From our recent Graduates 

We've had a Graduate Development Program in DIISR for as long as anyone can remember. This means that if you join us as a graduate, you'll be part of a large group of ex-grads who've successfully completed their development year and are now working around the Department and wider public sector as fully-fledged policy or program officers.

Previous graduates are happy to share their experiences to give you an idea of what it was like for them:

"The Graduate Development Program (GDP) gave me the experience I needed to rapidly progress my career in the public service.  The diversity of work and the ability to work in three different areas within the Department allowed me to develop a variety of transferable skills which can be used in any job I choose in the future.  Not only is the program great for your career, the friendships you make are life lasting.  I can't recommend this program enough."
Rebecca

"The Department's Graduate Program is an introduction to the very best aspects of public service in Australia.  Organised training, meaningful work and the opportunity to work with knowledgeable and dedicated policy makers makes the Department the perfect place to kick start your career.  If you are enthusiastic about contributing to the future of a diverse range of Australian industries and would like to work in an environment that brings out your very best, I strongly encourage you to apply."
Elizabeth

"After completing a law degree as a mature aged student, I was keen to find an employer who would appreciate the diverse range of skills I had acquired in my previous work/degrees while providing a truly balanced working environment. The Department's graduate program welcomes participants of varying age and background, and has such a diverse range of work areas that the biggest problem has been narrowing my choices.  I've found the Department to be a supportive, friendly and fulfilling, completing the graduate program was a great way to fast track my career in the APS."
Troy

"The Department's graduate program gave me the chance to work in three completely different areas within the Department.  This allowed me to develop a range of different skills, discover what work I enjoy doing and find out what work suits me.  I've now got a great job doing work that I really enjoy."
Tom

"I’d probably say the best part of the whole experience of being a grad has been the ease with which I’ve been able to make really good friends out of it.  Most of us in the group have got on really well this year – and I can envisage maintaining some of these friendships for a very long time.  I guess this is something that happens in most grad programs – but this Department's one has the added benefit of having the grads work directly with one another for four months on the major project."
John

"Working within the Business Entry Point Branch of eBusiness Division afforded me the opportunity to develop my skills through a variety of tasks.  I was given the opportunity to work on the www.business.gov.au website redevelopment project, where I was involved in formulating the User Acceptance Tests with other team members.  I enjoyed the pressure of working to deadlines as part of a team, and felt a great deal of pride when the new website was launched, knowing that my contribution had been valuable."
Amanda

"Working with three teams in such a diverse Department has allowed me to quickly gain skills that I can use throughout the public service and beyond.  I have enjoyed becoming a real part of these work teams, and have valued the support offered to me over the year.  I would recommend the program to those who are unsure of their direction after university yet are after an opportunity to give their skills a practical edge in a varied and dynamic environment."
Melissa

"After spending five years at university, the graduate program at the Department provided me with a great introduction to the working world.  The Department offers a variety of areas to work in and provides a unique opportunity to gain exposure to a diverse range of issues and industries within a short period of time. The graduate program has developed my knowledge and skills base in a way that will prove useful for all future employment endeavours.
Melanie

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