What's your job about?
I work at the ABS National Data Acquisition Centre where we collect data from households, businesses and various governments departments. A big part of my role is focused on improving the experience of our data providers. This is achieved through redesigning the various correspondence the ABS sends data providers. I also have input into refining our online systems to be more user-friendly and accessible on more devices and to more people. This involves researching contemporary communications styles, what other National Statistics Office are doing, and testing materials with members of the public.
What's your background?
I have a very diverse background. Before I had left home at 18, I had lived in Vic, NSW and the NT. Since then I can now also add QLD and my team no longer ask me what I have done for work, they have changed to what haven’t I done. Honestly, I haven’t really had a stage in my life that I don’t see as being important. During my mid to late twenties, I experienced a lot of life change including being diagnosed as having an Autism Spectrum Disorder. This lead to a lot of soul-searching and questioning what I was doing with my life which ultimately led me back to university. It was while I was studying that I found out about the ABS transformation and I decided to apply for a graduate position.
Could someone with a different background do your job?
Definitely. Although a lot of people in my team have a background in psychology or behavioural studies, it’s more about the skills we have rather than the knowledge we left university with. My role sees me having to work with numerous other teams across ABS. I also work in a rapidly changing work environment. Being adaptable to change, an eagerness to continue learning and having an open mind are characteristics that are essential to my role. Some key skills to also have include researching skills, critical thinking, and being able to envision the ideal situation, but work pragmatically and iteratively to achieve it.
What's the coolest thing about your job?
The coolest thing about my job is being at the forefront of the ABS transformation program. I big part of what made me apply for this role was the potential to help change how a Government agency changes focus to being more user experience based as opposed to policy and output. Although my role in the transformation is quite small, it’s always great seeing the finished product we create compared to the way it used to be done.
What are the limitations of your job?
Being a Government agency, we have a lot of legislation related to what we can do. As far as limitations go, it’s not too bad. We’re still encouraged to dream big, but to keep a level-head and approach things pragmatically. We also have flexible working arrangements and reasonable workplace adjustments to name a couple of things that help us fit work to our lives.
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