What did you do before joining PM&C as a graduate?
Before I joined PM&C as a graduate in 2022, I worked at the NSW Department of Premier and Cabinet and NSW Rural Fire Service. I studied a Bachelor of Commerce, majoring in Industrial Relations and Human Resources Management and minoring in Marketing at Sydney University. My plan was to try policy work and then specialise in Human Resources after the graduate program. However, after applying my skillset across different work areas, I realised there were other ways to apply my skills. For example, working on how to enhance the aged care workforce drew upon my HR skillset. Now I am now open to a much wider range of career options, outside of the corporate sphere.
What makes the PM&C graduate program unique?
Firstly, PM&C allows you to choose your own rotations through networking, rather than putting a preference on paper like most other graduate programs. Secondly, PM&C is a central agency and has teams working on issues across the Public Service. There is bound to be a team that aligns with your interests and/or studies. I highly recommend having a look at the organisational chart. Thirdly, graduates are trusted and given autonomy to work on key government priorities. For example, I have had the opportunity to work on issues affecting Parliament House and organised National Cabinet meetings. This is sometimes not possible in other agencies.
What were your rotations?
Over the year, I rotated in through Aged Care, Behavioural Economics, Commonwealth-State Relations, Governance, Performance and Audit. I recommend that you pick rotations not only in areas you are interested in but also consider the different skills you would like to learn. I personally was most interested in social policy so spent most of my graduate year there, but was open to working in also other areas such as International, Economics and Ministerial Divisions.
What was the highlight of your graduate year?
My highlight was watching last year’s Budget Speech with the Health and Aged Care team. I felt proud and fulfilled seeing the culmination of our hard work. Overall I really enjoyed my graduate year at PM&C, I could not have asked for a better experience!
What is life in Canberra like?
A lot of people think Canberra is a bit quiet, but there is actually a lot to do! There are pros and cons of living in every city and Canberra is not for everybody but I highly encourage you to be open-minded and seek out all that Canberra has to offer. Canberra is well known for its hikes, brunch scene, fresh food markets and wineries.