Victorian Government
6 opportunities
Australia
101-1,000 employees
Mark
Generalist stream graduate
Bachelor of Arts, Honours in Criminology
My background is pretty conventional. I went straight to uni from high school, I finished my Bachelor of Arts (Economics and Criminology) and did an Honours year in Criminology. I’m keen to go back one day and get my PhD in Criminology. I think research has a big role to play in rigorous policymaking, and I’d love to keep working at that intersection.
The grad program seemed like a great first step after graduating, particularly to gain a range of experiences across the public service. I feel like building that broad base of experience is important for an Arts graduate because it can help frame your thinking about a future career.
The grad year was challenging in ways I expected. It can be intimidating to be the most junior person in a team, and it took me a while to get confident enough to express myself. But I learned a lot over the course of the program about how to navigate these challenges. I learned how to say yes to things and no to things. I also discovered that work isn’t everything – most people in the public service are surprisingly chill, despite the serious nature of our work.
My advice for future applicants: Go for it, you’ve got nothing to lose. And seeing how government works from the inside is valuable no matter what you want to do with your life.
Mellanie
Disabilities pathway, Generalist stream Graduate
Bachelor of Arts (English, Sociology and History)
I completed my Bachelor of Arts with 3 majors: English, Sociology and History. I chose to pursue humanities because I’m motivated by ethical problems and systems of thought that help me understand and interpret the world as it is today.
I want to keep going up in my career and climb the ladder towards the top (maybe I’ll be a Deputy Secretary someday)! I also want to start my own small tattoo studio when I have the time.
I believe work with purpose is focusing on your intentions and working towards an idea or goal. I wanted work with purpose. I saw this as an opportunity to contribute with my knowledge in humanities and with that confidence prior to applying, I knew I could succeed in the program.
The disability pathway has been amazing. We meet with the graduate team each month. We listen to other people in the disability space and learn about how to have potentially uncomfortable conversations with your manager about workplace adjustments. Having access to that knowledge and being able to apply that into my own work and my own conversations with managers has been so valuable.
My proudest achievement is having the opportunity to raise the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags for the NAIDOC celebrations outside Treasury Place. It felt so empowering and really made me feel connected with other Victorian Public Service (VPS) employees who identify with me.
I’ve also thoroughly enjoyed the coffee catchups with other graduates and building my professional network.