All you need to know about applying for the Genus graduate program for 2025.
The graduate program
What does ‘Genus’ mean?
In nature, ‘genus’ describes a particular order of species that, though different, share some characteristics. Symbolically, it’s the same here; our graduates are celebrated for their individuality, but are united by their commitment to CX Lavender values.
What qualities are you looking for in your grads?
Above all, we’re looking for candidates who are comfortable being themselves, who have focus and a can-do attitude. No matter whether we’re introverts, extroverts, or anything in between, we all have something to contribute.
What can I expect from the program?
The graduate program runs for a year, by the end of which you should be fully settled in. Like an internship, you’ll be given the chance to hone your craft in a safe, supportive environment. Unlike an internship, it’s a full-time job, with real-life projects from (almost) day one. You’ll start with a two-week induction, rotating through the guilds to get a taste for what they all do. Then you’ll settle into your own guild, training on smaller tasks but eventually running your own projects.
What will my job involve?
Each day at the agency is different, and you’ll find yourself working on all sorts of projects for a diverse range of clients. Our specialty is digital marketing; one day you might find yourself developing an eDM campaign, the next designing a website. Within the workflow, you’ll be zipping between briefings, reviews and presentations.
How would I fit in to the company?
You’ll be entirely welcomed into CX Lavender as a real employee, with a full-time, salaried position. We have regular traditions, like Friday Morning Meetings, commensality lunches and end-of-week drinks, where you can get to know everyone around you and soak in the social life as well as the professional. You’ll also be assigned a mentor at the start of the year, who’ll show you the ropes and support you as you build your confidence.
The application process
What are the eligibility requirements?
You must be entitled to work in Australia and have completed a relevant course or degree in the last 2 years.
We're not looking for a specific qualification. You might have studied marketing, design, communication, business or tech, but above all, we value personality and attitude.
What will be involved in the application process?
You'll fill in an application form, where we'll get you to: - Answer a few questions about yourself, your interests, ambitions, and ideas. - Provide your CV (no more than 2 pages). - Attach your most recent Academic Transcript or similar. - Create a video response to a question. Video specs: 3 minutes maximum; up to 200MB. Accepted formats: MP4, AVI or MOV file.
If your application is successful, we'll be in contact about the next steps. Subsequent rounds will include: - Interviews with Guild heads and past grads. - A short, in-person presentation task.
How can I make my application pop?
Give the application your all. It needs to be your best work. It should help us understand who you are, your standards, your values, creativity and ambition.
Before you start preparing, think about the people reading your application. Remember, they'll be reading hundreds, so you need to make sure yours is one that stands out for all the right reasons.
Understand CX Lavender. Knowing who we are, what we do and what we're passionate about will inform your answers. Find out what Customer Experience is all about. This is the key to our business and clear insight in this area will shine through.
Think first, write later. Do your research, strategise your responses and give them the time to evolve fully before you write them down. Also, be honest. The best way to show you're a good fit is to be honest about who you are and what you want for your future.
Be on time, or better still, before the deadline. And make sure you've included everything required. Leaving out something like your Academic Transcript could cost you an interview.
Check your application for grammar and typos. When you're in a competitive situation, the detail really matters. Get someone to check your tone and grammar. This can be invaluable as we all fall victim to getting too close to our work from time to time!
Your video is very important. We don't want to see you just talking to the camera on your iPhone. We want a creative, clever interpretation, so let your ideas shine through. Have some fun with it!
What important dates should I know?
Sunday 6 October, midnight: Applications close. Tuesday 15 October: Expect to hear back from us. Thursday 31 October: First round of interviews. Mid-November: Offers made. Mid-January 2025: Commence working at CX Lavender.
About CX Lavender
What does CX mean?
Customer Experience (CX) means the customer is central to everything we do, so we’re constantly looking for new ways to build connections with brands according to their wants and needs. It might be through apps, direct marketing, a website, software or something completely out-there. Be keen to embrace innovation and you’ll stay ahead of the game.
What does it mean to be independent?
As an independent agency, we have the agility to adapt in what is an increasingly volatile industry. We stay on top of innovations in technology, and even start some ourselves. Be ready to learn at every stage of your career, and you’ll help set the pace.
What’s the culture like?
A band of creative and strategic misfits, bunched together in a two-storey office? It makes for plenty of laughs and memorable moments. Personalities of all shades here have room to grow, and we emphasise authenticity in all that we do. Be smart in problem analysis, brave in decision making, and kind towards each other, and that’s how you’ll fit in.
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CX Lavender acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.