Alumni and Supporters

Bachelor of Business (2001)

“No-one’s owed anything – you’ve got to create your own luck,” says Brodie McDougall.

These are the words the ECU Business graduate lives by – and it’s an approach that has enabled him to build a high-flying international career in the recruitment space.

Now working as the Regional Director of Michael Page Recruitment in Perth, Brodie’s extensive experience gives him a unique perspective on the importance of drive and motivation in employees.

He says the right attitude is the key to success in the business world.

“Companies want attitude, cultural leadership, drive and initiative,” he elaborates.

“You could be the youngest person in the business but if you’ve got the right attitude and you’re showing that you’re keen and hungry, you’ll progress.”

Brodie oversees the operations of Michael Page in Perth – a London-listed recruitment company with 5,600 staff in 36 countries.

The Perth operations were established in 2001, and Brodie’s focus is on recruiting white collar positions across Human Resources, Finance, IT, Sales, Marketing, Retail, Digital, Office Support, Logistics, Customer Service, Property, Engineering and Procurement.

Brodie says that displaying the right attitude and drive was crucial in rising through the ranks within the organisation. After joining Michael Page in 2003, he has worked in various roles across their offices in Perth, Shanghai and Sydney, always willing to say yes to new opportunities as they arise.

Although he’s found his niche in the recruitment sector, Brodie’s career path wasn’t so clear at the beginning of his journey.

A graduate of Carine High School, he went on to ECU to study, opting for a Bachelor of Business as it seemed to offer a wide range of options and he was unsure about what to specialise in.

“I started studying at ECU in 1997 – it had a great reputation of being an innovative university that provided a good balance of work and fun,” Brodie explains.

“The studies were relevant and a good mix between theory and practice. I struggled the first couple of years in terms of trying to understand what I actually wanted to do – then as time went on, I ultimately enjoyed the HR and E-Commerce side of things.”

“I think for anyone looking for work, it’s so important to look at what your personal values are – what do you stand for?”

Upon graduation from ECU, Brodie undertook a typical Aussie rite of passage and moved to the UK with some mates.

“I spent two years over there, which was really great; I travelled through Europe, lived in London and did a variety of jobs,” Brodie says.

“I worked in a bank in a customer service role during the day, I worked at a pub at night time, and I worked at Lords as a steward on the weekend when the cricket was on.”

Working in entry-level jobs after graduating from his degree helped Brodie to shape his world view and hone his work ethic.

With many new graduates having unrealistic expectations about their first jobs out of uni, Brodie says managing your ego is vital.

“You have you put your ego to one side and manage your expectations,” he counsels.

“The only way to create your own luck is by showing initiative and drive to take on opportunities. Accept that this might not be your ‘forever’ job but still do the job to the best of your abilities – that will open up doors.”

Being open to new possibilities was the key to Brodie’s career change into recruitment.

When he returned to Perth in 2003, he contacted Michael Page looking for a job in banking. Although there were limited banking roles that suited him at the time, there was an opportunity to work for Michael Page and he ended up taking that role instead.

“One of the things they were looking for was people who had not just studied, but had worked and had some life experience – so travelling and working abroad for those two years was a really good way to help gain that,” Brodie says.

“It was one of the reasons they hired me.”

Brodie has now worked with Michael Page for fourteen years. Beginning as a consultant recruiting accountants in the Perth office, he later progressed to opportunities with the company in Shanghai and Sydney.

He said the move to China in 2006 was one of his proudest achievements.

“I never thought I’d visit China, let alone live there,” he admits.

“I think I was pretty bold with that move, and it was challenging going into a market and not knowing any people or any companies. Being a part of the company’s growth in the Asian market is probably my biggest and proudest achievement.”

In China, Brodie managed the organisation’s Finance, Financial Services, Technology, Sales and Human Resources teams – but the relocation wasn’t all business.

Brodie managed to infuse the relocation with his love for sport and community. He participated in charity events, including supporting Operation Smile with the Great Wall Half Marathon. He was also President of the Shanghai Tigers AFL club.

When asked what advice he would give to ECU students or graduates – especially given his background as a high-level recruiter – Brodie reflects back to his own lack of clarity at the start of his career.

“Embrace the uncertainty,” he says at once.

“Uncertainty is a normal feeling as you come out of university – so use that as an opportunity to make sure you look at all avenues.”

On a more philosophical note, Brodie says values are becoming increasingly important in the recruitment world.

“I think for anyone looking for work, it’s so important to look at what your personal values are – what do you stand for?” he says.

Brodie says that in a world where companies often list their corporate values on their websites, it becomes easier for prospective employees to determine whether they will be a cultural fit for the organisation.

“Often, companies will put their values onto you in terms of what they expect from employees – but it’s actually so important to determine your own values, your mission statement,” he adds.

“I never did this when I started out, but I do it now to make sure I’m actually passionate about the roles I’m going to do – you need to know what you stand for.”