Testimonials
“I took a deviation in my chosen career path as an Architect and joined Defence as part of the Graduate Program. The Graduate Program gave me the opportunity to experience three different working rotations within the department of Defence. My first rotation was for Infrastructure Asset Development Branch (IAD), where I became involved in the development and delivery of projects at military bases across Australia. My second rotation provided me with the unique experience of working with an Engineering core unit in Sydney as the only civilian. There I used my Architectural skills to develop detailed design drawings for the 2007 Army Aboriginal Community Assistance Program (AACAP), located in Doomadgee, Queensland.
After finishing the Graduate Program, I returned to IAD as a Project Officer as I found it was the one rotation that provided me with an opportunity to integrate the skills I had learned both at University and in private practice to the development of facilities for Defence personnel. During my time at IAD I have had the opportunity to deliver and develop projects ranging from $17 to $120 million dollars. The projects have been over a rage of deliverables including building refurbishment, new office accommodation, workshops, a mess, artillery replacement facilities, simulators and demolition. I was previously unaware that there was a Government Department that could offer me a position doing something that I love and I would encourage other individuals in industry to try it out for themselves.”
Ese graduated University of Canberra
with Bachelor of Applied Science in Environmental Design,
Bachelor of Architecture
“Why did I choose the GDP? From crawling over tanks, to sitting in fighter jets, from working on cutting edge technology to managing a $22b budget, why wouldn’t I? I have experienced things I would never have dreamed of in a finance career!
The training and experience the GDP provides is invaluable. By touring military establishments and talking with military personnel on study tour, I learnt first-hand how decisions I make in Canberra will affect our troops on the ground. During my rotations through Defence I have assisted in the management of Defence’s $22bn budget, supported the regions in supplying products and services to the Defence Force, and fostered good international relations with our neighbours.
All of this provides a solid foundation on which I can build my career in Defence.”
Cheryl graduate University of Adelaide
with Bachelor of Finance (International)
“Any Canberra local will tell you stories that Defence is a large slice of the Australian Public Service in the capital. What they don’t know is that working here is about working (and living) in the fast lane compared to many other Departments. Joining the Defence Graduate Program was my number one preference because I wanted to be exposed to interesting, large scale and fast paced work with the military.
In my graduate year in the people stream lived in Sydney for a rotation with the Navy, flown around Australia and worked directly for Defence Senior Leaders. Working in Defence has definitely delivered what I wanted, especially seeing inside the military around Australia.
For my future career, Defence has more great options for me to pursue, which could include working interstate, working directly to senior leaders or doing postgraduate study. This way, with whichever option, Defence will be a great platform to accelerate my career”.
Charles, Australian National University
“My year in the Defence Graduate Program has been an absolute adventure!
I spent my first four months working in Application Design and Development, looking not only at what information capabilities we can utilise now, but what is on and beyond the horizon.
My second rotation was in Navy Headquarters. Have you ever considered how complex it would be to get up-to-date information systems and support on a ship in the middle of the ocean? Here, I saw the Change-of-Command ceremony for the Chief of Navy, and reported to the Deputy Chief of Navy.
If all of this wasn’t enough, I spend my last three months living and working on an operational RAAF base - about 500 metres away from the most powerful jet fighters in Australia. Being on a RAAF base introduced me to the Military lifestyle, and what it’s like to be out in the regions of Australia – where things get really difficult at times!
The graduate year hasn’t been all about the work either – I’ve dined with the Governor-General, gone camping with the ex-Deputy Chief Air Force, flown a Hornet Simulator, and made some of the best friends!”
Niru graduated University Wollongong
with Bachelor of Information & Communication Technology
“Becoming a Defence Finance Graduate was the best decision that I ever made. I have gained so much knowledge and had lots of fun. I have been so fortunate to work with so many great people.
I have been able to use my accounting knowledge and skills that I learned at Uni, and have applied them in financial management within Defence. I have assisted in drafting accounting policy and have learned accounting management at different levels. My highlight has been assisting to produce important financial reports for the CFO, which assist him in making decisions about finance in Defence.
The study tour to Darwin was fun and I had first hand experience in visiting Defence bases in regional areas. It has been such a terrific experience! I am so glad that I made the right decision in joining Defence and would highly recommend it.”
Natkritta graduated University of Canberra
with Bachelor of Commerce, Accounting Major
“As a Generalist, I was provided the opportunity to use the knowledge I had gained through my tertiary studies on Australian defence and security issues and apply it to practical and meaningful Defence policy initiatives.
The Defence Graduate Development Program provides an opportunity no other graduate program can – practical and professional development opportunities within a dynamic and diverse civilian and military work environment. The three-rotation system allows you to develop a broad understanding of the many different functions across the Department, while fostering and building relationships with both civilian staff and serving Australian Defence Force members.
There are numerous development opportunities throughout the program, including multiple external training courses and seminars, culminating with the Study Tour. This tour exposes graduates to regional, national and international defence issues and underscores the importance of policy decisions made in Canberra.
I have no hesitation in highly recommending the Defence Graduate Development Program and I would strongly encourage anyone who is passionate about international security and defence-related issues to seriously consider applying.”
Rohan graduated University of Western Australia with
Bachelor of Economics (International Business & Economic History) and
postgraduate studies in Security, Terrorism & Counter-terrorism Studies at Murdoch University;
Politics & International Relations, University of Western Australia
Highlight of the Graduate Program: "There are so many! Attending high level US-AUS Alliance talks as a policy-aide; Witnessing first hand the senior leadership of Defence, including the Chief of Defence Force, negotiate with their US counterparts on significant current events and alliance issues was an experience I will never forget. Attending the official dinner for the delegates was also quite surreal, as I was surrounded by and conversing with some of US Pacific Command's and Australia's most senior Defence officials. Discussing the merits of Australian versus American Football with the US guests, and subsequently being invited to visit them in Hawaii after the successful completion of the conference was something I never expected just one year out of Uni.”
Nick graduated University of Sydney with
Bachelor of Economic & Social Sciences
(Hons Government & International Relations)