Policy Analyst, Indigenous, Regional and Disadvantaged Education Analysis section.
Working in the Strategic Analysis and Evaluation Group, I have been able to work with a large number of people across the department, particularly people in the Indigenous Education Group. I have been able to apply what I learnt from my social science degree and learn more about data analysis, evaluation and research methodology.
I was offered two positions—one at DEST and the other at DEWR!
I chose DEST because the social policy analyst role fitted well with my degree and I have always been interested in education, although industrial relations also interests me. I also liked the recruitment process. At first I was daunted by the testing centres but I really felt it gave you a good chance to meet people and get a feel for the type of work you might do.
When I first considered doing a graduate program, I thought I’d see what I could find in Sydney, but it was hard to find a job that was interesting.
Initially, I was reluctant to relocate, but it’s been a good experience.
I quite liked Canberra—I’m from the Blue Mountains originally so I’m used to a smaller city. Here, you still get good bands, and the galleries and museums are great. And it’s close to Sydney and the coast.
Indigenous issues have always interested me and I want to contribute to improving the education of disadvantaged groups. It can really change people’s lives. Plus, I have three teachers in my family—both parents and my brother—so education is quite big in my family!