Kmart Group

"I had the pleasure of working across different teams in the technology space gaining hands-on experience in Software Engineering. Moving between each rotation allowed me to learn diverse coding practices, system architectures, and methodologies used whilst building strong relationships with my coworkers." 

“I really loved the Kmart Graduate Program. I got to experience different areas of the business and solve new challenges - I worked within the Stores space, Supply Chain, the mobile app and with the Online team. I made a lot of friends, and we got to go on this journey together. I found that everyone I worked with was helpful and eager to share their knowledge with me”. 

What did you study & where?

I studied Artificial Intelligence at Swinburne University of Technology.

What has your experience been like, and what have you enjoyed?

So far, I have worked on two key projects. The first focuses on optimising product mix to drive sales. We developed an application that is now actively used across multiple departments, and I am currently involved in maintaining and improving it. The second project is centred around Generative AI, where we are building a conversational analysis tool—a chatbot designed to answer trade-related queries specific to Kmart. We have experimented with different large language models, AI frameworks, and UI interfaces, and are now expanding its functionalities. What I enjoy most is the exposure to advanced technology and the fact that my work has a tangible impact on real business operations. It’s exciting to see how AI solutions can drive better decision-making and efficiency.

On a day-to-day basis, what does your work look like?

My daily work involves a mix of coding, research, and problem-solving. A big part of my role is translating stakeholder needs into machine-readable solutions, ensuring our models align with business objectives. I spend time researching best practices, evaluating tools, and experimenting with different approaches. Collaboration is also key—I work closely with colleagues on various aspects of the project, and we have daily stand-ups to track progress, discuss blockers, and brainstorm solutions.

What drew you to the Kmart Graduate Program?

I was drawn to the Kmart Graduate Program because of my passion for applying knowledge to solve real-world problems. Kmart plays a significant role in people’s daily lives—including mine. Whenever I think of shopping, Kmart is the first place that comes to mind because of its convenience and variety. The opportunity to analyse complex data and uncover meaningful insights that drive business decisions excites me. I want to contribute to Kmart’s mission of making everyday living more accessible and enjoyable. Beyond that, I was looking for a long-term career path in a company with a strong industry reputation. Working alongside highly skilled professionals in a dynamic environment like Kmart pushes me to develop my potential and continuously grow.

Can you tell us about the teams you have rotated in?

I have remained in the same team throughout my rotations. Our team consists of seven members—five based in Melbourne, one in Brisbane, and one in Haryana. We bridge the gap between planners and buyers, providing data-driven insights to align perspectives and streamline decision-making.  Some of the impactful projects delivered by our team include:

• Optimizing product mix to maximize sales
• Forecasting trends to stay ahead of market changes
• Price optimization for better competitiveness
• Competitor price tracking & analysis

Our work directly contributes to improving business strategies and ensuring Kmart remains competitive in the retail market.

What advice do you have for graduates thinking about joining the Kmart Group Graduate Program?

If you’re considering the Kmart Graduate Program, my biggest advice is to be proactive and open to learning. The retail industry moves fast, and there are always new challenges to solve. Here are a few key takeaways from my experience:

• Embrace curiosity – Ask questions, explore different approaches, and never stop learning.
• Be adaptable – The program offers exposure to various projects and technologies, so being flexible will help you thrive.
• Collaborate – You’ll work with cross-functional teams, so strong communication and teamwork skills are essential.
• Understand the business impact – While technical skills are crucial, knowing how your work influences real business decisions will set you apart.
• Most importantly, enjoy the journey! Kmart provides an incredible opportunity to develop your skills, contribute meaningfully, and be part of a supportive and innovative team.

What did you study and where?

I studied a Bachelor of Business at Swinbourne University. I completed a double major in Human Resource Management and Marketing.

What has your experience been like and what have you enjoyed?

So far, the experience has been amazing for me! The program has offered me a way to try many different areas of P&C to help identify what I think could be a long-term career.

My favourite part has been the support across the program. I have been offered a very structured pathway to help me develop my skills and build on my knowledge throughout my time in the program. Kmart has enrolled us in frequent classes and workshops with both internal and external facilitators to help improve on the skills we need in our professional careers. I have also had very valuable mentorship from my line manager, rotational managers, and graduate co-ordinators, that have helped make the program very enjoyable.

On a day-to-day basis, what does your work look like?

It really depends on the day, or the rotation I am partaking in!

Everyday offers something different, whether it be shadowing a co-worker to see how they manage their daily tasks, managing my inbox to ensure I get back to any stakeholders who may need my assistance, answering calls from other leaders or team members in the business, attending meetings, or attending workshops that are offered to develop our skills.

What drew you to the Kmart Graduate Program?

Before I joined the Kmart Graduate Program, I didn’t have any idea what I wanted to do in terms of a career. I knew that I wanted to be in a HR function, but didn’t know what roles were available, or which roles I’d enjoy. I saw that Kmart had a HR Graduate Program listed and applied straight away! The Kmart company is very well-known across Australia and New Zealand, and I knew they would have a wide range of opportunities available that I could partake in. This program has been an amazing way for me to find out what roles are available in People and Capability and has provided me a way to try a variety of different positions to figure out which appeals to me the most.

Can you tell us about the teams that you have rotated in?

In the P&C Graduate Program I have had rotations in three teams.

Talent Acquisition – Setting up interviews and assisting new starters and store leaders to onboard into their teams.

Advisory Centre – Answering general questions from store leaders and team members, assisting in case management, providing support to stores to help them make informed decisions.

Business Partnering – Working with senior leaders in the business to strengthen team culture and work toward common goals.

What advice do you have for graduates thinking about joining the Kmart Group Grad Program?

Give everything a go! All the different opportunities are great for self-development and really help you to make informed decisions about your future career. This is also a great time to build strong relationships with many different stakeholders from the business, so make sure you connect with as many people as you can!