About the Graduate Development Program

So, what's in it for you?

Our Graduate Development Program runs for 10 months from February until November 2011 and offers exciting learning and development opportunities kick start your career in the Australian Public Service.
Your placement with the Department will include:

• a familiarisation day before you start so you can get to know Canberra, the Department and your fellow graduates;
• a structured learning and development program including a range of courses and workshops;
• graduate orientation session to give you an introduction about working life in the Department;
• mentoring by a senior manager so you get the feedback and direction you need to make the most of your opportunities and to build a plan to achieve your goals. You'll also be partnered with a former graduate who can show you the ropes and help you settle into Canberra;
• an industry tour, 100 per cent planned by you, to check out the Department's work in the real world; and
• three work rotations in areas such as policy development, project management, planning, research and analysis, communications, people management, preparing financial statements, regulatory reform, and contract management.

A chance to show us what you're made of

Our graduates are drawn from all academic disciplines. If you enjoy a challenge and like to achieve your goals, we'd really like to hear from you if your degree is in but not limited to:

• business, economics, accounting and finance;
• arts;
• political science;
• public policy;
• information technology;
• international relations;
• town planning;
• law; and
• engineering.

It's not all work and no play

As a member of our team we want to make sure you feel right at home and enjoy your time as a graduate. That's why as one of our graduates we'll hook you up with a membership of the Social Network of Graduates (SNOG), which is a fun and rewarding social network open only to graduates working in the Australian Public Service in Canberra.

The network gets members involved in dinners, cocktail parties, pool comps, ski trips, and all sorts of events aimed at building friendships and professional contacts.

At work, the Department is also really big on health and participation. Our graduates are encouraged to get involved with in-house social and sporting opportunities, or suggest their own!

You will also be able to put your social planning skills to use as a member of the Department's Social Club Committee.

Don't just take our word

Rebecca Pollard - Previous Graduate

I completed studies in psychology, linguistics, philosophy and education and worked in community-based health and education before my interest in the impact of public policy on individuals and communities led me to the Department.

I found the process of applying for the Graduate Development Program simple, but even after blitzing my assessment, I was still a little nervous about relocating to Canberra.

I came to Canberra knowing no-one, but completed my graduate year with a whole bunch of great new friends. Most graduates relocated to Canberra from around Australia, and the group forms an instant support network of people going through a similar experience.

There are so many opportunities to meet people and get involved. The Department has a really strong culture of inclusion and involvement, which you can see across work areas as well as through the social and charity initiatives we organise.

My favourite rotation was in the Strategic Policy Section, Regional Services, where I have returned full-time.

During my graduate year I assessed the impact of new policies on regional Australia. I also provided research and briefing on issues from a regional perspective, in areas as diverse as drought, renewable energy, health, education and infrastructure.

There was a real sense that my skills and experience were valued, regardless of my academic or professional background.

Kate Huang - Previous Graduate

After graduating with a degree in engineering in 2000, I started studying a Master of Engineering Studies at the University of Sydney. I graduated in 2002 and worked in private industry for four and half years before joining the Graduate Development Program.

The biggest surprise for me was the work the Department does with the massive road and rail program. It involves investments counted in billions of dollars, and these programs are administrated by APS level public servants like me.

Even as a new starter in the Department, I could get involved in this big picture work that really has an impact on Australia. Before, projects like these would just be some abstract numbers you might read about in the newspaper.

My favourite of my three rotations was working in Vehicle Safety Standards.

I was part of a project working group reviewing the technical legislation, which allowed me to meet with external stakeholders such as RTA Crashlab and visit their test facilities.

Then I moved onto AusLink where I supported the Brisbane urban road projects management and provided a briefing to the Minister. I now work as a road vehicle registration examiner back at Vehicle Safety Standards.

The work culture is great. It's impartial, ethical and friendly. I'm from a different cultural background, and I've settled in quickly and feel very comfortable at work. Being a mum, the Department's flexible working arrangements suit me to a tee.

Michael Bondarenko - Previous Graduate

A chemical engineer by trade, I spent three years working in the private sector before a Master of Information Technology degree at the University of Queensland catapulted me into the Graduate Development Program. I'm now a member of the Department's Security Technology Strategies team.

The Graduate Development Program really opened my eyes to the range of opportunities offered by the Department.

The work is so varied, there are areas of interest for almost anyone. The rotations allow you to find what suits you best before moving into a long term position.

I was surprised to learn how significant the Department's role was in supporting regional communities. Seeing what types of projects were funded and the effects these had on local communities was a real eye opener.

I found the structure of the Graduate Development Program and the support of mentors meant every minute I spent at work was helping me develop professionally and socially.

On top of the planned development courses that were a part of the program, all of my supervisors tailored my work to ensure I was given interesting projects that would develop my knowledge and skills.

Socially, networking as part of the graduate group was also really fun.

I've now developed many skills which I could use to work in any public service department or in private industry in Australia or overseas.

The terrific experience I've had within the Department, and the interesting work that's available, means I'm staying put for now.

Tony Crook - Previous Graduate

I spent my first eight career years in the Queensland Public Trust Office. I then ran my own small business for 10 years, during which time I studied psychology and social science at the University of Queensland. I have also worked in the Australian Taxation Office and (just for something a little different) a flower-processing factory.

I saw the Graduate Development Program as an opportunity to put my theory into practice in an exciting and challenging way. I was attracted to the program because of the rotations, the level and extent of training and the graduate industry tour.

By far, the highlight for me was a rotation in Security Technology Strategies in the Office of Transport Security. It's a fascinating area that requires interstate travel and plenty of networking. I believe that being a public servant is a win-win situation.

There's real opportunity for career development and a variation and diversity of work. Plus the opportunity to make a positive contribution to Australian society, while forming social networks and enjoying a favourable work/life balance.

I'd thoroughly recommend the Graduate Development Program. No matter what your chosen field you'll gain a tremendous amount in a relatively short time.

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How to Apply

Applications for the 2011 program open on Monday, 1 March 2010 and close on Sunday, 11 April at 11.30pm.

All applications must be received through the Departments e-Recruitment System.
Contact the Recruitment Team

One APS Career ... Thousands of Opportunities