eFinancialCareers

Do you want to detect and solve crimes and make the world a better place? How about a job with the regulator?

The Australian Securities and Investment Commission (ASIC) runs a graduate recruitment program that opens market doors but also hones your skills as a financial detective.

Boring? Not likely. “Yes, we want high academic achievers, but it’s more than that,” says Stuart Marshall, ASIC’s talent attraction consultant. “Our people need good problem-solving skills, lateral thinking, good people skills. They need to know, or want to learn about, markets but we especially want people with a passion for what ASIC is here to do, not just regulating but being in partnership with industry.”

The money’s competitive. A grad begins on AU$54.9k, plus superannuation of up to 15.4% which takes it to just under $65k. Pay rises are in accordance with public service rates.

The two-year program takes about 25 graduates annually, usually from law, accountancy, business/finance, and economics. In the first year they rotate through four areas – enforcement, policy, compliance and consumer protection, and specialise in the second year. “It is real work on real projects,'' Marshall says, and exposes them to all ASIC’s jurisdictions. “That’s the joy of the grad program.”

ASIC uses the program as a major recruitment strategy. “A high percentage of our grads stay with us, but those that leave are snapped up. ASIC is fabulous to have on your CV,” Marshall says. “But it’s also good for us, because they educate the market.”

Applications for the 2009 grad program close on 21 April. To find out more, go to www.asic.gov.au, or email graduateprogram@asic.gov.au