Graduate Recruitment

Graduate Profiles

I joined DEST as part of the 2002 graduate intake after completing a Graduate Diploma in Computing degree at the University of Canberra. I was keen to work with DEST as an IT graduate because of my background in Science and previous work experience at Universities.

I have started my new career as a Web Application Developer in the Internet and Workgroup Systems Section. I am given opportunities to participate in both formal training courses and on-the-job training.

I am working in a team which any IT graduate would dream of, with new technologies and highly skilled staff. Even more importantly, they are great teachers and extremely helpful colleagues. The working environment in the team makes my time here so enjoyable.

DEST has a very strong commitment to the development of people – especially

Graduates – and offers an excellent career path and a comprehensive graduate training programme.

To provide balance for all the hard work, the flexible working conditions provide additional flexibility to our life outside work. On top of that, the National Office is conveniently situated in the Canberra city centre with a range of cafes/restaurants within walking distance.

Overall, DEST is a wonderful place in which to establish a career. I highly recommend employment with DEST to any graduates who are serious about developing their long-term careers.

I made the transition from a career in teaching to the Australian Public Service (APS) in 2001. I moved to Canberra in mid 2000 and successfully joined DEST through the Graduate Programme in 2001. There are many similarities between teaching and a career in the APS. In both, one can make a real contribution to the working and learning lives of Australians. However, the distinction about the APS and specifically DEST, is that one has the ability to contribute strategically to the educational capital of Australia’s future.

The DEST Graduate Programme is the ideal way to learn about the APS. Certainly, each department has its own idiosyncrasies, but I believe the DEST Graduate Programme, with two work rotations, effective mentor assistance, carefully selected supervisors, buddies in the workplace and very helpful and friendly colleagues ensures every graduate is valued and given the best start to their APS career.

The two work rotations give the opportunity to experience and contribute in various work environments – including policy development, financial programmes, corporate business, parliamentary communications and programme implementation that provides educational and training services across Australia for all Australians and overseas students who wish to receive an Australian education.

The DEST Graduate Programme provides all its graduates with an effective network that will prove invaluable as one’s career in the APS progresses. Fellow graduates in DEST and other agencies provide social friendship as well as useful work contacts that continue well past the first year of work.

Several of my colleagues in the 2001 Graduate Programme came from other career paths. The DEST Graduate Programme caters for those straight from full-time study as well as those who have made a change in career goals. I thoroughly recommend the DEST Graduate Programme and encourage all to experience the opportunities available in DEST.

As a current graduate, I recently moved to Canberra from Brisbane to join the Department of Education, Science and Training (DEST) as part of the 2002 DEST Graduate Development Programme. I had never been to Canberra before; nor did I know anyone here. On a personal scale, it was a big change! However, since arriving, the support network has been overwhelming both on a social and work level.

The DEST Graduate Programme provides graduates the opportunity to develop professionally in the public service through regular informative training sessions as well as the opportunity to experience a diverse range of work environments as two workplace rotations are made available.

Currently, in my first job placement in the Higher Education area, I am working alongside my supervisor on a research project on higher education issues and the whole experience has been an absolute learning curve. Some of the tasks I have been involved in include collecting data, writing up research findings, forecasting numbers and providing the supporting documentation to policy work.

I have experienced a flexible and relaxed work environment and will soon be able to determine where my second workplace rotation will be. Career Development is something that is emphasised significantly to all graduates in DEST.

Since arriving in Canberra I have met many different people from various backgrounds – several of whom I am now close friends with, and I continue to meet new people each day.

If you want the opportunity to learn and develop valuable skills, be actively involved in issues that affect our community and work in a diverse team environment then I would highly recommend DEST’s Graduate Programme.

Imagine walking into a room full of strangers and feeling like you know everyone like old friends. That is how I felt when I began my career at DEST with 29 other graduates. I had an immediate support network that made the transition from university to work a very smooth one.

At first, I was a bit apprehensive about relocating to Canberra from sunny Brisbane. But reflecting on the move 15 months later, I feel wealthier from the experience.

I completed a Business Degree majoring in Human Resource Management. I applied directly for a job at DEST after receiving information about the Department from my University’s career advisor.

In my graduate year I completed two placements that were carefully designed to give me a full appreciation of the different facets of DEST’s work. I undertook my first placement in our Training Group where I worked in an area responsible for the policy development and delivery of Australia’s New Apprenticeship system. My second placement was in DEST’s Corporate Group in the People Management Branch where I currently work.

In People Management I have had the opportunity to work on some exciting projects including DEST’s new Certified Agreement, implementing a Human Resources Benchmarking program, selecting 10 Human Resource Key Performance Indicators for DEST and providing workforce-planning data to DEST’s Managers.

Already I am back studying, this time doing my Masters in Human Resource Management Part-time at the University of Canberra. The Department has provided me with financial assistance and allowed me to take study leave in order to attend lectures and complete assessments.

In all, DEST has allowed me to grow both personally and professionally. I would recommend the graduate programme to anyone who values their development, has a desire to work in a diverse organization with broad functions and wants to take their career one step further.

Moving to Canberra and starting a new job at a large organisation was quite a daunting experience. However, the DEST Graduate Coordinator made sure that we were properly welcomed into the Department, kept us informed of all important matters and organised an excellent orientation programme. In short, there was an effective support network. Within a short time, I felt happy and comfortable with my decision to work at DEST.

I started work in the Science Group in February and am currently in my first rotation. What struck me was the display of commitment to public service values and codes of conduct at the highest levels. Integrity, timeliness, accuracy and impartiality are qualities that we are expected to display at work or whenever we are representing DEST.

My work in the policy section is varied and challenging, and involves looking at the broader impact of research and innovation policy for Australia. It has provided me with ample opportunities for my career development.

The DEST Graduate Programme is also packed with training courses to ensure that graduates are adequately exposed to the various aspects of work in the public service. This is a reflection of DEST’s commitment to a culture of lifelong learning.

Another benefit of the DEST Graduate Programme was that I had an instant group of friends amongst the other graduates and a number of us would often meet for drinks after work every fortnight.

Nonetheless, it is important to realise that you will only get as much out of your career as you have put into it. While DEST offers a very supportive and stimulating environment, it is up to the graduate to make the most of it. I would encourage graduates to consider the DEST Graduate Programme as a starting point for a challenging career in the public service.

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