Suncorp graduates shine and thrive at the 2025 Graduate Conference

Suncorp recently welcomed 63 graduates to Heritage Lanes who travelled from Perth, Adelaide, Melbourne, Sydney and Auckland for its annual three-day Graduate Conference.  

The Suncorp Graduate Program is a structured, two-year program designed specifically to develop technical skills, build capability, expand networks, and enhance working experience.  

Each year in August, both the Suncorp Graduate Program and Internship Program open for applications. On average, there are 60 graduate roles and 40 internship roles on offer every year. 

The program is a highly sought-after opportunity. Suncorp was recently ranked ‘#3 Banking, Insurance & Financial Services program’ by the Australian Association of Graduate Employers. This year Suncorp received a record number of graduate applications - close to 10,000 applications – the biggest number of submissions received to date. 

Out of thousands of applicants, a final 63 graduates from 22 different universities across Australia and New Zealand were successfully recruited to become Suncorp team members. The average age of the cohort is 24, with the age range spanning 21 to 36. Women represent 39.7 per cent of the 2025 cohort.  

While the Suncorp graduate program has evolved and innovated over time, the annual graduate conference remains an important and highly anticipated part of the program.  

Andrew Amarandos, a 2025 technology graduate in an IT infrastructure role said: “The Thrive Graduate Conference provided insight into how to manage the challenges of our current careers, while equipping us with the tools to best thrive in the continual changing professional landscape.” 

Kelly Pfeffer, Suncorp Graduate Advisor, explained the annual conference, held halfway through the graduates’ first year, provides access to both peer and senior leadership networking, exposure to all areas of the business, and professional development coaching.  

The involvement of Suncorp’s executive leadership team in the conference agenda elevates the importance of the program to participants.  

“The conference is an important learning and connection piece. This is the only time that all the graduates from offices across Australia and New Zealand come together, and we can showcase the opportunities within the broader organisation,” Ms Pfeffer said. 

“It’s particularly important for the graduates who have a smaller cohort in their location; it's wonderful for them to feel part of something bigger.

Within the 2025 cohort, 50 per cent of graduates are from technology backgrounds and the other half are from a broad range of disciplines including business, accounting, science and the arts. 

Like Mr Amarandos, Beth Dallinger is a 2025 graduate in Suncorp’s Technology and Operations (T&O) team.  

Ms Dallinger said: “Being part of Technology and Operations within the Cyber Security and Risk Department I’m fortunate to be learning daily alongside a supportive and adept team.  

“My first rotation is in Security Assurance, where I am delving into the importance of internal and external governance, asset classification and data loss prevention."

She also spoke about how the Thrive Graduate Conference helped foster her professional growth. 

“Not only was the conference an opportunity to develop skills and knowledge from interactive activities and workshops, but it also provided insights from Suncorp leaders and a chance to network with our cohort, building valuable connections.” 

“I enjoyed seeing Suncorp’s values being showcased too, from the graduates ‘being courageous’ by speaking in front of the cohort and discussing what we do to elevate our customers’ experience.”