I attended: The Australian National University

And graduated with a:  Bachelor of Economics, Bachelor of Arts: Majoring in International Relations, Minor in Latin American Studies

My DESE job title is: 2020 Data Graduate: Investment Approach Team

My job is about analyzing data from a variety in the frame of the ‘Investment Approach’ (Google it). I look at the public and private returns to the economy on different occupations and fields of education to work out which should be funded more or less by the government. Someone with a different background could definitely do my job, I really have no experience in data analytics but I think it’s really important for everyone to understand, no matter what you want to do—so far I’ve learnt everything on the job!

The coolest thing about my job is that I get to analyze outcomes from higher education and tertiary study and contribute work that will inform future policy in this area. It’s really rewarding knowing the things you are working on will be used to shape the future education systems of Australia.

A challenge I have experienced in my work is that DESE is BIG. My previous jobs in offices and hospitality were much smaller teams, so it was easy to naturally socialize. You get used to it though, and your fellow grads offer easy socialization as well as the team you are placed in. 

2 pieces of advice for yourself when you were job hunting...

1. You’ll get there! – Job hunting can be pretty demoralizing at times, hang in there and you’ll eventually pull through.
2. Try and receive as much feedback as you can on your CV/ cover letters/application documents. This means talking to friends, current colleagues, and lecturers. I also found recruitment agencies (despite not getting me a job) really good for this too.

Favorite place to go in Canberra:  Namadgi National Park/Murrumbidgee River