Priscilla Lodge

What have been the highlights of the graduate program?

A key highlight of the graduate program is the significant responsibility and accountability I was entrusted with. Right from the start of my first rotation, I was heavily involved with the project I was assigned to. This enabled me to learn quickly, and make a positive contribution to the team. I also really enjoyed the rotational structure of the program and the broad exposure it provided me to the entire business. The nature of this afforded me extensive opportunities across a range of environments including: residential site meetings; industrial warehouse inspections; stakeholder negotiations regarding new site acquisitions; marketing collateral preparation and retirement village development planning. 

Why Stockland?

The rotational structure of the scholar year was the key reason in me choosing to apply for the Ervin Graf Scholarship. At such an early stage in my career, I was very drawn to the opportunity to be exposed to a diversified company with scope for experience across a range of fields. Additionally, Stockland’s reputation and success in the industry was also a strong factor in me choosing Stockland. The opportunity to learn from and by surrounded by the ‘best of the best’ was incredibly appealing from the outset.

What does a typical day as a grad involve?

The best part about being a grad at Stockland was that there was never a typical day, particularly given I worked across a range of businesses and projects throughout my year. During my rotations I would attend site meetings; update stage pricing; produce creative for releases; undertake feasibility analysis for future site acquisitions; attend meetings with key external stakeholders such as key commercial tenants, service providers, and local and state government; plan Display Village launches; undertake preliminary planning for retirement village expansion; retail leasing analysis…. The list goes on!     

Tell me a bit about your rotations and training and development opportunities

I worked in 5 rotations across the Victorian business throughout my year:

• Residential: I worked in development at our Highlands project. Working closely with the development manager I was involved in all aspects of the project.
• Commercial: I had a number of ‘sub-rotations’ working in industrial, leasing, development, casual mall leasing and centre management. I went to every single asset including all industrial sites and all shopping centres which was fantastic.
• Retirement Living: I worked in development across a few projects, including looking at the expansion of one of our existing villages.
• Marketing: I produced release brochures, community newsletters, undertook signage rebrands and sales centre refreshes.
• Business Development: I was assisting on a key medium density acquisition which provided invaluable exposure to negotiations at both and internal and external level as well as key stakeholder engagement and relations.

What are some of the social aspects of the program?

The culture at Stockland is brilliant and lends itself to a number of social and volunteering opportunities. I have been involved with our Vic social committee which has enabled me to continue to get to know many more of my colleagues. Furthermore, I am also involved in the Stockland CARE Foundation which has provided some fantastic volunteering opportunities such as the ABCN mentoring program, Red Kite corporate quiz and The Big Issue.

What is your one tip for a graduate applying for a graduate role?

Be authentic.