Where did you grow up?
I was brought up in Adelaide by an incredibly supportive Italian family with a focus on their daughters’ education. It took me a few attempts to find my passion at university. I tried engineering, computer coding and programming, management and finally found my passion in law and economics. I moved to Canberra in 2012 to finish my degrees at ANU. While completing my degrees I worked full-time as a customer service manager. I commenced with the Attorney-General’s Department as a graduate in 2016.
How did you get to your current job position?
After working across multiple policy and casework areas of the department, I was approached and interviewed for a newly created role. I have been in my current role for seven months.
How did you choose your specialisation?
Although I am legal practitioner, I was eager to work in a role which would provide me with a holistic view of the department’s corporate areas, as this would provide me with a stronger strategic understanding of the department.
What was your interview process like?
I was interviewed by the COO in an informal setting. I was asked questions about the key strengths I could bring to the role, my experiences and achievements across the department to date, and my career aspirations.
What does your employer do?
The Attorney-General's Department delivers programs and policies to maintain and improve Australia's law and justice framework, with the goal of achieving a just and secure society.
What are your areas of responsibility?
My role is to support the COO to achieve the key priorities for the Enabling Services Group. This involves: providing strategic advice on policy, programs and ministerial submissions; working collaboratively with senior management, and external stakeholders, including Ministers’ offices, to achieve Group outcomes; coordinating input for key documents and meetings; and representing the COO as necessary.
Can you describe a typical work day?
My work day commences with reviewing the priorities of the COO over the coming few days and reviewing the COO’s correspondence. I brief the COO on relevant issues and forthcoming meetings, and attend meetings with or on behalf of the COO as required. I review incoming papers and minutes, and prepare comments and advise the COO on matters which impact the Group and department. I liaise with internal and external stakeholders seeking the COO’s approval, or seeking to raise issues of concern or relevance to the COO. I conclude my day by reviewing my priorities for the coming days and ensuing the COO has the necessary material for the morning. The most recent task was advising the COO on the department’s transition of grant programs to the Grant Hub in the Department of Social Services.
What are the career prospects with your job?
People usually work in Executive Officer roles for one to two years before moving across to other opportunities within the department. These roles provide individuals with a more comprehensive view of the department, and help build strategic thinking skills, collaboration skills and coordination.
Could someone with a different background do your job?
Yes. My role does not require a qualification in Law.
What would your career be if you weren’t doing what you’re doing now?
I would be working on legal policy in a line area of the department.
What do you love the most about your job?
I love working with people to assist them to get outcomes which benefit their business units, the COO and ultimately the department. I value having a voice on managements issues. I enjoy reviewing departmental processes to find opportunities for driving efficiency and change.
What’s the biggest limitation of your job?
As I am often required to speak on the COO’s behalf, I hold a high level of responsibility in my role. I work after hours as required to manage emerging priorities, but I do not need to work on the weekend. The role is fast-paced with many moving parts which need to be managed, but my stress levels are manageable. I would not say there are any limitations in my role.
Which three pieces of advice would you give to a current university student?