"From the Digital Campus, Chennai to Melbourne Headquarters: 15-years at IDP!" - Gandhi Sakthivel

“My incredible journey with IDP began 15 years ago, with a focus on digital user experience, product accessibility and mobile application development. I led a dynamic team of over 30 team members across projects based at the bustling IDP Digital Campus in Chennai.  

Our mission: to enhance experiences across IDP's digital platforms, including websites and mobile apps.  

Fast forward to today, and I find myself in service design at IDP's headquarters in Melbourne, Australia. It's been an extraordinary journey, one that's taken me from Chennai to Melbourne with the spirit of innovation and people-centric decision-making always at the core of all we do. On a personal note, I have always aspired to be an impactful professional and have actively sought challenges in diverse or multicultural settings.

IDP places a strong emphasis on staff welfare and career development programs, offering multicultural global exposure. We have various clubs and groups across departments and projects, all supported by dedicated leaders. These aspects make IDP an enticing choice for individuals looking for growth.

There are also numerous opportunities at IDP, where team members can transition to different expertise areas and even shift to different departments. This flexibility is inherent in our business model.

At IDP, we are connected to leaders and colleagues from around the world and across the business - with no feeling of hierarchy. This empowers us to voice our opinions and excel in our roles.

One standout chapter of my development with IDP was being a recipient of the esteemed Maher El Bakry Emerging Leaders Award, IDP’s annual flagship mentorship program.

In 2018, I was honored to be chosen as an Emerging Leader for this program – which provided me a year of invaluable one-on-one sessions and enriching learning experiences with the IDP Global Leadership Team. I cherish this program and all the value that it provided.

In addition to many such development opportunities, IDP offers us good exposure. I've also had the privilege to represent IDP in external groups and speak on various topics. I've engaged in mentorship, dedicating nearly 600 hours to support professionals from different countries. I've also interacted with young potential candidates for our teams - to offer them guidance and insights into IDP design and innovation projects. These experiences, alongside my professional work, keep me motivated and focused on continuous growth.

And in general, I would say that the key to transforming career aspirations into reality lies in your personal desire for continuous upskilling. This is how you evolve from a professional into an expert and embrace new challenges. It entails recognising the necessity for adaptability and the ability to contribute effectively in various professional contexts.

The most rewarding aspect of my growth journey with IDP has consistently been the people I've had the privilege to work alongside. The organisation's culture nurtures a supportive and collaborative environment, where team members naturally become friends, and everyone is treated with the utmost respect. It is the warmth and camaraderie that truly sets IDP apart.

IDP has also been instrumental in facilitating my seamless transition from one location to another. The organisation provided robust support, addressing psychological and logistical aspects of relocation. My reporting line managers displayed patience and understanding as I adapted to my new environment, a critical element for ensuring a smooth transition.

What continues to inspire me most about the workplace at IDP is the focus we have on making a true impact in our customers' journey. As the global leader in student placement and IELTS, IDP has transformed my thought process and significantly shaped my professional growth. The workplace offers a dynamic and engaging environment that actively encourages both personal and professional development.

I would say that IDP's global culture and its remarkable people are a testament to the organisation's uniqueness. Working in proximity to the CEO and top executives at IDP Headquarters brings great energy because everyone is treated equally and recognised as a core member of IDP. The work culture fosters a spirit of continuous learning, collaboration, and interaction with colleagues from diverse backgrounds and levels, further nurturing personal and professional growth. This culture transcends geographical boundaries and is consistent across all our offices.

As my journey continues, I look forward to further contributing to IDP. This journey is not just about finding success and growth at work; it's about learning, giving back and staying thirsty for knowledge.

In essence, my story is a testament to the grooming and continuous upskilling facilitated by IDP. The organisation provided the platform, support, and opportunities for me to evolve from a basic professional into an expert, fully prepared to embrace new challenges.

For those contemplating a career at IDP, I wholeheartedly encourage you to view this as a place where your full potential can flourish. IDP is dedicated to nurturing talent from within, and my journey serves as a shining example of how the organisation can mold individuals into experts. The key lies in remaining open to learning, embracing new responsibilities, and continually striving for excellence. IDP offers numerous learning opportunities and is a supportive community that will help team members grow both personally and professionally. Would you like to grow with us at Team IDP? Look for opportunities here.” – Gandhi Sakthivel, Service Design Lead, IDP Melbourne

P.S. - When Sakthi’s not busy at work, you will find him cheering on his favorite teams, training for or running marathons, and thoroughly enjoying the art of photography.