The Kickstart Graduate program is an exclusive professional development program for local Gold Coast businesses, who wish to invest in the future growth of their recently employed graduates, and fast-track their transition into the workplace.
The program is designed to provide graduates with the practical workplace skills and resources to build their effectiveness in their organisation and is endorsed by the City of Gold Coast. Participants receive varied training through experiential learning, practical and interactive workshops, coaching from executive and career co-facilitators, and completion of a significant workplace project.
Our program consists of half-day workshops over 11 sessions from March each year, and includes guest speakers from local Gold Coast businesses. Through a core focus of building connection, personal communication styles and identifying strengths via DISC profiling, coupled with collaborative opportunities to unpack the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, graduates identify and enhance personal and operational areas for growth and professional development.
Program highlights
2025 Program Details
Session 1
Session title: Kickstart! Welcome and program navigation - for participants and managers
Date: Friday 21 March, 1pm – 4pm
Venue: Panorama Room, HOTA
Session 2
Session title: Being great at what you do! Discover your professional identity
Date: Thursday 24 April, 9am – 12pm
Venue: Council Chambers, HOTA Precinct
Session 3
Session title: Networking Event – Careers After Dark
Date: Thursday 15th May, 5-7pm
Venue: Gold Coast Sports and Leisure Centre, Carrara
Session 4
Session title: Communication and collaboration
Date: Friday 23 May, 9am – 12pm
Venue: Old Station, CoSpaces, Southport
Session 5
Session title: Sustainability in action
Date: Friday 20 June, 9am – 12pm
Venue: Neumann Steel, Currumbin
Session 6
Session title: Resilience and mental fitness
Date: Friday 18 July, 9am – 12pm
Venue: Old Station, CoSpaces, Southport
Session 7
Session title: Influence and impact
Date: Friday 15 August, 9am – 12pm
Venue: Old Station, CoSpaces, Southport
Session 8
Session title: Your career story
Date: Friday 12 September, 9am – 12pm
Venue: Old Station, CoSpaces, Southport
Session 9
Session title: Disruptive change – technology, innovation and adaptability
Date: Friday 10 October, 9am – 12pm
Venue: Gold Coast Health and Knowledge Precinct
Session 10
Session title: Gold Coast Health and Knowledge Precinct
Date: Friday 31 October, 9am – 12pm
Venue: Gold Coast Aquatic Centre
Session 11
Session title: Kickstart final event: Work project presentations - for participants and managers
Date: Friday 14 November, 9am – 12pm
Venue: Gold Coast Aquatic Centre
The program cost is $425 + GST per participant. The actual value/cost of delivery is over $1,000 per participant but the remainder of the cost is subsidised by Experience Gold Coast.
Program Eligibility
- Open to all Gold Coast businesses, of any size and from any industry
- Eligible graduates can be from Degree or Non-Degree qualifications across all industries and disciplines. Who have completed their studies within the last 2 years or be due to complete by 30 June 2025 (studies can include tertiary and vocational education or training)
- Maximum two participants per employer unless previously arranged with Experience Gold Coast
- Participant must have commitment from line manager (manager is involved in first session, last session and receives updates throughout the course of the program)
Have a question? Contact us at kickstart@experiencegoldcoast.com or phone 07 5556 6102
MEET THE TEAM
Samantha Kilmartin
Sam is a passionate and experienced career development professional with a background in strategic HR management. She graduated with first-class honours and has just submitted her PhD, exploring how to help graduates thrive in their careers.
Sam has spent her career focusing on helping people grow and succeed, whether through one-on-one career advice, teaching, coaching, or running training and development programs. For the past four years, she’s been leading the Kickstart Program for Experience Gold Coast, while also teaching at Griffith University and managing industry-based projects.
Beyond her professional work, Sam is dedicated to giving back. She provides outreach career support and is actively involved with the Career Development Association of Australia (CDAA) and the National Association of Graduate Career Advisory Services (NAGCAS), where she’s part of the management committee and executive board. Her mission is to ensure everyone has access to accurate, contemporary career advice and the opportunity to pursue their career goals.
When she’s not helping others achieve their career goals, Sam loves skiing, spending time with family and friends, and she also adores dogs.
LINKEDINNatalie Moloney
Natalie Moloney is a qualified Career Practitioner, supported by a solid background in human resource management generalist roles across varying industries. Natalie brings well developed skills in a broad range of HRM and career development functions, and her diverse knowledge and skill set provides a strong foundation to support others to plan and achieve career development goals.Natalie is committed to helping others to thrive in their careers and achieve fulfillment from their work. She has a strong passion for workshop facilitation, and is energised by helping others learn and grow. Natalie is tertiary qualified with a Graduate Certificate of Career Development, and a Bachelor of Commerce (HRM). She is also a Professional member of the Career Development Association of Australia. LINKEDIN
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY
Experience Gold Coast acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we are situated, the Kombumerri families of the Yugambeh Language Region.
We pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging, and recognise their continuing connections to the lands, waters and their extended communities throughout Southeast Queensland.