Graduate Profile - Economics and Social Administration

Name: Franco Parrella
Degree Awarded: Bachelor Economics 1984 – 1986; Bachelor Social Administration 1989 - 90
Position Gained: Manager, Education and Training Services
Organisation: Office of the Commissioner for Equal Opportunity (Attorney General’s Department)
Commencement Date: 1996

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

Basically I am responsible for providing leadership in the development, coordination, facilitation and implementation of training and education policies, programs and initiatives which aim to increase community understanding of equal opportunity and to enhance compliance with the Equal Opportunity Act.

In my role I consult with private enterprise, government and non-government organisations to provide relevant and effective training and education (equal opportunity) programs. I have moved into a management position after working as a Conciliator with the EO Commission for the last 6 years.

At what stage during your studies did you begin to think about employment choices and options?

Not until the final year in both degrees. When I was finishing economics I initially wanted to go on to teach. I then applied for a job in labour market research with the then Office for Employment and Training. The job was essentially a number crunching job and whilst it provided great technical learning experience I found it a ‘bit dry’ with the lack of ‘people contact’. After taking a year off to travel and work in Italy I then started thinking about working more with people in a ‘helping capacity’.

This is what then led me to undertaking the Social Administration degree. I was fortunate to apply for a job as a Social Worker in my final year of studies with the Family and Community Services Department (as named at the time).

I worked in this role for approx 5 years, mostly in the areas of child protection, young offenders and mediation between parent and adolescent children. After returning to Italy to work as an English Language Teacher for another year, I decided I wanted to work in an area that provided a sense of ‘completion’ with clients. It was this sense of ‘resolving an issue or ‘bringing a matter to a close’ that attracted me to my initial position with the Equal Opportunity Commission as a Conciliator. The Conciliation role allowed me to use my mediation skills to assist people in resolving formal complaints of discrimination and harassment.

My current role as Manager of Education and Training allows me to conduct training in ‘complaint resolution’ as well as assisting organisations with planning for the ‘bigger picture’ particularly in relation to planning for organisational change.

With your experiences in securing employment what advice would you give to students who are currently studying?

I believe that one of the proven techniques for securing employment is to ‘be in employment’. I know this sounds ridiculous, however being in employment can also mean being in unpaid employment. So any opportunities that present themselves whilst studying eg to undertake short-term field work or a particular time limited project should be grasped and will certainly increase your exposure to the employer and others.

Many employers presenting employment information sessions have commented on the importance of students undertaking extra curricular activities during their time at university. Could you comment on this?

I think one of the reasons people say this is that it certainly helps to have other interests and activities which not only ‘help you switch off’ from the pressures of studies but also provide opportunities to meet other people and widen you circle of friends and contacts.

How did you go about finding graduate employment?

I was fortunate in having ‘access’ to employment opportunities whilst undertaking ‘practical field placements’ during both years of studying Social Administration. Being in the workplace, even as an unpaid student on placement is certainly an advantage.

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

When I applied for a job as a Conciliator with the Commission I was required to provide a written application addressing certain ‘essential requirements’ of the job. Before the interview, I was required to ‘conduct’ a ‘mock interview’ with a disgruntled ‘respondent (being accused of discrimination) whilst being videoed. I was then asked to come back and critique my ‘mock interview’. This was then followed by an interview with a panel of 3 people.

When I applied for my current position I had to present a consultancy plan for a ‘mock client’ and identify appropriate strategies for undertaking education and training in the area of equal opportunity and then take part in an interview with a panel of 3 people.

What did you do to prepare for the interview? What questions were you asked?

I remember trying to come up with the questions I thought the panel were going to ask. I also asked colleagues to help with conducting a ‘mock interview’. There’s nothing like ‘stuffing up’ in the mock interview. That’s the time to get it wrong.
I was asked questions like

• ‘What do see as future challenges in providing education services on this topics to small business’?
• ‘Provide examples of a time you had to handle conflict between employees’.
• Think of a time you had to introduce change into the workplace and describe how you went about it.
• Do you have any further helpful hints for graduates?

I think it always helps to talk to as many people as you can. Sometimes a job that may not be what you first thought may indeed provide a great stepping stone for future jobs. Whilst some people may disagree I believe it’s better to be in the system (a workplace) than trying to wait for the perfect job.