Who we are

The ACCC

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) is Australia’s peak competition and consumer protection agency.

We promote vigorous and lawful competition, encourage fair business dealings and protect consumers from unlawful business conduct.

We employ approximately 800 staff nationally and have offices in each capital city and in Townsville. Employees of the ACCC are also able to work for the AER.

The AER

The Australian Energy Regulator (AER) is Australia’s independent national market regulator and is part of the ACCC.

The AER is responsible for the economic regulation of electricity and gas networks and enforcement of the gas and electricity codes.

We aim to promote efficient investment and prices in the Australian energy sector to benefit the long-term interests of energy consumers.

What we offer

ACCC/AER graduates are provided with the opportunity to:

• work in a national agency that requires the application and development of your existing skills and knowledge
• provide input to decisions with far-reaching economic, industrial, legal and consumer implications
• contribute to the welfare of all Australians
• develop a rewarding and challenging career.

Our program focuses on providing graduates with extensive on-the-job learning, complemented by comprehensive formal training. Graduates take part in three 14-week rotations through different areas, one of which may be an interstate rotation. We offer:

• a competitive salary package with increases during the graduate year and at the end of the program.
• career advancement - past graduates have frequently reached executive level within six years.
• four-weeks annual leave and the possibility to purchase additional leave.
• access to flexible working hours, "flex" leave and personal/carer's leave designed to balance your personal and professional needs.
• the option of leave without pay for travel or study after 12 months employment.
• comprehensive learning and development opportunities.
• assistance with further tertiary study through time off with pay and reimbursement of some fees following completion of the graduate program.

Matthew

2008 Graduate Program, Communications Group

Whilst completing a Bachelor of Arts / Laws, I undertook volunteer work at Consumer Action Law Centre and completed a Legal Policy Internship with the Victoria Law Foundation. After gaining this experience, I became interested in the consumer protection work undertaken by the ACCC.

Despite having an interest in a particular area, I applied for the ACCC Graduate Program as I wanted to gain exposure to the different roles performed by the ACCC. I subsequently completed rotations in the Communications Group and the Enforcement Branch, before deciding to return to the Reg 1 team in the Communications Group for my third rotation.

At the conclusion of the Graduate Program, I commenced work in the Communications Group. This is a particularly interesting area of the ACCC to work as it requires an understanding of a number of areas, including the economics of regulation, the legal framework within which the ACCC operates, and an understanding of telecommunications infrastructure.

As well as ensuring exposure to different work areas, the ACCC’s Graduate Program also involves a comprehensive training program to equip graduates with the skills necessary to advance their careers at the ACCC. Accordingly, I would recommend the ACCC’s Graduate Program to anyone interested in working in a relevant and intellectually challenging environment.

Katrina

2007 Graduate Program, Legal Group

The ACCC graduate program offers a fantastic opportunity to work in diverse areas of the ACCC. I joined the graduate program in 2007 and my rotations were in the Mergers and Asset Sales Branch, Enforcement Branch and Legal Group.

Working in different areas is great for providing you with a range of opportunities and challenges. As a graduate, I was interviewing potential witnesses around the country, conducting economic analysis on mergers and acquisitions by high-profile corporations and providing legal advice on potential contraventions of the law. I was able to develop my skills on a range of interesting work with extensive training and support from my colleagues.

I also thoroughly enjoyed my interstate rotation in Canberra. The interstate rotations give you the opportunity to work in different areas, put faces to the names of your colleagues and take part in new hobbies / interests outside work that might not be available to you in your home town.

I currently work as a lawyer in the Legal Group. At the ACCC, I work on a range of enforcement activities that are both challenging and exciting. The experience of working with those at the top of their field is also invaluable.

Scott

1996 graduate program, Coordination Branch

The ACCC is able to offer a diverse range of work at the cutting edge of economic regulation and competition law. The matters we get to work on are invariably interesting, often challenging and always include a broader focus on the welfare of Australians.

Being a national organisation, opportunities for work in different regions is a big positive. Beginning in Canberra, I had two, year-long stints as an investigator in Perth and then headed up the ACCC's North Queensland office in Townsville. I spent 12 months on secondment to the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet. These different experiences have been interesting and rewarding.

As with any job, interaction with others—whether they are colleagues, clients or otherwise—is very important. The opportunity to work with professional and skilled colleagues has always been one of the real benefits of working at the ACCC, not to mention the approachability and contact at all levels with senior management and commissioners. Contact with consumers and industry—while not always seeing eye-to-eye—also provides new perspectives and opportunities for learning.

As a career, the ACCC provides significant opportunities. Fourteen years down the track from my time in the graduate program I am lucky to have a role coordinating and overseeing much of the ACCC's competition and consumer protection enforcement work across the country.

The ACCC graduate program provides the perfect entry point and a solid foundation for a rewarding career with the ACCC.

Our culture & values

"The ACCC exercises its broad responsibilities under the Trade Practices Act 1974 and related legislation with independence and rigour. We are guided by the fundamental principle that competition is crucial to the economic wellbeing of this nation and the quality of life of all Australians."
-- Graeme Samuel, Chairman

Seeking

Graduates with the following skills and qualities:

• genuine interest in industry regulation, competition policy and consumer protection
• excellent analytical skills
• a flair for writing
• the ability to contribute to a team
• strong interpersonal and communication skills

Degree/Disciplines

We recruit graduates from all disciplines, but we particularly welcome graduates of:

• Industrial Economics
• Commercial Law
• Econometrics
• Trade Practices Law
• Public Policy
• Financial Modelling

How to apply

Visit Graduate opportunities at http://www.accc.gov.au/gradjobs

When to apply

Applications open Wednesday 31 March 2010
Applications close Monday 31 May 2010

Eligibility

At minimum, a three year university degree
Australian citizenship

Position locations

Throughout Australia (actual locations will vary according to staffing requirements)

Further information

Tel: 03 9290 1875
Email: Grad.jobs@accc.gov.au

Applications are currently closed however you can Register your interest in the ACCC’s 2011 Graduate Program and you will receive an email with details of the application process when it opens.