KPMG’s ‘IT’s Her Future’ initiative, following successful pilot programs in Melbourne, Australia in 2023 and Sydney in April 2024, is now hosting a two-day Insights Program for university students in Suva, Fiji. This program targets women in their final year of university and takes place at the KPMG Suva office, offering potential graduate opportunities in technology as a key outcome.
During the pilot program in Melbourne, all 30 participants successfully secured placements in KPMG’s 2025 AU Vacationer Scheme after passing their interviews. Lisa Apted, managing partner of KPMG Fiji, emphasized the importance of this local initiative aimed at women pursuing higher education, with involvement from 18 KPMG leaders from both Australia and Fiji serving as panellists, mentors, interviewers, presenters, and facilitators.
Apted highlighted that women constitute only 25% of individuals in technical roles and just 34% of the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) workforce. The ‘IT’s Her Future’ program aims to address gender diversity within KPMG and its communities by providing students with access to the knowledge and expertise of experienced KPMG technology professionals.
The Insights Program is particularly designed for women who are contemplating their career paths, encouraging them to consider technology, a field often overlooked. Apted stated the necessity of addressing women’s lack of representation in the technology sector and correcting the male-dominated nature of the industry. She emphasized the importance of equipping women with technical knowledge and workplace readiness skills to understand what a STEM career can look like for them.
Additionally, the program seeks to foster career development through mentorship, networking opportunities, and interview skill development, thereby supporting professional growth for participants.