What's your job about?

APRA is a prudential supervisor that regulates banking, superannuation and insurance industries. Through my time at APRA, I had the opportunity to work in different industries and positions.

I am currently doing my secondment in the front-line supervision team, looking after foreign ADI (Authorised Deposit-taking Institution) branches. I got exposure to those large international banks which requires me to keep on top of what is happening in the global market. From time to time, we also get in touch with regulators in other countries. My work involved in analysing the financial data lodged to APRA, review and assess risk management framework, meet with senior management to discuss risk governance and other key issues arise from time to time.

While working in Statistics, I managed and delivered normal BAU activities to ensure that all the statistical publications were released on time and also to provide customised statistics to other colleagues, RBA and other regulators and agents. I also had the opportunity to lead project such as redesigning of the statistical publications, conducting internal and external consultations on the proposed changes, and delivering presentations to industry bodies. My job also required me to use some statistical software such as SAS.

What's your background?

I grew up in China and came to Australia in 2003 as an overseas student. I completed my Years 11 & 12 and at university in Melbourne then decided to move to Sydney (not many job opportunities in Melbourne around that time, in particular Actuarial related). While awaiting my permanent resident visa, I worked as a mobile mentor to provide personal coaching services on new mobile phones (e.g. iPhone 3G). It was a great experience and certainly enhanced my communication skill which helped me a lot in my current job.

I applied the APRA graduate program in March 2009, and after several rounds of interviews and months of waiting, I finally got the job offer in late June. I was lucky as most of the big financial firms were cutting down the graduate intake following the Global Financial Crisis. In February 2010, I started my graduate program at APRA and this is my eighth year.

Could someone with a different background do your job?

Yes.

Being able to interpret the data is fundamental to supervision, but you should also be sceptical in your job. There are no right or wrong questions, as long as you are ready to speak up!

What's the coolest thing about your job?

Your job is never boring as there is always something new or surprising. From day ONE, you have the opportunity to challenge those CEOs from the top-tier financial institutions. Be ready to ask questions, don’t be afraid to ask the simplest one - Why? If you don’t know the answer, you can always ask!

What are the limitations of your job?

The salary package as a graduate is very competitive, however, it slows down after 3 – 5 years compared to the industry. You will have to make a difficult decision for your career path, but there is always sacrifice in your life.

3 pieces of advice for yourself when you were a student...

• Enjoy your university life and keep connected with your mates!
• Participate in more social events, it is the whole package that your employer is looking for not just an academic transcript.
• Work smart and play hard!

Learn more from APRA past graduates here.