“ I have access to senior, experienced people – these relationships are encouraged and considered to be important for both sides.”
I have a Bachelor of Arts, Graduate Diploma in Secondary Education, and a Master of Diplomacy and Trade from Monash University. I am currently employed by the State Services Authorty in the Workforce Development and Retention division as a policy adviser.
I wanted to work for government because it was a perfect fit for my studies. My academic background reflects my diverse interests including (but not limited to) world affairs - in particular trade policy, cross cultural communication and negotiation, and human resources.
I have responsibility for a number of learning and development programs relevant across the whole of the Victorian Public Service. Most of my own learning and development in my graduate year was hands-on and since then I have been fortunate to work with great teams, managers and directors.
My immediate managers have been very supportive in providing career guidance and the opportunity to attend numerous learning and development events and seminars. These opportunities have allowed me to develop a sound practical understanding of the complexities of workforce planning and the challenges that will face the Victorian Public Service and the public sector into the future.
Since my GRAD year I have also continued with the Executive Mentoring. I have had the privilege of receiving ongoing advice from Fran Thorn, the Secretary of the Department of Industry, Innovation and Regional Development. Most of the original group of graduates continues to meet with Fran every six months. As we established during our graduate year, we have an agenda for each meeting which outlines the theme of the discussion. Fran has so much experience and knowledge - we have the opportunity to hear her views, to get practical, personal advice, and to sometimes broach more theoretical questions, such as the role of government. We benefit not only from Fran’s experiences but also those of the many people she has worked with.
It has been one of the great benefits of being a graduate in government - I have access to senior, experienced people – these relationships are encouraged and are actually considered to be important for both sides.