Nick
AGIMO/Service Delivery Operations Branch
Bachelor of IT majoring in Data Communications
Queensland University of Technology
How did you get into the graduate program?
I was living and working in Brisbane at the time when one of my friends joined a local graduate program. I saw that he was getting some really good training and work opportunities, so I decided to find a program for myself.
I looked in the papers and online and came across an advertisement for the Finance graduate program. At first glance, I didn't think that Finance would be the right fit for me as I was looking for one of your typical IT graduate programs. However, once I looked a bit more into it, I found Finance offered some really good IT opportunities and also provided exposure and a breadth of experience that you can only get in a central agency like Finance.
What attracted you to the public service rather than private enterprise?
The public service gives you variety of experience that is difficult to receive as a graduate in the private sector. I have had lots of opportunities to move around to different job roles and try new things while being supported by my managers to do it. I have also been involved on projects that make a difference to how Government does business. These kinds of opportunities are few and far between in the private sector.
What does being a graduate involve?
Being a graduate meant I received lots of training to help me understand Finance's role and to also provide me with the skills to be more productive in my day-to-day work environment. The training is diverse and for the most part quite enjoyable. There is also a social element to the program with opportunities to mingle with other Finance graduates, Senior Executives and also graduates from other Departments.
What would you do on an average day?
It really depends on your role in Finance and it changes a lot as you gain experience and confidence. An average day may see you in the office working on a project or outside the office meeting with stakeholders either locally and interstate. Also in winter/autumn, I will usually play for the Finance soccer team once a week in the local public service competition. Beyond that, generally each day presents new challenges.
What is your working environment like? How many people do you work with?
I really enjoy my work environment, the people are friendly and supportive and the office is extremely easy and quick to get to in the mornings. When I joined Finance, I worked with two other people but this has fluctuated from three to nine, dependant on the work I was doing at the time.
What is it like living in Canberra?
I had heard a lot of stories about Canberra prior to moving here and generally speaking, they were not positive. Having lived here for over a year now though, I really enjoy it. There is a real diverse group of people in Canberra that cater to all interests, including lots of sporting and social groups. The only thing I really miss (coming from Queensland) is the beach. Although I now have the option to drive down and snowboard in winter though which is a good trade off.
How do you compare what you learnt at university to what you learn on the job?
It is difficult to compare what I learnt at university and what I have learnt on the job as they really go hand-in-hand. University gave me a base range of skills to work with, while Finance has allowed me to explore and develop these skills and see what does and doesn't work. I have also been able to focus on developing a whole new set of skills (such as communication and writing) that previously were not my strong points.
What is an interesting project that you have been involved in?
Recently I took over the management of a whole-of-Government IT apprenticeship program. The program saw over 70 apprentices placed in 10 different Government agencies. The role had some very unique challenges that allowed me to really develop professionally and gain exposure both in Finance and also across Australian Government agencies. At university, I never thought I would be doing something like that or even capable of it.
What career opportunities does the Department offer you?
Finance deals with a wide variety of issues right across the Australian Government. The diversity of work allows you to gain experience in a multitude of different roles dependant on your interests and the experience you would like to gain.
Finance is also highly regarded both in the public and private sectors. This gives you a good basis to accelerate your career. Coupled with the ongoing study programs available to Finance staff (that Finance pays for), you can become a highly sought after candidate for future promotion and advancement.
Why would you recommend the Finance graduate program?
I would recommend Finance for two reasons. One, the program is well structured, supportive, highly regarded and is always improving based on feedback from previous graduates. Two, it gives you a breadth of experience to equip you for hopefully a long, enjoyable and rewarding career.
Contact for information on this page: Recruitment and Retention Team