I was drawn to the structure of the Graduate Program and the opportunity to explore different work areas and understand my strengths.  

I was also excited by the various opportunities to learn more about the Australian Defence Force side through the immersive graduate experiences.  

So far, I have really enjoyed my experience in the Graduate Program. I’ve met so many people, had great rotations with Defence Finance Group (DFG), and built valuable connections with my teams.  

I was fortunate enough to go on several military base tours which I really enjoyed. It was interesting to learn what they do and how the rest of Defence contributes. It was also a fantastic opportunity to network with graduates from different streams and cities. 

I knew that Defence had one of the biggest graduate cohorts, but I was still surprised at the number of people who had moved here from all over Australia. I’ve been here for 9 months, and I am still meeting new people! 

It’s important to be part of a program like this because you can learn so much more and work on a variety of projects by being part of 3 different teams. Networking is key in the APS, and the Program has provided me with many opportunities to do this within Defence. This has set me up for my future career in DFG. 

I’ve developed strong relationships with graduates in my rotations and the broader DFG team. I encourage all future graduates and STEM cadets to make an effort to get to know their team and say yes to literally everything!   

Make the most of your graduate year, be proactive, get involved, and don’t just sit back and wait for things to happen.