DMO Materiel Graduate Scheme - Engineering (Mechatronics and Computing)
What attracted me to this Development Pathway was the ability to move around the country working in different divisions and expanding my defence knowledge and engineering experience. I was able to utilise my computer degree in some of my rotations while gaining experience in electronic engineering in others.
Cristian said there were two parts of the program he really enjoyed—other than the work.
The first was the opportunity to move around Australia and meet new people. The second was an eye opening study tour the graduate team organises for new graduates to see how the Australian Defence Force works. You travel around NSW for a week, meeting Defence and ADF members and playing with cool toys!
Cristian said he had the opportunity to work in three completely different fields within engineering and Defence before settling on a permanent position in the Department. The rotations have given me a broad knowledge that I can apply to all jobs I will undertake within my time in Defence. Add those factors to my new ability to hit the ground running, learned from rotating into a new position every six months, and I believe I now have a great building block for my future careers.
It seems many of those may well be still in Defence. Cristian said that even in two years he still sees himself in the Department.
I still see myself working for Defence … but where I am not 100% sure, due to the possibilities that Defence and DMO offers. While I enjoy the work I am currently doing, and every time we finish a particular task I feel satisfaction for what we have achieved, there are many different organisations within Defence and sectors within DMO. The diversity of work is exceptional.
Cristian completed this Development Pathway in January 2012.