Tell us about your role as a Graduate in the DTA

As a graduate at the DTA, I was able to work on a variety of different projects. I am a generalist by training, so I really appreciated the opportunity to develop my skills in a diversity of areas related to digital government and digital policy. Fortunately, my non-technical background did not impact my ability to contribute to my placement teams; I was surrounded by helpful people and I was able to learn what I needed on the job. My background in research, analysis and writing proved to be quite flexible, and I was given significant opportunities to cultivate these skillsets through work that also aligned with the agency's priorities.

What projects have you worked on

I contributed to investment prioritisation work, led an independent research project, and co-led an insights report for senior leadership across the APS. I also helped write publicly available strategy documents, and helped lead external stakeholder meetings.

What was most rewarding about your role in the DTA Graduate Program

I loved that I was given meaningful and complex work for the duration of my graduate program - I've already done so many things that I am genuinely really proud of. I've also loved collaborating with team members on complex problems, and people across the agency have been so supportive of my intellectual development. I feel like I've developed a strong foundation on which I can build a long-term career in the public service.

Why would you recommend the DTA Graduate Program

The DTA's graduate program has been a wonderful opportunity to contribute positively to high-level government outcomes and cultivate a practical and meaningful understanding of the public service. While I came to the DTA with training in a completely different field, this has not impacted my experience with the DTA at all. From the beginning, I have been pleasantly surprised by just how much I enjoy this work. The DTA is an interesting and impactful agency, and I've thoroughly enjoyed my graduate experience here.