A journey of hard work, growth, and community support
Imagine you’re making your way through Melbourne, and suddenly you see a tram with a familiar face across the side. That’s Peter Vu, a recent GradWISE graduate and a corporate tax intern at BDO, one of Australia’s top consultancies. From seeking career support to becoming the face of inclusive employment, Pete’s story is a standout tale of guts, opportunity, and community backing. Through Yarra Trams’ Community Partnerships Program, which generously backs organisations working in diversity and inclusion, Pete’s story is now making tracks across Melbourne. “When I started with GradWISE, I was just looking for some help,” Pete says. “Now, I’m on a tram!”
Getting a hand from GradWISE
GradWISE, an initiative by WISE Employment, helps graduates with disabilities find their feet in the workforce while supporting their personal and professional growth. Pete’s journey is one of many that shows how GradWISE makes a real difference. Going from a hopeful graduate to the face of an entire campaign speaks volumes about GradWISE’s purpose and the value of a bit of good, old-fashioned support. In the latest episode of WISE Words, Andrew Hewett, Director of Public Affairs at WISE Employment and host of the podcast, kicked things off by reminiscing with Pete. “You were my first podcast guest, mate,” he chuckled. “It’s amazing to see how far you’ve come.”
Behind the scenes: The people who made it happen
Pete wasn’t alone in the podcast studio—he was joined by two key figures in his employment journey, Daria Walczak, National GradWISE Program Lead, and Jess Saunders, Senior Talent Acquisition Partner at BDO. Daria, who manages GradWISE’s Sydney team, shared how GradWISE has been a game-changer for students like Pete, guiding them to embrace their skills and tackle any challenges that come their way. Daria also notes that GradWISE isn’t just about placing graduates in jobs; it’s about making sure their workplaces are supportive and accessible. “Our program is more than just providing a job placement,” she said. “We work with employers to make sure graduates have the best shot at success, from communication to office setup.” Jess, a senior member of the BDO recruitment team, spoke about the value of diversity at the company. When she first met Pete, she hadn’t realised he was a GradWISE participant, a testament to WISE Employment’s commitment to customer success without needing the spotlight. “It was a nice surprise,” Jess said. “Seeing Pete’s journey unfold really showed us the importance of creating a workplace where everyone feels they belong.”
Riding the rails of opportunity
Pete’s spot on Melbourne’s iconic trams is a proud moment for him, WISE Employment, and Yarra Trams. Thanks to the Community Partnerships Program, Yarra Trams provides free advertising to select organisations doing work that matters, like promoting diversity. This opportunity helped WISE Employment bring Pete’s journey to the public, giving the people of Melbourne a chance to see what inclusion looks like in action. Asked if he ever imagined his face on a tram, Pete laughed, “No way! But I’m happy to represent GradWISE and help spread the word. I hope other students with disabilities see me on that tram and feel encouraged to go for it, even if it feels a bit out of their comfort zone.”
Making a difference that lasts
As GradWISE continues to grow, partnerships like this with Yarra Trams make all the difference in raising awareness and connecting people to opportunities that can change lives. In a light-hearted moment, Andrew joked about what’s next for Pete. “We’ll have to get you on a billboard next, Pete,” he teased. Pete took it in stride, though he’s set on taking the next big steps in his career—who knows, maybe a partner role at BDO someday. Jess and Daria highlighted that WISE Employment is about helping people gain independence and confidence. Daria summed it up perfectly: “We’re here to make a real impact, not just in the lives of our graduates but in the businesses they join and the communities they’re part of.”
Community at its best
WISE Employment’s partnership with Yarra Trams brings real change to Melbourne, showing what can be achieved when we work together to support people and build a stronger community. From tram stops to boardrooms, Melbourne’s rallying behind graduates like Pete.
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