APS Indigenous Pathways success stories
In their own words, these past Indigenous Pathways participants talk about why they chose to work in the APS, what they have learned, gained and contributed so far, and their goals for the future.
The following stories are only just a few examples of the kinds of opportunities and achievements within the Australian Public Service that could be waiting for you.
Tegan
Where are you from? Who’s your mob?
I grew up in the tropical North Queensland and my mob is Tjapukai
Job title:
Program Support Officer, Indigenous Employment Team.
Agency:
Australian Public Service Commission.
What aspects of working in the APS appealed to you?
What appealed to me is having the chance to learn and work in a different workplace environment, gaining new skills and experiences from providing information and support to the people who are seeking opportunities. I like meeting new people and networking with others from different departments and agencies, I found having networks can help a lot and the support from others makes work a lot easier and more beneficial. The challenges I’ve faced while working in the APS have helped me become more confident with my capabilities and the knowledge I’ve gained has broadened my horizon.
Please describe your current role and what you enjoy about it.
I help provide support to the Indigenous Employment Team and the APS Indigenous Pathways Programs. As a Program Support Officer, I’m involved in supporting the APS Pathways Programs for Indigenous people across Australia which assists in closing the gap and assisting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people gain employment within the APS to help them kick start their career. What I enjoy the most about my role is that I know that I’m assisting in helping the future opportunities of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people across Australia and the experiences that come with the Pathways Programs.
How do you feel your experience, skills and personal attributes contribute to your role in the APS?
I’ve gained some people skills from recent studies so my previous experiences have felt like they’ve come to good use in the APS. In my role I deal with a lot of clients and assisting in running assessment centres, events and university visits so my personal attributes have helped me a lot in getting positive outcomes when dealing with clients in work related situations.
What are some of the highlights or interesting stories from your APS career?
I started my journey in the APS on the 2012 Indigenous Traineeship Program where I’ve met a lot of people. As a trainee we completed a certificate IV in Government and whilst doing that I met a lot of the other trainees who became not only friends but networks and support through the APS. During the course we’ve learned a lot and had a good time getting to know each other.
What key things/skills have you learnt?
Whilst working in my position I’ve learnt to become more confident and trust my abilities to achieve goals. The experiences I’ve had shown me that I am capable of achieving more than I think if I put my mind to it.
How do you see your career within the APS progressing?
My abilities and capabilities will only continually grow, learn and develop so taking bigger and more challenging responsibilities will be something I will be looking forward to.
Based on your personal experience and opinion, what are three key messages that you would hope to send to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people about careers in the APS?
- Very good opportunities to kick start a career.
- Give it a try; it could be your life changing experience.
- Very good opportunity to learn and develop your wellbeing, you will gain skills for life.
Ellyse
Where are you from? Who’s your mob?
I’m from Western Australia but my mob are the Butchella/Gubbi Gubbi people from South East Queensland.
Job title:
Project Officer, State of the Service Team
Agency:
Australian Public Service Commission
What aspects of working in the APS appealed to you?
Being supported in a role that took me through university and into the workplace was the biggest aspect of working in the APS that appealed to me. Coming through the Pathways program as a Cadet and then following on to a Graduate was incredibly advantageous to both my professional and personal skills.
What did you hope to gain from working in the APS?
Experiences and skills development was first and foremost in my mind of what I had hoped to gain from working in the APS. I can confidently say that I was not disappointed, the experiences and skills I have gained from my APS career as a Cadet and a Graduate have been integral to the person I ‘am today.
Please describe your current role and what you enjoy about it.
I’m a Project Officer in the State of the Service Team which is responsible for producing an annual report to Parliament on the workforce and capability trends across the APS. My role covers a wide spectrum in assisting the team on communications, research, writing, drafting, engagement with clients, and data analysis. I enjoy seeing the process of a high-profile report from drafting right up to the launch, being able to be across a wide variety of tasks within the project as well as working with experienced people.
What are some of the positive aspects or benefits of working in the APS?
The learning and development opportunities that are provided in the APS from graduate events, training courses, seminars and pathways events are invaluable to your personal and professional growth. Also the flexible working conditions and a working environment that encourages and appreciates diversity within the workplace is very satisfying.
What are some of the highlights or interesting stories from your APS career?
A definite highlight of my APS career thus far has been the day of the 2012 Pathways Graduation. That morning I had been able to watch an event for a report launch I spent months organising successfully come together, then that very afternoon I was onstage receiving my certificate for completing the Pathways Graduate Program. It was a really great feeling to be in a room with everyone who I had completed the program with and who had supported us throughout the program. I was also fortunate enough to have my Nan there, which made it even more special.
Can you describe a time when you had an experience or encounter that inspired you and impacted upon your career direction?
I have had the opportunity to discuss the work I do and my development with a range of people who have had very impressive careers and whom I admire. Their support and input is something I really appreciate and ultimately does have an impact on the direction I go and the opportunities I’m rewarded.
Based on your personal experience and opinion, what are three key messages that you would hope to send to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people about careers in the APS?
When we say ‘one job, a thousand opportunities’- that’s no joke, there really are so many different opportunities in the APS. Secondly, there the Indigenous Employee Network across the APS is a really resourceful and encouraging presence that will extend throughout your career. And last but not least whether you are assisting in improving housing in remote towns or contributing to increasing funding for tertiary education or even involved in ensuring employers follow equal opportunity standards, you are contributing to the lives of other people.
Sarah
Where are you from? Who’s your mob?
I’m a Koori who descends from the Wongaibon mob in North-West New South Wales.
Job title:
Financial Accountant
Agency:
Department of Finance and Deregulation
What aspects of working in the APS appealed to you?
The most appealing aspect of working in the APS was the job security and satisfying work-life balance I knew would be on offer. Secondly, the APS offers job opportunities that align with different aspects of my chosen field of Accounting, so I have plenty of options to improve my skills and become competent in all aspects of that field by moving around the different departments.
Please describe your current role and what you enjoy about it.
I am a Financial Accountant. I work in the Financial Reporting team at Finance and assist in collecting and collating all the financial information of the Commonwealth government that results in the release of the Australian Government Consolidated Financial Statements and the month-to-month financial statements. Enjoy improving my efficiency of completion that comes with each month I complete the process.
How do you feel your experience, skills and personal attributes contribute to your role in the APS?
I studied a Bachelor of Commerce at university with a major in Accounting and Economics and now I am working at the Department of Finance utilising and applying that knowledge obtained during my degree.
What are some of the highlights or interesting stories from your APS career?
- The networks and friendships I have built up in the short amount of time I have been here.
- Advancing from an APS 3 to an APS 5 within a year of initial employment
- Being offered an Indigenous CPA Scholarship to further my accounting qualifications
- My artwork being used for the 2012 Indigenous APS Pathways Graduation Certificates
Can you describe a time when you had an experience or encounter that inspired you and impacted upon your career direction?
Late in my graduate year, I was uncertain about continuing my Accounting career even though I was lucky enough to obtain a scholarship for the Certified Practising Accountant (CPA) program. However, I begin completing my first semester and was approached by a representative of the three accounting bodies. He gave me the opportunity to be a part of this committee that has a goal of boosting the number of Indigenous Accountants by 2020. This opportunity helped me refocus on my Accounting career and at the same time helped me combine my passion for Accounting and the desire to help my community.
How do you see your experience in the APS contributing to your future career goals?
The APS is providing me the experience and development opportunities required to help me become an efficient and professional leader and a good role model to our Indigenous people. In coming years I hope to be in a position where I can influence change and hopefully make a difference to not only my Indigenous people but also the lives of all Australians.
How do you see your career within the APS progressing?
My focus is currently on completing my CPA and advancing to Qualified Accountant status by 2015. My current APS position strongly supports my studies and provides me with adequate study leave to help maintain a good work life balance and achieve my best in each course. Simultaneously, I hope to build and improve my leadership skills to help progress further in my APS career.
Based on your personal experience and opinion, what are three key messages that you would hope to send to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people about careers in the APS?
- Give it a go; you have nothing to lose.
- The APS Pathways program is a great opportunity to obtain a secure job in a friendly and supportive environment.
- Build up your skills and transfer them to help us within your community
Ashleigh
Where are you from?
New South Wales
Who’s your mob?
Wiradjuri
Job title:
Administration Support
Agency:
Australian Public Service Commission
What aspects of working in the APS appealed to you?
The work/life balance and the opportunity to start my career within the public service.
What did you hope to gain from working in the APS?
Learning the different aspects of the Government, networking and building relationships.
Please describe your current role and what you enjoy about it.
Administration Support - I help with the APSC State Learning and Development Calendar, Calendar Programs and Agency Training. I also provide support in setting up In-House training services for APS agencies across Australia. I love being involved with the stakeholders and learning new skills.
What are some of the highlights or interesting stories from your APS career?
The highlight of my career – I am currently acting in higher duties and have only been at the APSC for 14 months.
Can you describe a time when you had an experience or encounter that inspired you and impacted upon your career direction?
My colleague taking unexpected leave and my confidence in stepping up to ensure the In-house business runs without interruption.
How do you see your experience in the APS contributing to your future career goals?
At this stage I am taking every day as it comes, I am continuously learning new things and challenging myself. I am confident that I will do well in the future.
How do you see your career within the APS progressing?
Hopefully going forward to becoming a program manager or trainer.
Based on your personal experience and opinion, what are three key messages that you would hope to send to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people about careers in the APS?
- Never give up
- There’s never any silly questions
- Just be yourself
Ray
Where are you from? Who’s your mob?:
I am a descendant of the Dharrawal & Jaitmatang language group of the Bidjigal & Manero tribe. I grew up along the South Coast.
Job title:
HR Officer
Agency:
Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs
What aspects of working in the APS appealed to you?
I felt that having the opportunity to gain skills in a business environment would help me achieve my life goals in the future.I was hoping to widen my network and broaden my skills as a professional Indigenous business man in order to for fill my dreams of owning my own business one day.
Please describe your current role and what you enjoy about it.
My current role is within HR (Human Resources) about dealing with all clients within the department. It allows me to work with a great range of staff at all levels and helps gain an understanding of the work they do.
How do you feel your experience, skills and personal attributes contribute to your role in the APS?
The joy of the job and the pride in my voice filters through the phone and email which gives out a great vibe to help keep clients in a happy mood.
What are some of the positive aspects or benefits of working in the APS?
The job Security, as it is an on-going role which will give me the ability to own my position as long as I meet all requirements and have a consistent income throughout the year.
What are some of the highlights or interesting stories from your APS career?
Great opportunities to gain skills, I’ve been on the Secretary’s monthly video message which was a deadly experience as it made me feel like a star. Therefore I am living up to my life’s expectations.
What key things/skills have you learnt?
I have gained professionalism on the way I conduct my general day to day activities. I feel proud of my achievements; I have accomplished things that I never would have if i never got the opportunity to work in the APS.
Can you describe a time when you had an experience or encounter that inspired you and impacted upon your career direction?
Listening the to the elders within my department has inspired me to try my hardest and never give up. Take the opportunities that arise, never take anything for granted, have pride within your own self to achieve your goals, as it was so much harder for previous Indigenous staff to start and work their way to the top but did not stop them.
How do you see your experience in the APS contributing to your future career goals?
The opportunity to network builds your relationships with successful people who may assist in helping you achieve your long term goals. Grasping all knowledge has given me skills and understanding to further myself as a person.
Based on your personal experience and opinion, what are three key messages that you would hope to send to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people about careers in the APS?
- Never be afraid of exploring the unknown, take every obstacle as a challenge to better yourself and your future.
- Take pride in everything you do and achieve as it’s an accomplishment and you deserve to feel good about it.
- If given the opportunity to work in the APS take it as a step to further your knowledge and understanding. Don’t hold back otherwise you may regret not doing something, it’s better to try and learn rather than wonder what if.
Naomi
Where are you from?
Queensland
Job title:
Client Support Officer
Agency:
Australia’s Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA)
Please describe your current role and what you enjoy about it.
I currently work for Australia’s Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA). I work as a Client Support Officer on funding contracts dealing with renewable energy, specifically Hydro and Wave technologies. I enjoy learning about the companies I deal with and engaging with key stakeholders.
What did you hope to gain from working in the APS?
I hoped to gain a better knowledge of the processes involved in government. I also desired a better knowledge of the policies and programs established around renewable energy.
How do you feel your experience, skills and personal attributes contribute to your role in the APS?
I originally began my career as an Indigenous cadet in the APS and feel that the opportunity to work in the APS in the Department of Resources, Energy and Tourism (RET) and study at university at the same time was pivotal to my career. This experience allowed me to gain a wider perspective of how the government works. Important to my role in the APS is my willingness to give everything a go regardless of how tough a situation might be.
What are some of the positive aspects or benefits of working in the APS?
I enjoy working in a flexible environment such as the APS, where there is opportunity to work on a variety of different projects. I feel that having the support from the department for training and development is a huge benefit of being in the APS.
What are some of the highlights or interesting stories from your APS career?
In my graduate year I participated in a group project for RET which included stakeholder engagements in Cairns. While on our travels the team engaged with Small to Medium Enterprises (SME’s) which allowed me to gain a better knowledge and understanding of the issues SME’s face on a daily basis.
What key things/skills have you learnt?
I have learnt to prioritise and manage many tasks. I have also learnt that there are always people who are willing to help me with my work regardless of how busy they are.
Can you describe a time when you had an experience or encounter that inspired you and impacted upon your career direction?
When I began my career in the APS I was placed in a team that was developing and launching a renewable energy program. Through witnessing the creation of this program I felt a strong desire to work in the renewable energy scene in Australia.
How do you see your career within the APS progressing?
I hope that the strong foundations I have built in my career to date will enable me to manage a program or even represent my department overseas in the future.
Based on your personal experience and opinion, what are three key messages that you would hope to send to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people about careers in the APS?
- Read up on areas you are confused with and asks as many questions as you can.
- Remember that you are not alone and if you feel stressed with work there are people that can help.
- Just enjoy your time and don’t stress about the little things.
Tegan
Where are you from? North Queensland
Who’s your mob? Waribarra Mamu
Agency: Department of Immigration and Citizenship
What aspects of working in the APS appealed to you?
I knew joining the APS would give me an opportunity to engage in work that I would find interesting, I also wanted to learn about the role and responsibilities of the APS.
What are some of the benefits of working in the APS?
Apart from working in an area which interests me, I have had exposure to current issues facing the APS and Australia and have met many interesting people. The APS also provides great working conditions which allows me to continue to travel and visit family in Queensland on a regular basis.
Can you describe a time when you had an experience that inspired you and impacted upon your career direction?
I have been impacted by a number of people in the APS across many levels, my understanding of what an APS career should look like has changed quite a bit. I have gained an appreciation for the need to balance consolidating your skills with being flexible enough to take opportunities that arise. I have also been influenced by a number of senior female leaders who have achieved great things both as part of their careers, and outside of the workplace.
Taylor
Where are you from? New South Wales.
Who’s your mob? Wiradjuri
Job title: Payroll team member
Agency: Aboriginal Hostels Limited
How do you feel your experience, skills and personal attributes contribute to your role in the APS?
Working in Human Resources sees me interact with a number of internal and external stakeholders on a daily basis. At all times I ensure that I am professional and courteous, whether I am communicating with staff face to face, over the phone or via email. I get a lot of self-satisfaction in meeting the deadlines that payroll have every fortnight.
What are some of the highlights from your APS career so far?
A highlight would be when I successfully graduated at the end of my Traineeship. Another highlight was when my work ethics were recognised and I was promoted to act in an APS 3 payroll position.
What key skills have you learnt from your APS journey?
I have become more confident in speaking with clients and solving payroll queries. I have gained more experience skills in computing programs such as excel, word, outlook and access.
Can you describe a time when you had an experience that inspired you and impacted upon your career direction?
I have been inspired by my payroll manager and admire the way she copes with the work load and dealing with the clients.
How do you see your experience in the APS contributing to your future career goals?
The position I am in now and experience that I am gaining will contribute to my career goals in one day becoming a team leader.
Tamara
Where are you from? Queensland
Who’s your mob? Kamilaroi
Job title: Systems Analyst
Agency: Department of Human Services
What aspects of working in the APS appealed to you?
Firstly, I needed job security and flexibility to allow me to cater for my children as I am a single mum. I was also looking for a career where I would have the opportunity to make positive impact to the future lives of Australians, as self satisfaction in my career is extremely important to me.
Please describe your current role and what you enjoy about it.
I am now a qualified ‘Systems Analyst’ after previously working as a ‘Business Analyst'.A systems analyst identifies, investigates and analyses business processes/procedures and evaluates inefficiencies in system functionality. We develop and implement system improvements to the Child Support Customer Database and act as a central reference and information source to external stakeholders of Child Support.
The support I receive from my management, colleagues and Indigenous mentors has provided me with the opportunity to successfully perform my duties to my highest potential.
How do you feel your experience, skills and personal attributes contribute to your role in the APS?
I have been able to apply and develop my skills which I had before becoming a Public Servant. Being a single mum, I could transfer a lot of my skills onto the job. This includes time management, emotional intelligence, leadership skills and most important to myself, sharing and recognising the knowledge of our Culture.
What are some of the benefits of working in the APS?
Being a role model to my children, family and community is extremely important to me.
I currently work in a mainstream area; however the support I receive from my colleagues in relation to my extracurricular duties for Indigenous ventures within the APS is unbelievable. I am able to progress my own career without having to sacrifice my contributions to our communities which mean so much to me.
What are some of the highlights or interesting stories from your APS career?
I have accomplished great achievements during the initial months of my employment with the APS. This includes:
- Completed my traineeship 7 months ahead of schedule.
- I advanced from an APS 2 to an APS 5 within a year of initial employment.
- I received the ACT and Region Indigenous High Achiever of 2012 award.
- I have become an Accredited Indigenous Mentor.
- I have participated in facilitating Cultural Awareness Training for my Department.
- I have been invited to be a speaker at APS Indigenous Employment Forums.
- I have most recently scored a Ministerial position with the ACT Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education Consultative Group. The purpose of this role is to consult with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and provide advice and recommendations to the ACT and Australian Governments in achieving the goals of the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education Action Plan.
How do you see your experience in the APS contributing to your future career goals?
Having a career within the APS has given me the experience to learn more about myself, meet new people, share my ideas, develop new skills and gain unique experiences to grow my potential as a leader.
It is developing me into becoming an efficient professional leader and good role model to our Indigenous people. I am now in a position where I can influence change and hopefully make a difference to the lives of Australians for the better.
Michael
Where are you from? Who’s your mob? I’m a Noongar, from the Southwest of Western Australia.
Job title: APS Indigenous Cadet
Agency: Attorney-General’s Department
Please describe your current role and what you enjoy about it.
I work in the Marriage Law and Celebrants Section around my study at the University of Canberra. I enjoy the people around me and the responsibility that I’m given. It’s good to know that your work is important.
What are some of the benefits of working in the APS?
A lot of organisations claim to provide a work-life balance, but none that I’ve seen can compare to the APS. I am able to exercise at lunch or in the evenings, and have plenty of time to study around work. It’s also good to be able to collaborate with other Departments, such as the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC), to learn about their work and how we are working with each other.
What are some of the highlights from your APS career so far?
I have interesting cases to work on every day by answering legal enquiries for the public. Each case is very interesting in its own right, plus I know I’m helping people in a very important part of their life.
Can you describe a time when you had an experience that inspired you and impacted upon your career direction?
Applying for a job a few years ago and not getting it. This lead me to the decision to give university a go, and I have not looked back ever since.
How do you see your experience in the APS contributing to your future career goals?
Not only does the APS look great on a resume, but it has taught me valuable lessons. I have learnt how to cope with working full time and built up many contacts and networks that may help me in the future in a professional or social manner.
Sarah
Where are you from? Queensland
Who’s your mob? Wiradjuri
Job title: Policy Officer
Agency: Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs (FsHCSIA)
Please describe your current role and what you enjoy about it.
I currently work for the Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs (FaHCSIA) within their Reconciliation and Relationships Branch as a Policy Officer, where my role focuses on Indigenous constitutional recognition, anti-racism, and Indigenous justice. Most recently, our team’s work on the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples’ Recognition Bill was rewarded with successful passage through Parliament, on the fifth anniversary of the National Apology to the Stolen Generations. I really enjoy my work in Indigenous policy, and am very proud to contribute to improving outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people all over the country, and to represent Indigenous perspectives in this nationally important area.
What are some of the benefits of working in the APS?
Training and educational opportunities are great and include practical and theoretical components. As part of the grad year at the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF), I completed a Graduate Certificate in Public Administration at the University of Canberra. I am currently studying my Masters in Agribusiness online through the University of Melbourne, which my FaHCSIA colleagues are very supportive of. I really value education and feel that my formal qualifications combined with my on-the-job experience are invaluable to my personal and professional development. I have also been fortunate enough to travel domestically with the APS for industry tours and conferences, experiences which have introduced me to new people and assisted my networking within the agriculture industry and the Indigenous community.
What are some of the highlights or interesting stories from your APS career?
Recently, I attended the Reconciliation Action Plan Showcase at Parliament House to promote FaHCSIA’s work as a leading organisation in that space. The event was launched by the Prime Minister, Julia Gillard, and following her speech she and our Minister, Jenny Macklin, took the time to briefly meet me and other FaHCSIA staff in attendance. I was inspired by their encouragement and support for reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians, and filled with a sense of hope for the future of all of Australia’s First Peoples that this national goal for reconciliation is at the forefront of our political leaders’ minds!
Can you describe a time when you had an experience or encounter that inspired you and impacted upon your career direction?
When I was DAFF’s Indigenous Ambassador in 2011–12, I was asked by the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations and the Australian Public Service Commission to address a group of 200 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander year 11 and 12 students about my APS experiences as part of the Learn Earn Legend! Program. Following this experience, I decided to involve myself even more in the Indigenous community and applied for my current role at FaHCSIA. While I still hold a strong interest in land and natural resource management, and am maintaining my knowledge and skills in that area through my Masters in Agribusiness studies, I am absolutely relishing the opportunity to contribute to policy outcomes and advancement of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people through my work in reconciliation, constitutional recognition, anti-racism and justice! I hope to continue to progress my APS career in these areas, as I am strongly passionate about improving opportunities for Indigenous Australians in our ever-changing modern times, whilst also harnessing thousands of years of traditional knowledge of the land, to ensure our country is developed sustainably and is inclusive of the invaluable contributions of the First Peoples.
