at a state level with our Victorian managers. Then, the opportunity came up for Retail Banking Coordinator, and that’s where I am now.
“But I don’t think development necessarily always means changing roles. I think sometimes you can be happy in a role for a period of time and still develop. You can get involved in projects on the side and shadow or be mentored by different people. There have been plenty of those opportunities for me, like when I was put through a course to be a Herrmann Brain Dominance Trainer so I could take people through their personality traits - that was a lot of fun. And I’m going to an Indigenous Leadership Summit later this year to expand my knowledge. It may not always be linear, but there are chances to learn and develop.”
Q. What advice would you give to someone who is interested in a career at Bendigo Bank?
Justine Minne, Head of Community Banking, Bendigo:
“You learn this as you get older and become more experienced, but I think the most important thing is to always stay true to yourself and be authentic in everything you do. For me, that is the most important thing. Bendigo Bank has certainly grown over the years, yet we remain true to who we are. We continue to contribute to the communities in which we operate and make a real difference in our customers’ lives. I feel that’s remained true and core to who we are.”
Ann Nguyen, Delivery Owner, Gippsland:
“Being at Bendigo gives you the opportunity to get involved in multiple facets. At other large organisations, it’s common to be constrained in a narrow role. You generally don't have the opportunity to deviate from it because you’re just a cog in a wheel.
“At Bendigo, you get exposed to a bit of everything, and you have an opportunity to understand end-to-end processes. I've seen scenarios where someone's come from a big four or a large organisation and they've said, ‘Oh, is that what happens? In my previous job, I used to just hand it off to the next person and it went into this black hole.’ Here, you understand what its purpose is so you have more consideration for the outputs of your work.”
Kimberly Dean, Retail Banking Coordinator, Melbourne:
“Just go for it. Learn as much as you can about the bank. Do your research on what our community bank network does and has achieved - it’s amazing. I don’t think you can go wrong with a job at Bendigo Bank. If it’s something that you’re interested in and you have the right attitude and approach, you’ll definitely enjoy working for the organisation.”
