KPMG’s ‘IT’s Her Future’ program is set to host a two-day Insights Program for university students in Suva, Fiji, following successful pilot programs in Melbourne, Australia in 2023 and Sydney in April 2024. This initiative specifically targets women in their final year of university and is being held at the KPMG office in Suva.
A key objective of the program is to offer potential graduate opportunities in technology. During the 2023 pilot in Melbourne, all 30 participants successfully passed their interviews, granting them entry into KPMG’s 2025 Australia Vacationer Scheme.
Lisa Apted, managing partner at KPMG Fiji, highlighted that the Suva program focuses on women pursuing tertiary education, with involvement from 18 KPMG leaders from both Australia and Fiji, who will serve as panellists, mentors, interviewers, presenters, and facilitators.
“Women represent only 25% of individuals in technical roles, and just 34% of all STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) professionals are women. The goal of ‘IT’s Her Future’ is to enhance gender diversity within KPMG, its clients, and the community. Students will gain access to the insights and expertise of a cohort of KPMG technology professionals,” Apted explained.
She noted that the Insights Program is designed for women beginning to explore their career options, particularly in technology, which they may not have previously considered.
“It is essential to address the under-representation of women in technology and to challenge the male-dominated nature of the tech sector. This involves equipping women with the technical knowledge and skills necessary to thrive in a STEM career,” Ms. Apted added.
The program also emphasizes career development by providing mentoring, networking opportunities, and interview skills training to promote professional growth.