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Department of Industry, Science and Resources

3.9
  • 1,000 - 50,000 employees

Department of Industry, Science and Resources Reviews

Based on 15 surveyed graduates working at Department of Industry, Science and Resources. Read on to get an insider’s view on life as a graduate.
3.9
Based on 15 reviews

Pros & Cons

  • Every team I've been a part of have been very friendly - there is a culture of wanting to care and support each other, especially new people.
  • Working at DISR is a unique opportunity to learn how government functions in a practical and meaningful manner, engaging with stakeholders and getting real world experience.
  • There is a lot of focus on trying to produce really good science and research in Australia.
  • The areas of the Department do genuinely value and appreciate grads - I've found them to be welcoming, helpful, understanding, and kind.
  • The diversity of portfolios in the department allows me to have a look a variety of areas that Government can look over. Colleagues are friendly and supportive in my self-development journey.
  • Currently hugely under resourced, with people moving in and out of teams. Workloads are higher and people are more stressed at the moment, meaning there's been a drop in the quality of work.
  • Lack of communication, particularly in the graduate program.
  • Training can sometimes be late, unapplicable to work or provide little value.
  • Pay and lack of guidance.
  • The division I'm working in doesn't feel like it is a part of the department, so I often feel like there is a whole social connection missing between the technical work of the laboratory and the corporate office.

What Insiders Say

7.3
Career Prospects
7.3
Career Prospects
It’s been fantastic to work over a number of policy roles and without this program it would have likely taken me anywhere from 3 to 5 years to reach APS 5. A very well worth acceleration of career prospects and worthwhile program, allows me to contribute more at a younger age
6.7
Corporate Social Responsibility
6.7
Corporate Social Responsibility
DISR is a government department, so there is a high level of CSR to the Australian public and taxpayers. All the work that I do in my day to day jobs, all have a high level of integrity from all levels of the hierarchy.
8.0
Culture
8.0
Culture
Supportive, inclusive, and encouraging of work/life balance
7.5
Diversity
7.5
Diversity
DISR has extreme diversity reflected in its workforce and inclusive culture, which is likely why results are so fantastic.
7.6
Satisfaction
7.6
Satisfaction
My current responsibilities are within my capabilities and contribute meaningfully to the team. I feel supported to engage with opportunities which broaden my capabilities and experience.
7.4
Management
7.4
Management
My managers in my first and second rotation were fantastic. They were excellent mentors, efficient communicators, and good providers of feedback. They took an active interest in my life and career.
7.9
Office Work Environment
7.9
Office Work Environment
The office is clean, friendly and located conveniently for my purposes. The facilities have everything necessary to meet my needs. The dress code is not onerous and flexible enough to allow for themed events in the department. This contributes to a positive workplace culture.
6.2
Recruitment
6.2
Recruitment
The interviews and assessments felt thorough and competitive. Asked about scenario questions, questions asking about my motivations and general background questions. Be your authentic selves and put your best experiences forward. Give yourself the best environment to do the writtien/analytical tests, and don't rush yourself as you only have a limited timeframe to complete it. Academic history is great, but looking into life experiences will give you more diversity in your answer. Prepare in advance your interview answers by looking back and reflection on the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action and Result) will give you the best shot for interview.
5.3
Salary
5.3
Salary
Working as an APS, there are no pay bonuses on your salary. The benefit is the 15.4% superannuation on top of your salary. Graduates are remunerated well. Pay rises are on the basis of applying for a higher ranked position. All work-related trips are covered for. 18 days of personal leave. Access to Cultural Leave for significant cultural or ceremonial events. Flexible working arrangements.
4.7
Training
4.7
Training
As part of the Graduate Development Program, the Employment Programs team provides scheduled training throughout the year. These training sessions include items such as learning the Foundations of Government, Project Planning, and Effective Communication. These skills helped in building appropriate language and understanding of Government work. I have also undertaken elective training in building stronger application skills and strengths and values training. Being a STEM graduate, I have had the opportunity to have a mentor support me in my transition into the APS, which has been great to build informal training and goals. My supervisors during my rotations have also informally trained me in government priorities, the most important skills and equipping me with the appropriate skillset required for my day-to-day work.
7.0
Work Hours
7.0
Work Hours
My work hours are often from 9-5, however the department is flexible with the hours that you work as long as you complete your work. The added benefit having flex time is ensuring that you get time off for the extra hours that you spend working. It is an adaptive department where personal work hours preferences are respected.
6.1
Sustainability
6.1
Sustainability
I've noticed efforts have been made to encourage recycling in the workplace and believe there is a committee that is focused on sustainability in the workplace.