Updating Results

Harvey Norman

4.3
  • 1,000 - 50,000 employees

Keeley O.

Don’t judge your success against other people; everyone has their own path and timeline.

What did you study? When did you graduate?

I studied commerce at Deakin University. I graduated in 2017.

What is your job about?

My employer is a Proprietor of a Harvey Norman Electrical store and my responsibilities can be summed up as a Floor Manager training to one day be a Proprietor myself. Daily I am managing and motivating staff on their KPIs, making sure customers are taken care of and solving logistics problems.

Weekly I am negotiating with suppliers, managing events, marketing and advertising in local newspapers and radio stations. Monthly I am setting targets and expectations for staff and running stocktakes.

What is your background?

I grew up in Geelong and attended both primary and secondary schools in very close proximity to my home. I worked hard towards the end of my VCE and had two jobs in hospitality so I could save money to move overseas to London. I was there for 2 years and when I moved back I decided to go to university to get my degree in Commerce. While studying I worked in aged care to support myself until I finished my degree and applied for a Graduate position with Harvey Norman. I spent a year as Graduate moving locations 3 times and have now progressed to being a Proprietor in Training back in Geelong.

Could someone with a different background do your job?

Yes. There are many different kinds of people doing my role in the country. In fact, Harvey Norman encourages diversity. Every operator in the country is different and does things differently but ultimately can be successful in many different ways. However, they are all very motivated and driven people. They are hard-working and love customer service.

What is the coolest thing about your job?

One thing I love most about my job is when I get to see new product releases and updates with suppliers. We often get to know about upcoming developments before they are released. It can be very cool sometimes. I enjoy the part of my job where I get to help customers with difficult issues as well. As frustrating as it can be sometimes when I can help someone and they are grateful it can be very fulfilling.

What are the limitations of your job?

The limitations of my job are that as much as I like a dynamic environment sometimes it can be overwhelming trying to be responsible for so many different aspects of a business/department. Sometimes you have to prioritise what is most important or split your attention. It can sometimes be difficult to learn things as fast as you need to to keep up with everything. I have been given a lot of responsibility and trust which comes with a lot of pressure to learn and adapt quickly when presented with something new.

3 pieces of advice for yourself when you were a student... 

  1. Take opportunities. Within reason, of course, you can’t say yes to everything. However, when something is presented to you that will give you experience and help your career, don’t be afraid to say yes and to do what you need to do to progress yourself.
  2. Take time for yourself. Sometimes it can all be a bit overwhelming with study, work or just everything going on in life in general. It’s important to take time to recharge in whatever way works best for you.
  3. Don’t judge your success against other people. Everyone has their own path and timeline. Don’t worry about what everyone else is doing and just focus on your own goals and plans.