Following successful pilot programs in Melbourne, Australia in 2023 and in Sydney in April 2024, KPMG’s ‘IT’s Her Future’ initiative is now hosting a two-day Insights Program for university students in Suva, Fiji.
Designed for women in their final year of university, the program is taking place at the KPMG office in Suva and aims to offer potential graduate opportunities in technology.
During the initial pilot in Melbourne, all 30 participants successfully navigated their interviews, allowing them to qualify for KPMG’s 2025 AU Vacationer Scheme.
KPMG Fiji’s managing partner, Lisa Apted, highlighted that the local program focuses on women pursuing higher education. It features the involvement of 18 KPMG leaders from both Australia and Fiji, who will serve as panellists, mentors, interviewers, presenters, and facilitators.
Apted noted, “Women constitute only 25% of individuals in technical roles, and merely 34% of all STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) workers are women. The goal of ‘IT’s Her Future’ is to address gender diversity within KPMG, its clients, and the broader community. Participants will have the opportunity to learn from a significant group of KPMG technology professionals.”
She emphasized that the Insights Program is targeted at women contemplating their career paths who may not have previously considered a future in technology.
“We believe it is crucial to tackle the under-representation of women in technology and to change the male-dominated landscape of the tech sector. This involves equipping women with technical knowledge, work-ready skills, and an understanding of what a STEM career can look like for women,” Ms. Apted stated.
The program also aims to enhance career development through mentoring, networking opportunities, and skill-building in interviews, thereby promoting professional growth.