What we are looking for
Our ideal graduate:
- is a collaborative communicator
- is an analytical thinker
- has an inquisitive mind
- seeks out learning and innovation opportunities
- values the diverse views, experiences and perspectives of others and how this strengthens our workforce.
We need graduates who:
- are not afraid of a challenge
- have strong analytical skills
- have great organisational skills
- have excellent communication skills
- can work as part of a team
- are resilient and adaptable
- are prepared for issues that can be difficult but rewarding.
Whatever your degree there are opportunities to apply your interests at Health, Disability and Ageing and right across the Australian Public Service. We will invest in your development, take your degree and build a career with you that includes new experiences, education and skills.
What our graduates say
'I chose the Department's Graduate Program as I wanted a job where I felt good about the work I was doing and where I could continue to develop professionally. Also, Canberra was pretty appealing.
I had 3 rotations during the program with my first being in the Dementia Policy and Supports Section where I helped support the Minister by preparing briefs and correspondence, as well as working on policies and programs in the dementia space.
My second rotation was in the Performance Reporting Section. I was given the opportunity to work on writing the Department’s Annual Report. This was a giant task and involved editing and reviewing text for the document. I was also able to pursue a personal goal of improving the department’s performance evidence.
My final rotation was in the Analytics Projects and Futures Section. During the rotation I developed my coding skills while writing a text-mining program for analysing pharmaceutical documents.
You’re coming in as a graduate, but once you’re settled into a rotation, don’t hesitate in establishing yourself as a full and contributing member of the team. Have opinions and participate in conversations with your section, your fresh point of view is an asset not to be wasted.'
The Department's graduate program is a unique opportunity to contribute to work that directly impacts the entire nation.
My favourite part of the program is that I've been given the opportunity to network and gain experience across the department which is invaluable in deciding the direction of my career at Health once the program finishes.
So far I have worked in the Allied Health Section, supporting the office of the Commonwealth Chief Allied Health Officer, and now I am in the Mental Health Intergovernmental Policy Section. I work in partnership with other jurisdictions on the implementation of the National Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Agreement and support the office of the Deputy Chief Medical Officer for Mental Health.
I've made lifelong friends within my grad cohort and enjoy working in such a supportive and welcoming workplace that genuinely values the contributions of graduates. I highly recommend the grad program to anyone who enjoys learning and wants to feel good about the work they are producing.
My name is Hayden Swanton and I’ve been loving the 2022 Grad program so far. I’ve been given many opportunities to experience a range of different work, including drafting Ministerial Correspondence and Senate Estimate briefs. Furthermore, my understanding of Government and policy creation has increased dramatically. I have also had the opportunity to travel to Adelaide for a conference on Indigenous smoking and have been incredibly grateful for the support and learning opportunities this program, and the leaders at the Department have given me.