2021 GRADUATE PROGRAM
We know what it takes for you to do the best work of your life. We’ll invest in you and work together to find out what it is that makes you tick, and how your career can flourish with Xero.
Take ownership of your career
Join the Xero grad program and we'll work together to find out what it is that makes you tick, and how your career can flourish.
We hire grads from a diverse range of backgrounds, from those straight out of uni to those who already have a few careers under their belt. Hear from some of our past and current grads to find out where they started, where they are now, and how Xero helped them get there.
Divya Patel
AI ENGINEER | JOINED XERO IN 2018
I applied for a software engineering role with Xero and then I moved into data science. It was so cool, I didn’t even know I could do this as a career path. Now I'm an AI engineer.
I’ve worked with my manager to form a personal development plan and I’ve been able to learn so much on the job.
Your manager and your grad team lead are there for you throughout the whole process so there’s always someone you can talk to. Plus the grads themselves are a bunch of really amazing, really smart people.
If you’re unsure about what you want to do, the grad program will help you work it out. It gives you a view of everything and you don’t get stuck in one way of working.
Divya joined the grad program in 2018 as a software engineer, before moving into data science. She is now an AI engineer.
Janella Espinas
PRINCIPAL ENGINEER | JOINED XERO IN 2010
I’ve always loved being involved with developing junior talent, so when they were looking for people to help manage new grads, I applied. I was a grad team lead for two years and I helped with the induction and growth and development of the grads.
A really cool part of the grad program is the ability for grads to rotate around teams. Being able to try a different role with a different focus really makes your technical experience a lot broader and helps you understand other areas of the business.
Xero is really well-known for its culture and people enjoy coming to work. We’ve really tried to impart that spirit into the grad program and I like to think we’ve succeeded.
Janella came to Xero through Summer of Tech in 2010, and was a graduate team lead for two years.
Alex Royden
DEVELOPER | JOINED XERO IN 2016
I worked as a chef for ten years, then as a builder for eight years before doing a Bachelors in IT.
Xero is an amazing place to work because everyone is super supportive. They encourage you to grow while providing excellent training, support, and guidance.
Xero provides you with everything you need to get started, and as you grow, gives you the opportunities and support to head in any direction you choose.
As a place to start your career, you couldn’t ask for more.
Alex joined as an intern in 2016, before joining the grad program in 2019.
Jaymesh Master
ANDROID DEVELOPER & GRAD TEAM LEAD | JOINED XERO IN 2017
When I first came into Xero I was very new to the industry and programming itself. My grad team lead worked with me to figure out what my calling was.
Now I’m a grad team lead myself. It's amazing to meet fresh grads straight out of university. I can’t wait to provide guidance to them in the same way my team lead did.
It was amazing to feel so welcomed at Xero, you never felt alone in the whole process. I gave every rotation my all and I really value that. That mindset meant I was able to pick the career that was right for me.
Jaymesh came to Xero through a Summer of Tech internship.
Patricia Ramsden
IDENTITY ENGINEER | JOINED XERO IN 2016
Doing the grad program meant I had a support network and could always reach out to people. Everything was well-presented, documented and communicated.
In the last few years I’ve got a lot more responsibility and I’ve helped with hiring people and selecting interns which is really rewarding.
My son was five when I started and Xero was really supportive if I needed to leave early for him. Whatever challenges there are to face, we’re all human and Xero really looks after its people.
The grad program made me more assertive and resilient. I feel more confident in what I do and I’ve learnt loads of technical skills.
Xero really values their staff and you won’t beat the tech you’ll get exposed to. It’s one of the best companies to work for in New Zealand.
Patricia joined the Xero grad program as a security graduate in 2016.
