42 [Grad Series] How to Build Grad Hiring Momentum That Lasts | Kelly Pfeffer from Suncorp

In this episode of the VMJPod Graduate Recruitment Series, David Macciocca and Steven Nield speak with Kelly Pfeffer, Graduate Talent Lead at Suncorp.

Kelly shares what it really takes to build long-term momentum in graduate hiring — from managing 10,000+ applications to supporting hiring leaders and earning trust with candidates. She explains why grad recruitment can’t be rushed, how to help leaders hire for potential (not just experience), and where technology and automation can free up time for the moments that matter.

If you’re playing the long game in early careers, this episode is full of smart, sustainable advice.

Key Topics Include:
02:35 – Overview of Suncorp’s graduate and intern programs
07:30 – Why grad recruiters are both competitive and deeply connected
13:00 – Setting expectations early in the candidate journey
19:00 – Supporting hiring leaders to hire for potential, not experience
24:55 – A shift in mindset: grads taking ownership of their development
27:00 – From CVs to capabilities: shifting how we assess grads
29:30 – Advice for early talent teams starting out
34:24 – Building momentum: why grad hiring takes time
38:42 – The future role of a grad recruiter
42:20 – Let tech handle the volume, so you can focus on people
45:00 – Common challenges and the future of early careers
47:30 – Final reflections and closing thanks

You can stay up to date by following us on LinkedIn, or catch up on previous episodes here. 

We’d love for you to help us spread the word about the VideoMy Pod to attract new experts and practitioners to share their activation strategies and help us continue to build this wonderful community. Please subscribe wherever you listen or give us a share on LinkedIn!

If you’re ready to level up your activation strategy, we help organisations turn moments that matter into stories that people trust. Interested in learning more? Book a walkthrough with one of our video specialists.