Alumni Story – Anna McLeod

Anna McLeod joined Golden Key almost 15 years ago and has continued to embrace the networks available to members.
As the Business Development Consultant and Product Manager for the Navitas Professional Internship Program, Anna has helped more than 1,500 graduates start their career. Additionally, she continues to inspire and mentor Golden Key members at a number of professional development events in Australia.
She has a background in the public, private and higher education sectors, with previous roles at the Department of Planning and Community Development and the University of Melbourne. We had the chance to speak with Anna and find out a little bit more about her.

1. Where did you grow up? Where do you currently live? I grew up in Ballarat  and currently live in Melbourne.

2. What university did you go to and what did you study? I earned a Bachelor of Psychology at Federation University and Master of International Relations at Monash University.

3. When did you join Golden Key and for what reasons? I joined Golden Key in 2001 because I knew it would be a valuable network for life.

4. How has Golden Key influenced your career path? Prior to joining the Golden Key I was in a bit of a bubble focusing on my studies and social life but it showed me that there was a lot more to get involved in. It opened my mind to networking and learning more from others. Over the past four years of my career, it has been an extremely valuable networking channel and has opened the door for me to make lots of useful business contacts that have been beneficial to my current role.

5. What are you doing now? What is your job title? I am a Business Development Consultant at Navitas. My role involves helping international and local graduates start their career after university. At Navitas we do this via our work readiness and internship training programs including the Professional Year Program. I also get the opportunity to deliver career workshops to community groups, student societies including Golden Key and universities. When I graduated I found it difficult starting my career so, today I feel very privileged to be able to help others by sharing strategies and secrets for successfully navigating the Australian job market. I am really lucky because not everyone gets to go to work and love what they do every day.

6. What is the most exciting thing you’ve ever done? I think it would have to be a Round Square Association student exchange I did in England when I was fifteen. It was amazing. Not only did I get to see what life was like in another country but also joined an education delegation that traveled to France, Germany, Scotland and Switzerland and met with students from 25 other countries at the World Round Square Conference. A highlight of this experience was meeting His Majesty Constantine II, King of Greece. He was a friendly and fascinating person.

7. What is your proudest achievement? Over the past 6 years, I have helped more than 1,500 graduates start their career.

8. What motivates you? Success motivates me. I like to get things done. It means I work too hard but I can’t help it I love taking on a challenge and succeeding it is very satisfying.
9. What is the best advice you’ve ever heard? The short answer is this:
   In the wise words of my husband, “Google it”
   In the wise words of Taylor Swift, “Shake it off”
   In the wise words of my boss “Don’t worry about what you can’t control just focus on being successful at what you are responsible for.”

9. What activities and hobbies do you take part in? I absolutely love cooking, trying different restaurants and wine tasting.

10. If you could live anywhere in the world, where would you live and why? Spain or Vietnam because of the food or perhaps France for the wine and food.

12. What is a fun fact about you? When I was young my brother and sister used to pay me to not speak. I think the going rate was 20c for 30mins. And I like to skateboard…but I’m not very good at it.