DMO Materiel Graduate Scheme - Procurement and Contracting
The opportunity to travel and work in different states is not something offered everywhere and was definitely a big plus [in choosing this Pathway]. Moving to a new city with other graduates also meant it was a very social environment outside work, which is handy when you've just moved to a new city.
Austin enjoyed the work and social opportunities offered in moving to a new city, and meeting a multitude of new people. He said potential new recruits should be prepared to move, and keep yourself open to new experiences.
He said he also enjoyed the opportunity to apply many of the skills and interests developed at university to the real world, in particular seeing the development of Defence policy from the inside
. And he now feels he has a solid base on which to build his career.
By giving me the ability to work in three completely separate areas of the organisation, doing three different roles, the Pathway gave me a strong understanding of the work of the organisation as a whole, as well as learning about different approaches to solve similar problems.
After graduating in 2010, Austin started working in the Economic and Commercial Analysis Branch of DMO, doing studies into the health of the Australian Defence Industry. I have drawn heavily on my experiences in the Procurement and Contracting Pathway in this role, and having worked widely across the organisation as a graduate, has been a big plus.
Austin is hoping to undertake further study into the economics of defence spending and its impact on the economy.
Austin completed this Development Pathway in January 2010.