Meet Matthew Sesto, a Talent RISE young person who had an inspiring journey through our EnterTech internship to a full-time career in IT. Starting with a 3-month internship through RISE, Matthew’s hard work and determination led to securing a one-year contract as an IT Service Desk Analyst at CitiPower/Powercor. In this interview, Matthew reflects on his career growth, shares his future aspirations, and offers valuable advice to young people looking to break into the workforce.
Can you tell us about your career journey?
I’m currently an IT Service Desk Analyst at CitiPower/Powercor. I got the role initially as a 3-month internship set up by RISE. Luckily after I finished, a position opened for a 6-month contract and now that has been extended to a 1-year contract. Without that initial set up I would not be where I am today, thank you RISE for believing in me and giving me the opportunity for that internship.
How did the skills and experience you gained with Talent RISE contributed to your success?
RISE’s main contribution to my success was the interviewing skills they taught me, through workshops held by Lorette (Lorette Roberts is one of Talent RISE’s Youth Program Leaders). The advice from Lorette and Steve (Steve Hayes, Practice Lead, Talent International) really helped me prepare for these interviews and helped me navigate the interviewing process. They also set me up with the right tools, what to say/not to say and taught me to be myself. They have set me up for success and eventually the success in my employment, as without all that training, I don’t think I would’ve gotten the role in the first place.
What are the achievements or milestones you’re particularly proud of?
I was very proud of gaining the internship opportunity after looking around for 3-4 months, even more so when that opportunity has turned into full time employment for me. It is really rewarding to be able to say I now have a stable full-time job and I’m happy to be in the position I am. I think this opportunity will also serve me well moving forward in my career.
What are your goals for the future?
Although I am a “take it day by day” type of person, I’d be lying if I said I haven’t thought far ahead into the future. I want to move up in the company I’m in, as I see a good environment to grow here. I recently had a few discussions about management, so I’m excited to see where that goes. Whatever happens, happens, I’m not in too much of a rush but in the next couple of years I would love to see myself moving up the ladder.
What advice would you give young people who are currently struggling with gaining valuable employment?
Seeing all that Talent RISE has to offer, you would be missing out if you don’t take advantage of that. Don’t be disheartened when rejected as well. Make sure you have the right attitude and a willingness to learn, be yourself and don’t just tell people what they want to hear. I applied close to 100 places before landing an opportunity, so keep persisting and I’m sure life will point you in the right direction.
