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Seventeen-year-old Jasper Carstein thrives at Southern Rural Water, blending finance skills with technology and fresh ideas

Seventeen-year-old Jasper Carstein embodies International Youth Day theme, thriving in Southern Rural Water finance team, combining number skills, technology, and fresh ideas while inspiring other young people to pursue professional opportunities.

By news@gippsland - 12th August 2025 - Back to News

This year's International Youth Day theme - Youth Advancing Multilateral Cooperation: Technology and Partnerships - is one that 17-year-old Jasper Carstein lives every day at Southern Rural Water.

Jasper Carstein excels at Southern Rural Water, combining financial expertise with technological skills and innovative thinking to make valuable contributions and inspire fellow young professionals

Jasper counts success

Jasper joined our Finance team early this year after a week of work experience turned into an internship, and from there, into a two-year traineeship. Partly, this reflected how quickly he'd adapted to support team mates to kick goals and achieve great outcomes. Jasper also has a passion for balancing the numbers - keeping track of the money that delivers services that benefit our rural communities - which means work isn't just all hard work.

"Since I was 12, I've loved numbers, budgets and understanding how money makes the world turn. I always wanted to learn how to manage money well, not just for work, but for life too. For me, that's peace of mind," says Jasper.

Teen tracks finances

At just 17, Jasper is learning financial oversight through preparing the weekly financial reports. "It's a really satisfying way to start the week. You spend two hours deep in spreadsheets and reconciliations, and when it gets approved - you know you've contributed something important.," Jasper said.

Partnering with the broader Finance team, Jasper is also part of our monthly close process - helping with accruals and reconciliations of expenditure against budgets. And like many young professionals, he brings not just enthusiasm but fresh digital confidence.

"Technology levels the playing field. Technology means I can have virtual meetings and conversations to achieve a solid solution and build connections. I can be in Maffra, talking to people in Mitcham, Warrnambool or Werribee like we're all in the same room," Jasper said.

Opportunities through persistence

Jasper says starting in a professional workplace can be daunting for young people, but his advice is simple: apply anyway. "Be prepared for rejection, it can be a numbers game. Eventually, the right one will come through - like Southern Rural Water did for me. And once you've got your foot in the door, it all gets easier from there."

"By 2030 I'd love to be a registered tax agent running my own firm in Gippsland. It's more affordable out here and has a great community vibe. Plus, if you know people and you know your stuff, you're already ahead," Jasper said.

Youth driving change

For Jasper, International Youth Day is a chance to celebrate that fresh perspective. "Young people bring energy. We bring new ways of thinking. And if we're given the space to contribute, we'll help organisations grow - just like we're growing too."

Happy International Youth Day to all the young professionals, thinkers, doers and change-makers - and especially to Jasper. We're lucky to have you on the team. For more information, visit Southern Rural Water - Careers website.

Pictures from Southern Rural Water website.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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