Tammy leads next gen talent by example

Tammy Sun’s enthusiasm lights the room like a ray of sunshine.

And she’s leading the next generation by example, her gentle positivity nurturing talent, and a passion for purpose as the manager of Rabobank’s award-winning graduate program.

Having moved to Sydney from Shanghai, China, at the age of ten, Tammy admits hers was an unexpected path into the agricultural sector, joining Rabobank in 2022 to launch the agribusiness specialist’s inaugural grad program.

“When I first started at Rabobank I just thought I’d joined a bank, I didn’t fully understood the ag piece – which I instantly found fascinating.”

“It’s so fabulous, and unique working in a cooperative model which is purpose driven supporting Australian farmers, I love hearing our clients’ stories and feeling closer to food and agriculture.”

Having previously managed graduate, intern, and refugee employment programs at a national insurance company, purpose driven work is something this mother of two values dearly.

“If I’m going to be away from my babies from nine to five, then it needs to be meaningful, and important enough that I can share my work with my children as an education piece.”
 

Tammy on the ‘RaboTruck’ – she’s enjoying being part of the Australian food and agriculture story thanks to Rabobank.

Tammy joined Rabobank tasked with developing and implementing the Rabobank Graduate Program – a new program, a new role, and a blank canvas “with enormous potential”.

From the initial scope identifying talent pipeline needs, to website development, program structure, marketing assets and approvals, campus engagements, and the selection process, Tammy singlehandedly managed launching the program in just three months – and all with her signature smile intact.

The program is now in its fourth year, and currently open to applications, and despite being named as a top graduate program after its first year, Tammy smiles that there have been many learnings.

“We have such a great story to tell, the program itself is tried, tested and tweaked – which has been a collective effort incorporating feedback from graduates and the wider business, and it’s an ongoing conversation for continual improvement.”

Tammy describes Rabobank’s Graduate Program as a boutique, highly considered offering, featuring unique rotations, senior leader mentors, professional development programs, regional placement, and a potential international assignment.

“It’s a small, high quality program, and it’s almost a VIP experience in the way we look after our grads – the program is scoped and designed for bespoke support for grads.”

Reflecting Tammy’s talent and vision, Rabobank’s Graduate Program was recently recognised by the Australian Financial Review / GradConnection in the Top 10 Most Popular Banking, Finance & Insurance Employer list, and ranked number three by the Australian Association of Graduate Employers in the 2025 Top Graduate Employers (Small Program Category) - a definite “pinch me” moment.
 

Tammy during the recent awards evening where Rabobank was named in the Top 10 Most Popular Banking, Finance & Insurance Employer list.

“It blows my mind that we’re a top three graduate employer. This recognition has been wonderful validation, and reflects the calibre of the program, and the quality of our graduates.”

With a thirst for knowledge, another of Tammy’s highlights has been the opportunity to spend time in a regional branch, and meet Rabobank’s farming clients face-to-face.

“I visited the Warragul branch in Victoria and visited a robotic dairy, which was fascinating – the size of the operation was impressive, and the relationship the managers have with the clients is so heartwarming, it’s a mateship.”

With all Sydney-based graduates required to spend four weeks at a regional branch, she said the opportunity was likewise a highlight amongst many of the graduates.
 

Tammy with some of her Rabobank graduates.

“This is what makes our program so unique,” Tammy explains. “A lot of these graduates have never been outside of Sydney, so it’s a really eye-opening experience – they can get out on-farm, enjoy a country community and bring a fresh level of insight back into their role, it’s a wonderful life experience.”

Gentle, nurturing, and brimming with energy, Tammy embraces her role leading each cohort of graduates, and admits she becomes personally invested in their stories.

“Each cohort is different, yet through the process of selecting, onboarding and supporting these grads the relationships and friendships built are very genuine,” she smiles.
 

Tammy and her Rabobank colleagues take part in the JP Morgan fun run in 2024

“I love watching their growth over the 18 month program, and seeing what they achieve after coming off the grad program – I can almost see a vision fit for them, and I’m so proud of all of them.”

“I try not to call them my babies, but they are,” she laughs.

As a full-time working mum, Tammy’s real babies, Adeline, eight and Nathaniel, five, and husband Edward are at the heart of everything she does.

“I’m very fortunate to have a supportive husband, and working at an organisation that truly supports flexibility. For me any work that takes me away from my family has to be part of a bigger story than just paying the mortgage – it’s about why I do what I do.”

“I want my children to see that mummy is proud to be doing something with purpose, and that they then are inspired to contribute one day.”

She also credits strong discipline as essential for a balanced home life.

“In the juggle of children and work I make sure that when I’m with my family I’m fully present, I’m not on my phone, and if I’m working from home I pick them up from school – I want my kids to see me actively engaging so it’s not all about work.”
 

Tammy loves exploring Australia with husband Edward, and children Adeline and Nathaniel.

The small amount of time she gets beyond this is dedicated to herself, whether it’s a quick work out, or a meal out.

“I’m a huge foodie, my husband and I love eating out – we also love farm stays and wine tasting so it makes me really proud to say I work for Rabobank, supporting these industries. It’s a bit of a full circle moment connecting my career to my personal hobby.”

While in Sydney, French restaurant La Guillotine on Kent St is a firm favourite, and in homage to her heritage, many of her favourite meals are enjoyed with family back in China.

“We get back to China every three years to visit family and enjoy a food, shopping and cultural fix,” she says. “My father still spends six months working in China and six months in Australia, so I’m very lucky that we still have very close ties to China.”

Closer to home, travelling with the kids is a new favourite pastime, largely inspired by Tammy’s Rabobank journey.

“We love road trips, it’s fascinating showing the kids the country and getting out of Sydney, and whether it’s my own kids or our Rabobank grads, I’m so proud to be in a position where I can help educate on rural life, and provide an appreciation for agriculture.”    

The Rabobank Graduate Program Applications are currently open, closing on August 18, with graduates having a choice of streams including Rural Banking, Financial Economic Crime, Banking Operations and Technology.

See Graduate Program for more information on the Rabobank Graduate Program, and how to apply.