The value of a UWA degree

UWA and Me

My journey since UWA has been a varied and interesting. Immediately after graduating, I took on the role of Restaurant Manager at an Italian restaurant which I provided bookkeeping services for whilst at university. This role instilled the importance of customer service in me.

I am now a Financial Controller with a global real estate company. It is a dynamic and demanding role with no two days being the same, ensuring I always have to be on the pulse. My time at UWA helped me prepare for the challenges that I encounter from time to time.  

Find a role you’re passionate about

I get most satisfaction when I feel I am contributing and making a difference in whatever I get involved in. In particular, I am passionate about assisting others being the best they can be to enable them to achieve their own ambitions.

I have been lucky in having good mentors at crucial stages of my career. I believe this has fast tracked my career growth and that quality mentoring greatly enhances our chances of success and I would love to pay it forward.

The world is your oyster

The variety of my role is the most interesting aspect of my career. Besides the usual financial analysis and reporting requirements one would expect from a similar role, I have also been involved in business development, rolling out technology platforms and talent retention initiatives.

The skills I developed embarking on new projects have continually made me a more rounded person and ready for tomorrow’s challenges.

Working for a global firm also means that the world is my oyster!

Future of work

Whilst I believe technology will increasingly become a part of everything we do, I also think the human experience is a crucial part of that equation. The workplace is predicted to become more human over the next ten years as an emphasis on creating memorable experiences transforms how and where people work.

Words of Wisdom

Live in the moment and enjoy it. If you focus on doing everything you do to the best of your ability now, the future will take care of itself.

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DJ graduated from UWA with a Bachelor in Commerce in 2011. He joined global real estate firm JLL in the same year and is now their financial controller responsible for WA and SA.

He is passionate about giving back to the community, having been involved in different charities and not for profit organisations over the years, including Uni Camp For Kids and Leading Youth Forward. DJ has also been appointed the Co-Chair for the UWA Young Alumni Network, who are actively involved in fostering a community and culture of support as well as building connections to support our alumni’s success.

You can connect with DJ on Linkedin.