Graduate program updates

After five years of university, I found it hard to imagine myself in a serious, career-focused job. Thankfully, with the Department’s assistance, the transition has been very smooth. Beginning our graduate year with extensive training helped me to get to know my fellow graduates really well and I quickly developed a sense of familiarity around the workplace.

Now, in my first rotation with the Fibre Deployment Section of the National Broadband Network Policy and Regulation Branch, I feel I have settled quite well and I am able to contribute to the team. My days have generally included background research into the policies under development in my section. This research has been very well complemented by the discussions I have had with my supervisor and manager who have found plenty of time to discuss the details of my work. Being able to attend a meeting with another department was also an interesting experience.

I really enjoyed my year as a graduate at the Department. In my rotations I:

• raised public awareness about cyber security
• helped implement the Government’s National Broadband Network
• helped formulate Australia’s contributions to international telecommunications policy.

The staff at the Department are friendly, supportive, and went out of their way to give me unique learning opportunities. Now, I am working in Internet Governance where I provide policy advice on how the world runs the internet domain name system.

Being a graduate is a really unique and interesting experience. The balance between training and work is very valuable as you are always able to utilise new skills and continually improve yourself. Tasks vary greatly from day to day and even hour to hour. Today, for example, has seen me write up a letter to a member of the public, research a website and liaise with other departments! Things are always happening.