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![[Post New]](/australian-graduate-forum/templates/default/images/icon_minipost_new.gif) 01/12/2008 12:29:19
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mayNess
Diploma in Posting
Joined: 01/12/2008 12:15:59
Messages: 9
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Hi, I am graduating in 2009 with a Bachelor of Commerce degree (Economics) from Monash University in Melbourne. I am interested in applying for Government Department Graduate positions in Canberra and would like to get an idea of the different departments relevant to my field of study.
I have looked through a few websites and have found that many graduate profiles is of an extremely high calibre. Many of double degrees, double majors and even graduate diplomas. If i am only holding a single degree majoring in economics would my chances for a position against such high calibre grads be lower. I was also wondering if I should undertake a graduate diploma in International Business or Politics as a way of getting a better chance against other grads.
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01/12/2008 22:27:47
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dave
Professor of Posting
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Joined: 30/10/2008 08:36:03
Messages: 63
Location: Sydney
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Hi mayNess,
It sounds like you're studying the right things, a bachelor of economics is very useful if you want to get into government. I wouldn't pin you down to one department that your qualifications would suit as your degree would suit many, you really just need to apply to as many as possible to have the best chances of getting into a grad program in government, and maybe give yourself some choice if you get more than one offer.
Also look out for our online directory we'll be releasing next year for employers to advertise their programs in, we're looking at getting some really good government programs in there in a range of disciplines.
As for thinking that you're not qualified enough as long as you have a relevant qualification you should get a chance in the assessment process to prove yourself. Once you've made it to a few assessment centres you'll find that they're looking for graduates that'll fit into their organisation, rather than focusing on what qualifications you have. Of course the more qualification's help you get to the assessment centres and if you're wanting a career in government you will probably find yourself studying throughout your career, so it never hurts being over qualified 
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Director
GradConnection
www.gradconnection.com.au |
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02/12/2008 08:41:16
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mayNess
Diploma in Posting
Joined: 01/12/2008 12:15:59
Messages: 9
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Hi Dave,
Thankyou for your advice! I am sure to look out for your online directory early next year!
Cheers!
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12/12/2008 16:57:37
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mike
Vice-Chancellor of Posting
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Joined: 29/10/2008 21:38:29
Messages: 768
Location: Sydney Australia
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Hi mayNess,
We have just got back after a stint on the road visiting a lot of government departments both federal and state. In Victoria the State Services Authority told us they cannot get enough quality economics graduates. If you are keen to stay in Victoria they run a graduate program across about 10 different departments. You apply once and they will find the most appropriate department for you. Because they are short, if you look at applying now you might be able to slide into next years intake.
I can't give you names in the public forum but if you go to the Victorian State Services Authority Website http://www.graduates.vic.gov.au/ you should be able to find names and numbers if you look hard enough 
LinkHR is the recruitment agency they use, so if they are unhelpful then look to call the SSA directly.
As for federal,
The Australian Treasury, Australian Bureau of Statistics hire economic grads for economics roles and many others hire economics grads for analyst roles in their generalist programs. All depends on if you want to move to Canberra, but I loved the week I was there and really enjoyed meeting some very cool graduate managers.
Good luck, and let me know if you need any help
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Mike Casey
GradConnection Director |
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12/12/2008 18:53:47
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mayNess
Diploma in Posting
Joined: 01/12/2008 12:15:59
Messages: 9
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Hi Mike!
Thanks for your reply. I am sure to take your advice and give the Government Departments a call in both State and Federal. I am extremely interested in working with the federal government and am willing to relocate to Canberra. I especially went up therre a month ago to check out the city and I also loved it there! I definately will ask for your advice should anything come up!!!1
Thanks again!
Best Regards,
May.
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16/12/2008 12:16:57
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shillz
Certificate in Posting
Joined: 16/12/2008 12:15:18
Messages: 2
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Hi May,
You are thinking of doing the same thing I am. I have cousins in Belconnen so am thinking seriously about finding a graduate program there. I know the ABS hires economics grads. Where are you looking at the moment?
S
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16/12/2008 21:01:14
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mayNess
Diploma in Posting
Joined: 01/12/2008 12:15:59
Messages: 9
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Hey.
I am looking to apply to ATO and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. I have also looked into Comcare, Australia Customs and a few smaller departments. I heard the ATO has a pretty good graduate program but the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is a little harder to get into but if you do get into the Department the grad program is excellent and extremely interesting. There is also the Treasruy (Department of Economics and Finance) as well as the Department of Finance and Deregulation as well as the RET.
I went down to Canberra a few months ago to look at the different suburbs and to grab a feel of Canberra. The suburbs are all extremely close and everything is just a short drive away. I would love to stay in Belconnon or Manuka!
Hope this helps.
Best Regards,
May.
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16/12/2008 22:12:30
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shillz
Certificate in Posting
Joined: 16/12/2008 12:15:18
Messages: 2
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Wow you are doing your homework. When are you starting? Have you just graduated? We must be the only two in Australia that are actually wanting to move to Canberra! Im still a year away so planning on applying in March. Did you meet any of the departments at the Monash careers fair?
You are calling them? Cool!
Shelly
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18/12/2008 13:33:53
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mike
Vice-Chancellor of Posting
Joined: 29/10/2008 21:38:29
Messages: 768
Location: Sydney Australia
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Just out of interested, did you guys have a look at Tuggeranong? What did you think? There are a few government departments out that way aswell, including FaHCSIA who have one of the largest federal funds of any government department. These guys are going places especially with the indigenous and disability portfolios which are being pushed hard by the Rudd Government.
Mike
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Mike Casey
GradConnection Director |
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19/12/2008 14:06:27
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mayNess
Diploma in Posting
Joined: 01/12/2008 12:15:59
Messages: 9
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Hey again.
Im applying this coming March as well and will sure be running about at the Monash Careers Fair this year. But there isn't many federal govts that come to the careers fairs. I think the Fed Govts department mainly go to the Canberra Unis. Im not quite sure on that but will definately look out for them. As soon as I told my friends I wanted to relocate to Canberra they're response were all the same...and not extremely happy for me! But I do quite like Canberra so thats all that matters.
I particularly like Bruce as the suburb is quite modern and the units there are really nice and rental prices arn't expensive at all!
Will continue posting up if I find any new information regarding Government Department recruitments for 2010 graduates!!!
Mike, I haven't looked into Tuggeranong but I definately will research it out now!! Thanks for the information.
Best Regards,
May.
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06/01/2009 11:59:55
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mike
Vice-Chancellor of Posting
Joined: 29/10/2008 21:38:29
Messages: 768
Location: Sydney Australia
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Hi May,
If you tell us what federal government departments you are interested in working for we will find out when and how they are accepting applications in March. You don't need to see them at careers fairs if you have already done your research  , or you can be extra effective because you have done your research and you will have something really great to chat to their reps about!!
Hope you had a good break
MC
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Mike Casey
GradConnection Director |
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08/01/2009 13:24:30
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mayNess
Diploma in Posting
Joined: 01/12/2008 12:15:59
Messages: 9
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Dear MC,
I am interested in working for the ATO, The Treasury, Attorney-General's Department (AG's), Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) and Department of Finance and Deregulation. However, I know that these Government bodies are of an extremely high calibre. I have looked thoroughly into their graduate programs and have seen that many of their graduates have very strong backgrounds in trade, langauges and also have various diplomas, masters and PHds with their degrees.
I am also quite interested in the 'Department of Defence' Generalist Graduate Program but again, graduate positions are limited. Further, I looked into the Department of Immigration and Citizenship and found the graduate program and work in that department quite interesting, though not directly related to my degree.
So atm, I am most interested in working for the ATO, Dept of Immigration and Citizenship and DFAT.
Your advice would be an invaluable resource to me!
Cheers.
May.
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30/04/2009 09:40:12
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mike
Vice-Chancellor of Posting
Joined: 29/10/2008 21:38:29
Messages: 768
Location: Sydney Australia
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Hey May!
How did all the applications go? Are you in assesment centres now ? If so... good luck 
Mike
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Mike Casey
GradConnection Director |
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16/05/2009 15:17:28
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unibum
Certificate in Posting
Joined: 16/05/2009 14:28:27
Messages: 2
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This information may be a bit late, but to my knowledge most of the departments listed in this thread consider honours degrees quite highly. I know Treasury mostly just looks at honours students.
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16/05/2009 17:42:12
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mike
Vice-Chancellor of Posting
Joined: 29/10/2008 21:38:29
Messages: 768
Location: Sydney Australia
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The ideal graduate for The Australian Treasury is a law student with an economics major, that being said, honours is usually considered a plus for any graduate looking at the government industry. In general, most government departments are looking for law students and economics students for their graduate programs.
FaHCSIA (the Department of Families Housing Community Services and Indigenous Affairs) is still open, so it is not to late if you are looking at getting into government departments. Check them out here.
http://www.gradconnection.com.au/graduate-employers/department-of-families-housing-community-services-indigenous-affairs/index.dot
Economics, Law and Finance are biggies, but they also hire graduates for their generalist graduate jobs.
Mike
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Mike Casey
GradConnection Director |
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02/09/2009 09:37:31
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mike
Vice-Chancellor of Posting
Joined: 29/10/2008 21:38:29
Messages: 768
Location: Sydney Australia
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Hi May,
Saw an old post on the forum the other day with you in it and was wondering how you got on, did you have much luck with any of your applications?
Cheers,
Mike
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Mike Casey
GradConnection Director |
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