Whitney Luzzo-Kelly, Lucy Callister, and Michael Pyne stand outside the Currumbin Wildlife Hospital, one of the busiest wildlife hospitals in the world. PICTURE: Cavan Flynn
For the third year running, employers are more satisfied with Bond University graduates than those from any other university in Australia.
The federal government’s 2020 Employer Satisfaction Survey asked recent graduates’ direct supervisors for feedback on their work performance.
Overall, 92.9 per cent of employers were satisfied with their Bond graduates, compared to the national average of 84.6 per cent.
Importantly, employers were 100 per cent happy with Bondies’ technical skills, while satisfaction in three other categories – foundation skills, adaptive skills, and collaborative skills -- were all above 90 per cent.
The survey affirmed Bond’s commitment to in-person teaching and small classes, finding significant differences in employer satisfaction between graduates who had studied face-to-face (87 per cent satisfaction) and those who had studied online (79 per cent).
Lucy Callister graduated from Bond University with a Bachelor of Communication in 2020 and has secured her dream job working for the Currumbin Wildlife Hospital Foundation, raising funds and awareness for the animal hospital though communications and public relations.
She came to the foundation’s attention after completing an internship there.
“I knew within the first couple of weeks that working here was special,” Ms Callister said.
“An internship is invaluable like that; you graduate with a year’s working experience.
“There are some things you can’t learn at uni, and that’s why I think Bond is really good because they encourage everyone to get an internship.”
Being one of the busiest wildlife hospitals in the world, Currumbin Wildlife Hospital Foundation Director Whitney Luzzo-Kelly was eager for Ms Callister to join her team.
Following a year of bushfires, floods, and the COVID-19 pandemic, Ms Luzzo-Kelly said Ms Callister's “exceptional people skills” had been integral to the hospital’s success.
“It’s been quite an interesting time that Lucy has been with us. She’s been here a year and a half as an intern, and now an employee,” Ms Luzzo-Kelly said.
“Our satisfaction with her is proven in the fact that we’ve kept her with us for that long and we don’t want to let her go.”
Ms Callister has also impressed Michael Pyne, Senior Veterinarian and General Manager of the Currumbin Wildlife Hospital and Wildlife Hospital Foundation.
“Lucy showed what she was capable of and had the background and experience to move forward in our programs,” Mr Pyne said.
“It was very logical for her to get that chance to step in (in a full-time role).”
Ms Luzzo-Kelly said the foundation would continue to provide internships for Bond students.
“I think Bond delivers a very well-rounded employee that suits all of my needs for marketing and communications, journalism, TV broadcasting, and all other areas,” Ms Luzzo-Kelly said.
How satisfied are employers with recent Bond University graduates?
Foundation skills: 98.2 per cent satisfied
Adaptive skills: 90.7 per cent satisfied
Collaborative skills: 94.5 per cent satisfied
Technical skills: 100 per cent satisfied
Overall: 92.9 per cent satisfied
Source: 2020 Employer Satisfaction Survey