Government Lawyer. I work in the Social Security team. We ensure that social security is administered in a lawful way—and that the integrity of the system is protected.
Unlike many other government agencies, DEEWR offered a specialised program so I knew by applying as a legal grad, I could do legal work. I also knew I’d be exposed to a broad range of legal work in the different areas of the department.
I came straight out of uni, so it was a challenge adjusting to full-time work.
Highlighting one thing is difficult—probably being exposed to interesting, challenging and high-profile work.
Consider the fact that specialists are offered specialist jobs where your skills are directly relevant to what you’re doing. As a legal graduate in the public service, you are exposed to a higher level of responsibility than you would be as a graduate in a private firm. DEEWR also offers better working conditions than private firms, with the public service advantage of flex-time and a good work/life balance. And I think DEEWR has better employment conditions than other government agencies.