Testimonials 

Sarah

The department’s graduate program was a very rewarding experience. It gave me some great opportunities across the department, including attending Ministerial meetings, engaging with international delegations, travelling interstate and learning about the public service under the guidance of some great mentors.

The graduate network has been invaluable as a source of friends and professional experience. Throughout the year, I have attended skiing trips, coast trips, black tie balls and food adventures. The graduate program is the ideal springboard for a career in the Australian public service – it has been a great mix of professional development and real life experience.

Jasmin

I joined the department having previously worked for the last 4 years as a Product Development Technologist in the food industry. My work within my three placements (Future Manufacturing, Food Industry Policy, and Governance & Business Support) and my participation in the graduate major project has provided me with excellent insight into Government policy development and program implementation. My work during the year has allowed me to work with a range of internal and external stakeholders, write reports and briefs to the Minister and meet with industry on a range of matters.

I am now working in the Food Industry Policy Section where I am assisting in the preparation of an industry report to map the current state of Australia's Food Processing sector. Moving interstate can be a daunting task, but the support and assistance provided by the Graduate Team helped make my move to Canberra from Queensland, very easy. The friends and contacts I have made throughout the year have been priceless and I would recommend the graduate program to anyone.

James

With a background in advertising and communication, I found working for the department, was an exciting way of using the skills I developed at university and in the private sector to highlight the work undertaken by government. The diversity of roles on offer during my rotations provided me amazing opportunities to contribute to major government projects. Work such as promoting the Square Kilometre Array, a multi-billion dollar mega science project, preparing input into trade and foreign affairs issues facing the Pulp and Paper Sector and the chance to work on the National ABN / Business Names project were just a few of the major projects I as a graduate had the chance to influence. The diversity of roles and the exciting projects you will get to work on over ten short months is just one reason why I was so thrilled to join the department.

Muntasir

The Department of Innovation specialises in delivering innovative programs, services and technologies and that was what really attracted me because with a background in information technology this is the type of environment I enjoy working in. The Graduate Development Program allowed me to work with fellow graduates completing a major project which gave me the chance to share their skills and experiences, get different perspectives and ideas that you would not have on your own, and gain an insight into policy development and program management.

As an ICT Graduate during my various rotations within the eBusiness Division I worked with many great business analysts, systems engineers, programmers and test analysts. I was able to "pick their brains" about the effectiveness of various techniques, estimates on how long it would take to get various things done and I would not have been able to do my job as effectively with out them.

I strongly recommend the department's Graduate Development Program, especially if you are an ICT graduate, to further develop your skill set and experience by working on different projects during various rotations throughout the graduate year.

Bec

The graduate program has given me an extraordinary introduction to working in the public service. Throughout the 10 month program, I gained a thorough understanding of the department through my three diverse work placements. In each of my rotations I was exposed to a great variety of work tasks which allowed me to get a feel for the internal processes for government and to test out the areas of interest to me within the broad scope of policy covered by the portfolio. In each of my rotations I had a supervisor who was enthusiastic to share their knowledge and to ensure I was getting the most out of my placement. My rotation in the Corporate Division was particularly valuable in providing an overview of the department, and gave me an opportunity to travel interstate to meet with funding recipients and other key external stakeholders.

In my final rotation I was able to pursue my interests in energy and the environment to contribute to complex research, analysis and policy advice on current political issues, including the Clean Energy Future plan. My experiences as a graduate helped me gain the skills and experience to ensure I was able to secure a permanent position in this section at the end of the program. As a whole, the department has a friendly atmosphere with many social opportunities, including happy hour events and divisional sporting competitions. Moving interstate to Canberra straight from university, I found the Graduate Program provided an instant support network which made settling into a new city easy.

I have made great friends with my fellow graduates, and have become involved in netball and touch teams, as well as exploring local restaurants, the surrounding coastal areas and ski fields all within driving distance of the city.

Luke

I joined the graduate program looking for a change after already having a career in the not-for-profit sector. I applied believing the program to be the best way to begin a new career in the public service, and I was right. The ten month program not only provided extensive training but also offered exposure to a wide range of areas, processes and people. It also allowed us to make valuable connections throughout the department and the wider APS.

At 33 I was initially sceptical about fitting in with rest of the graduate cohort. However, from day one I realised this was not going be an issue. The graduate program brings together a wide range of people from diverse backgrounds and varying ages, most with a common theme, our first public service job in a strange new city. I highly recommend the DIISRTE graduate program to anyone who is looking to begin a career in the public service. You couldn’t get a better start.

Grace

The Graduate Accounting Program was a great opportunity to develop new skills and gain an overview of the various functions of a financial branch in a government agency. I rotated through six teams which include: Business Transaction and Advisory Services, Financial Policy, Budget Estimates, Management Accounting, Corporate Systems Administration and Development and Financial Accounting. Some of my tasks ranged from coordinating and analysing compliance issues, assisting with the preparation of financial statements, to producing management accounting reports and presentations. Moreover, the major graduate project provided an insight into a pertinent, real-life policy issue.

Over five months, a team of graduates and I liaised with external and internal stakeholders, analysed our findings and suggested recommendations which culminated in a report and presentation to the Executive. Overall, the Graduate Program provided an excellent introduction to the public service and the friendly, supportive culture of the department and the graduate network helped make the move to Canberra an enjoyable experience.

David

The Graduate Development Program provided a valuable introduction into the challenging and diverse work of the department. From composing ministerial briefs, conducting a review of public submissions into an Australian manufacturing industry, and contributing to negotiations to host an international science project; I have had the opportunity to work on stimulating and meaningful work. The experience of three different rotations and involvement in a major project relevant to the department presented me with an opportunity to establish a professional and supportive network of peers which has proved to be extremely useful in my current position. Furthermore, my relocation to Canberra has been aided by the social nature of the graduate cohort.

Ana

For me the Graduate Program was a great entry point into the Public Service from a very different background (my background was in science research). It allowed me to change my career path with ease, and without as much as much of a 'scare' factor. The rotation system allows you to trial different areas and work types, to allow you to see what you like- this opportunity is something that most people don't have access to! I am originally from Sydney, but the Graduate Team made the move very easy for me. I enjoy working at Innovation and in each of my rotations. I have met many friendly people who are always more than willing to help.

Brett

Being on the department’s graduate program gave me the opportunity to undertake three very different work rotations so I could find the right fit for me. During my graduate year I worked in sections responsible for delivering grant programs, the department's online communication strategies and manufacturing policy. I have utilised skills gained across all three rotations in my permanent role which sees me assisting in the delivering a new clean technology grants program.

The department also offers generous assistance if you relocate from interstate like I did, which gives you plenty of time to settle in to Canberra before starting work. The graduate program was a fulfilling 10 months and has been a fantastic kick start to my career in the Australian Public Service.