What's your job about?
I work in the Culture and Change team who are responsible for all things related to our Core 4 values and supporting the organisation in embedding the values into our culture. This involves lots of project work which I help facilitate. I’m part of the 2021 graduate program, so every 4 months or so we get to rotate to a different area of the department with Culture and Change being my third rotation!
Currently, we’re involved in a sprint (a project with a quick turnaround) exploring employee separations. My day starts with meeting with the team in the morning for daily check-in. Tasks are assigned to whoever has the capacity. I’m usually responsible for gathering data as well as its analysis. I’m also responsible for any research tasks that need to be undertaken and working with our communication team to promote key initiatives.
I really like the work in Culture and Change. You get to have a unique insight into the department and the ‘behind the scenes of how a lot of areas work. Some things present as challenging, but luckily there’s a great team to support me and help me along the way!
What's your background?
I grew up in Adelaide. In addition to school and university, I would say the most important stages/life events for me was living abroad in both China and Italy. I thoroughly enjoyed these experiences and learnt a lot.
Could someone with a different background do your job?
If you come in with an open mindset and an eagerness to learn new skills you can do anything. Culture and Change presents a lot of varied work so if you’re flexible in how you learn and the material you’re working on I would recommend this area.
What made you pick DAWE as your graduate program?
I liked the appeal of being able to work across a number of different areas within DAWE. The possibilities are endless and not many other organisations have the scope and diversity that DAWE has.
When you graduated from university, what were your goals for your future?
To do a job I enjoyed. You need to seek something out that makes you happy.
I’ve always taken the approach of taking every opportunity out there, I think it's short-sighted to have a strict plan and follow it. Having this mindset going into the DAWE Graduate Program will help you to make the most of the program and the opportunities presented.
How has DAWE helped you achieve these goals?
I think through the rotations you get to learn what you do and don’t like working on in a very safe environment. It’s rare to be able to have this flexibility in a work environment. This aspect is one of the best features of the program.
What is the culture at DAWE like?
Everyone who I’ve worked with has been very helpful and supportive, I truly cannot fault any of my supervisors.
What’s the coolest thing about your job?
I think one of the unique aspects of being a graduate is that you get to be a part of so many opportunities at work. Everyone is very grateful to have a graduate in their team and keen to take you along to meetings that, if you weren’t a graduate, you may not have been invited to. You really feel like a part of the organisation.
What are the limitations of your job?
I wouldn’t say there are many limitations on my job, the hours are fair when work needs to be done but nothing excessive. Even when things are more demanding I know I always have the support of my team to help me through.
What 3 pieces of advice would you give yourself when you were a student?
Take every opportunity and don’t waste the learning experience. Follow your heart and do something you really enjoy!