What's your job about?

As part of the NSW Government Graduate Program, I’m currently working in the Department of Education after having spent 6 months at the Premier’s Department. I work in the Communications and Engagement directorate of the head office and have worked in both Internal Communications team and the Media unit. Internal Communications focuses on effectively engaging department staff, where I apply the marketing skills I developed in university to drive engagement and craft clear messaging.

What's your background?

I was born in Sydney, lived here and been in the public education system my entire life. It’s been really cool to give back to the community that I grew up in, and I know firsthand how important our public schools are in shaping futures! Towards the end of my university degree, I was still unsure of my next steps. I think this is a really common experience that graduates go through, particularly amongst psychology majors who don’t pursue a career in clinical psychology. I had always known that I wanted to support and serve people, which is why I was immediately drawn to the NSW Government Graduate Program. One of the best parts of the program is that you get three rotations to really gain a whole range of experiences and to maximise your industry exposure.

Could someone with a different background do your job?

Absolutely, I have no background in media or communications. The two teams I’ve completed rotations with have been incredibly supportive in building my capabilities in new business areas. There’s a lot of people that you’ll bump into in government who will mentor and support you through challenges like learning a new subject matter. Being adaptable and learning things outside of what you studied in university is an important skill and something to look forward to as a graduate.

What's the coolest thing about your job?

The coolest thing about my job is having an opportunity to support schools in person, and to see the amazing work that goes on each and every day. During our Department of Education induction, we had the privilege of spending an entire week at a school to understand how they operate. I read an exam paper to a student with dyscalculia, a learning disability that affects their ability to process number-based information. It was an incredibly humbling and fulfilling experience, it definitely made me feel like I’m working in the right job.

What are the limitations of your job?

The nature of my job in communications and media is that a lot of the work involves writing, editing. Sometimes I struggle to push through writer’s block. That’s why variety and new challenges in your work are important. They keep you stimulated and motivated. It gives me a break from writing, and to get some opportunities to work with complex data and numbers. I even look forward to it!