Alumni in profile
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James Osenaris
Bachelor of Commerce 2006
Since graduating from Deakin with a Bachelor of Commerce with majors in Marketing and Finance, James Osenaris has taken a slightly different path to where he expected, working for the world's biggest health and beauty company, L'Oreal.
James started in the company as a Sales Analyst and also spent some time in the field as an Area Manager in the Victorian Pharmacy Team. James is now an Account Executive and is looking after the Independent Grocery Channel, which encompasses major groups such as Metcash/IGA Grocers, Franklins and Foodland (SA).
"I think the grounding and pathway with L'Oreal in sales is quite unique. I learnt a lot in my time as an Analyst, which allowed me to learn about the way in which the company worked from the ground up and more importantly allowed me to work in conjunction with the sales team, in order to provide them support and see what they do on a day to day basis."
"In the field, I learnt how our brands are represented, perceived and also sold in the marketplace, in order to gain important skills such as sales techniques and relationship building. Now as an Account Executive, my role is more focused on strategy and relationships with the accounts at head office level, in order to influence strategy and sales for a large number of stores Australia wide," he explained.
James has also been an active leader, both at high school and University - being School Captain of Balwyn High School in 2002 and also the President of the Deakin Accounting and Finance Student Society (DAFSS) in 2005. James explained that both these positions 'are excellent stepping stones for the corporate world'.
"I think that any undergraduate should be actively involved in leadership opportunities at high school and university. These sorts of positions give great opportunity to harness the skills required in the corporate world, and also allows you to also work with some fantastic people and teams. It also gives you a chance to get first hand experience at some of the business issues we face in the real world," he said.
James also has a passion for basketball, where he has spent 5 years managing the Darebin Basketball Club and is now the Chairman of the Board.
L'Oreal is also very happy with James's progress and sees a future with him at the company.
"James is a good fit with the L'Oreal culture and has the necessary skills to successfully navigate his way through our business. To work at L'Oreal, and particularly for James' role, you need to be able to respond quickly when needed and ask the right questions to get the job done correctly."
"James is a quick thinker and is seen as a problem solver. He has proven that he is able to deliver under pressure and within deadlines. His confidence and attitude will hold him in good stead for the future," said Sky Briffa who is Group Sales Manager - Grocery Channel at L'Oreal.
James is actively involved in the Commerce Alumni Chapter, where he is a champion for profile enhancement and is looking forward to getting actively involved with Chapter activities over the coming years.
As for the future, James is hopeful of a 'long and illustrious career', in the corporate world.
