After years of study and two diplomas, Joel Bateman has stepped out of his studies and into an associate’s role with Fennell West.
“It’s a big change, but it’s something that I’ve been working towards for quite a while and it’s exciting my new career is underway,” he said.
Joel grew up on a dairy farm at Boorcan and completed his schooling in Camperdown before securing a printing apprenticeship with The Standard in Warrnambool.
He took his trade to Brisbane and Cairns for a number of years, before moving back closer to home.
“My partner got work in Warrnambool, so we moved down there. I knew I wanted to study and do something finance related,” he said.
“I did my Diploma of Accounting, but one day Westy (Fennell West director Shane West) said ‘why don’t you do your Diploma of Financial Planning as well?’.
“I suppose this all started back then. It wasn’t like a promise, but Westy indicated if I got my qualifications an opportunity might open up here at Fennell West and it has.”
Shane said Joel’s dedication to put in the hard yards and successfully complete his Diploma was testament to his character.
“You won’t notice many employment positions advertised at Fennell West,” he said.
“With 11 staff members, we are a tight-knit group and everyone has a specific skill set they bring to the table. This is the key to making sure our clients get the service they need.”
Joel said he was enjoying the new role and working in an office environment with a passionate financial planning and lending team.
“It’s going to provide me with more skills and exposure to the work Fennell West do and I’m still really motivated to keep studying, build my experience and see where it takes me.
“I’ve started my Bachelor of Commerce at Deakin University now, so it’s an exciting time and I’m incredibly thankful to have this opportunity to craft myself a new career here.
“I already knew a lot of the staff (at Fennell West and Sinnotts Accountants shared office in Camperdown) so that’s made it fun to walk into and get to work.”
Joel can be contacted at [email protected] or by phoning 5557 3355.
