Annabelle Haywood has spent 2012 as a civilian member of Australian Command and Staff College. Throughout the year she has provided Defence with some insight into the experience from a non-military participant's perspective - this is the final in a four-part series of articles that follows her journey.

How have you found the year generally?

It has been a good year but it has been intense. Now that we're at the end, I am looking back on it fondly but I'm very tired! During the last four weeks of the course, the academics were over and we could all finally hang out. It was great.

What have been the highlights?

The first one would be all of the people I've met - it was a real plus to have shared this year with great people from all over Australia and the world, who have so many experiences different from mine. It sounds corny but I can honestly say that was worth the price of admission.

Another highlight was the overseas trip. I was fortunate enough to be in one of the few groups that attended a course at the Asia-Pacific Centre for Security Studies in Hawaii, and it was amazing. The level of adult learning there was superb and we all really engaged and learned a lot.

And challenges?

It is a Masters degree course, so the workload could be overwhelming at times. The main effect of this was that it was difficult to balance getting my reading and assignments done and finding time for networking, and getting to know other course members beyond those who were in my syndicates. This was especially the case for people with families, who had to get as much work done on campus as they could so they could go home and be with them. One of the outcomes of Staff College is the extensive network you gain from within the Services, and I would liked to have had the chance to do this more.

Do you think the experience will benefit you as a Defence employee?

Definitely in terms of the people I now know - that will be of immense benefit. As well as the close networks I've developed, the strategic studies we undertook as part of the Masters degree really broadened my knowledge of Australian defence and security issues, and it is an opportunity I am very fortunate to have had. I also have a new perspective on military careers and how they affect people.

What are your plans for next year?

I am going to a position at level within the Defence People Group. I'm also getting married in April and the planning is only starting now I've finished studying!

Would you recommend it to other APS personnel?

Yes, but be prepared for it to take up a lot of your time. The Masters degree you get is a real benefit, along with the people you'll meet, and it's worth making it a priority to meet and interact with other course members as much as you can. Staff College is a fantastic option if you want the academics with a deeper understanding of Defence, its operations and its people.