When applying for graduate programs I was drawn to the NIAA because of the dynamic and challenging policy space that I would be working in. Fortunately, I was one of seventeen graduates selected for NIAA’s inaugural graduate program, something I am very grateful for.
Graduate programs are valuable as they provide you with an opportunity to rotate through several different roles in one year. Rotating through different parts of the NIAA allowed me to develop a diverse and transferable skill set that I can now apply in many different contexts. I was able to find out what kinds of tasks I liked and which ones I didn’t enjoy so much. I was able to identify where my previous experience allowed me to excel and also where I needed some more support. Finally, I worked alongside many different people, each with their own valuable insights to offer. I think that these are all really pivotal things to consider at the beginning of a career.
I rotated through three different areas of the NIAA; Program Compliance and Fraud Branch, Legal Services Branch and Strategic Policy Branch. Although each rotation offered a completely different experience, I found that support from my colleagues was always constant. I had three fantastic supervisors who were heavily invested in my development.
Prior to my second rotation, the COVID19 pandemic worsened and all graduates were redeployed to Services Australia as part of the COVID19 Taskforce. The Taskforce processed disaster relief payments for millions of Australians who were struggling during lockdowns. Although our redeployment was at short notice, this experience was a valuable way to learn about the idea of ‘One APS’- that the public service should be a dynamic workforce, able to adapt to changing government priorities.
When I returned from Services Australia I commenced my rotation in Legal Services Branch. During my time in the Land and Public Law Team, I was able to complete the work experience component of my Practical Legal Training. This means that I will be admitted to the ACT Supreme Court in February and will be able to assist the Agency in future by providing legal advice. The legal work at NIAA is incredibly diverse and is a fantastic way to develop skills as a law graduate. For example, in my last week, NIAA had four bills before Parliament. Our legal team worked hard to assist the legislative process and watching our bills pass through the Senate was a really rewarding experience.
Throughout the graduate program, I also had several opportunities for professional and personal development. As graduates, we participate in a suite of training sessions, designed to build on our skills as public servants. The training was conducted on things like policy development, economics and personal brand. NIAA also has a large focus on cultural learning through participation in the ‘Footprints’ program. One of my favourite things to do this year was tune into a ‘Brown-Bag Lunch’ during my lunch break. These sessions are normally guest speakers or panel discussions that cover a broad range of topics related to NIAA’s policy space.
Overall I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at the NIAA. It was amazing to meet and work closely with, sixteen other like-minded graduates. I encourage anyone thinking about applying to do so. In 2022 I will be staying at NIAA to continue to build on my graduate-year learnings.