What's your job about?

I work as a data analyst in the Operations Management Division. Our team is responsible for supporting the Service Delivery Group, by combining business knowledge and data to inform strategic and tactical decision-making. We analyse data to help improve efficiencies and deliver directives to help achieve targets. Our branch provides strategy and data to senior executives, financial year budgets, Senate Estimates and quarterly reviews.

My day-to-day tasks are always changing. I might be working on an analysis project of my own one day and then extracting data for a request from a senior executive the next. My responsibilities also include creating or updating spreadsheets and programming which is writing or amending code.  

When I started the graduate program, I had good business knowledge of the agency but never learned any programming beforehand. During the program, I was sent to Canberra, Hobart and Brisbane for programming courses. The skillsets I gained have proven to be very valuable and opened up a great number of opportunities for me moving forward.

What's your background?

I was born and raised in Perth. I was lucky enough to be allowed to stay in Perth for my program, as I was placed in a virtual team with members from all over Australia. Although I wasn’t living in Canberra like most of the other grads, the graduate team was very accommodating, flying me over for training and important things, such as induction, assessments and graduation. The rest of our meetings and forums were done through videoconferencing. 

During my university days, I didn’t really know what I wanted to study or what I was passionate about. I chose a Bachelor of Business, as it was a very general degree that would open many different doorways in the future. After changing my majors a couple of times, I ended up doing a double major in accounting and marketing. 

In terms of my experience, I’ve worked in many different roles that’ve helped shape my portfolio and skillsets over time. I worked in retail, allowing me to build my communication and customer service skills. I’ve worked as an IT officer, allowing me to build on my technical ability. I was lucky enough to have won the position of assistant treasurer for the United Nations Association of Australia, where I built up my accounting skillset. Acting as a proxy to the executive treasurer, I would help run the organisation’s finances and explain the current financial position to the executive board. 

I ran my own business for a short period of time before I started working for Services Australia in compliance, where I learned an extensive range of technical skillsets. This experience also led to me applying for the graduate program.

Could someone with a different background do your job?

Yes, definitely. Before starting the graduate program, I had no prior knowledge or experience in programming, as my degree was in accounting. I didn’t really enjoy the work I did in accounting, and never thought about becoming an analyst. Being placed in the data stream for the program turned out to be a perfect fit for me, as I’ve really found my calling. Everything was learned on the job. I think all you need is a decent understanding of how to use software such as Excel, a good understanding of basic mathematics and a technical mindset. 

What's the coolest thing about your job?

What I love most about my job is the strategic thinking behind analytics, as well as the flexibility in our work. If we’re analysing a particular trend and find something of interest, we’re encouraged to investigate further if we want. The work can be challenging at times, but you’re always learning something new, so it’s a rewarding experience.

What are the limitations of your job?

As there are many different types of data teams in the agency with different responsibilities, I would say a limitation of this field is getting placed in a team with less interesting responsibilities, or in a role where you mostly focus on repetitive tasks on a daily basis.

What are 3 pieces of advice you would give yourself when you were a student?

• Don’t be afraid of failure, as failing lets you learn the most about how you can improve. 
• Apply for every opportunity you can and ask for feedback each time, as this can help you improve yourself and make you a better candidate for next time. 
• Always choose to upskill yourself over the money. Money can always be made but diversifying your skillset will open more opportunities in the future.

What’s the best thing about the National Graduate Program?

The best thing about the graduate program is the amount of investment they place into you, as well as the skills you learn in the process. In regard to investment, I’m referring to the training they facilitate for you, the high-level opportunities you’re provided as a graduate, the travel and networking. The graduate team, who is your human resources’ point of contact, was also an amazing team that provided more than enough support. 

All in all, the graduate program is a fantastic opportunity that’ll provide you with a wealth of experience and a highly sought-after skillset, paving the way for your future career.

What advice would you give current university students interested in applying for the National Graduate Program?

If you’re going to apply for graduate programs, my advice is to apply straight out of university. For this program, you’re only eligible to apply within 5 years of graduating. So, if you apply in your first year after university and you’re unsuccessful, you still have time to reapply.

Also, in hindsight, I wish I knew how challenging a video interview might be. As it was my first time, I was nervous and could’ve prepared more. I would definitely tell myself to over-prepare for the video interview.