About you
I’m Erin. I’m a Victorian at heart, and I’ve called Geelong home my entire life.
As you can imagine, moving to Brisbane for a graduate program was a life-altering decision, but one I have not regretted for a single second.
I am what you might call ‘fresh out of uni’. I graduated with a Bachelor of International Development Studies in 2019 & a Masters of Public Policy early in 2022. Other than the intern experience I gained through my university integrated learning placement, I had only ever worked in hospitality.
What interested you most about the program?
I was drawn to Policy Futures by its rotational structure. Where else would I get the opportunity to move through 3 different policy areas, all for the sake of experience and professional development, without painful administrative complexity?
Is the program what you thought it would be?
So far, the program has absolutely lived up not only to its name but its glowing reputation. You don’t pack your whole life into a 2002 Hyundai Elantra and drive 1838km in the middle of January without setting some pretty high expectations, but the program has done well to both meet and exceed those expectations.
Has the program shared your career direction?
While my first placement was not in an area of keen interest for myself in terms of broader career aspirations, it was a great introduction to the realities of working in government. My second placement, however, is exactly where I want to be both short and long-term. A placement with the Department of Seniors, Disability Services and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships (I know, what a portfolio!) has shown me that there is a place for someone like me within state jurisdiction. I thought all roads led to DFAT & foreign policy until I found myself here. I’ve now learnt that my skill set and knowledge base are both highly transferable and that First Nations policy is somewhere I can contribute meaningfully for years to come.
Tips and advice
My advice is simple. Lean in. Lean into the daunting. Lean into scary and challenging. Lean into the opportunities this program can provide for you, even if your imposter syndrome is telling you that you’re not ready.
Yes, the recruitment process is long, but it’s important that you show up as your authentic self. Show the team who you are.
I turned up to my interview in a bubble-gum pink blazer and tried to make people laugh at every possible opportunity. That’s who I am at my core and I know I’m at my best when I can bring my whole ‘theatrically hilarious’ self to something. It’s cliché but you just need to be yourself.