KPMG’s ‘IT’s Her Future’ program is set to take place over two days for university students in Suva, Fiji, following successful pilot events in Melbourne, Australia in 2023 and Sydney in April 2024. This initiative targets final-year female university students and will be hosted at the KPMG office in Suva.
A key objective of the program is to provide potential graduate opportunities in technology. In Melbourne’s pilot program, all 30 participants successfully passed their interviews, allowing them to qualify for KPMG’s 2025 AU Vacationer Scheme.
Lisa Apted, the managing partner of KPMG Fiji, highlighted that the local program is designed specifically for women completing their tertiary education. Eighteen KPMG leaders from both Australia and Fiji will participate as panellists, mentors, interviewers, presenters, and facilitators.
Apted pointed out that women represent only 25 percent of individuals in technical roles, and only 34 percent of all workers in STEM fields are women. The ‘IT’s Her Future’ initiative aims to address gender diversity within KPMG and the broader community by providing students with access to the insights and experiences of KPMG technology professionals.
The Insights Program is geared towards women who are starting to contemplate their career paths but may not have considered technology as a viable option. Apted emphasized the importance of confronting the under-representation of women in technology and navigating the male-dominated landscape of the sector. The goal is to equip women with technical knowledge and professional skills while illustrating what a STEM career can entail for women.
Additionally, the program aims to enhance career development through mentorship, networking opportunities, and interview skill development, thus supporting participants’ professional advancement.