Graduate Profile: International Studies (Honours)

Name: Rebecca
Degree/s Awarded: Bachelor of International Studies (Honours)
Position Gained: Graduate (now a Policy Adviser)
Organisation: Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet
Commencement Date: January 2007

Could you give us a description of what your position involves?

As a Graduate, I have broad experience of what the department does, through undertaking three rotations throughout my graduate year. I advise the Prime Minister and the Cabinet on policy issues, support the planning and monitor the implementation of key government programmes, and provide high level support for official visits. This year, I have worked in a number of areas such as social policy, Cabinet, national security and APEC 2007.

With your experiences in securing employment what advice would you give to students?

After applying for a number of APS positions, I have learned the value of good responses to selection criteria and thorough preparation for interview. When applying for Commonwealth public service positions, I recommend looking at the APSC website at the Integrated Leadership Scheme and there are also books that are designed to help you fill out your applications.  

As part of my studies I undertook the Australian National Internship Program in Canberra in 2004. It was a worthwhile experience and looks great on my CV. I also worked part time for a Member of Parliament to gain skills relevant to the APS. These were the selling points of my application to PM&C.

Can you briefly describe the application process relevant to your position?

I applied for the graduate position at PM&C through the online application process. It was a standard response to selection criteria. My interview was a one-day assessment in Canberra involving a written test, individual interview and group work.

Do you have any further helpful hints for students and graduates?

1. Make sure that you sell yourself in your application. The aim of your application is to argue why the organisation should hire you and what the benefits will be for your organisation. Your application is not about what the organisation can offer you, but about what you can contribute to their mission and goals.

2. Use your resources! Look up the requirements of the position you are applying for and respond to these in your application. Use the internet and books to help prepare applications and anticipate interview questions. 

3. You don't need a double degree or postgraduate degree to get a grad job! 90 percent of your success is in the quality of your application.

Rebecca's Prime Minister and Cabinet Profile as it appears on the PMC website:
http://www.pmc.gov.au/recruitment/graduate_program

Rebecca

I'm from Adelaide and studied Bachelor of International Studies (Honours) at Flinders University, SA. During my studies, I also did an internship through ANU at Parliament House in Canberra. While studying, I worked for a Federal Member of Parliament in an electorate office and also worked as a bartender in a popular Adelaide pub.

I really had no idea where my degree was going to get me at the end of University and found that very few jobs anywhere called for my generalist qualifications. While undertaking my Honours year, I saw the graduate job advertisement for PM&C and was instantly encouraged by the broad background of applicants they were looking for. I didn't really know much about the department, but now that I work here I understand how important the department is in the scheme of the public service and how fortunate I am to be a graduate here.

My best advice to applicants is to take time to fill out your applications and really look at the department's website to find out what the department does and what it wants from its employees.