Graduate stories
Hear from our previous graduates!
Lucy
What did you study and why did you choose us for your graduate year?
I graduated from university with a double degree in Journalism and Law. I wanted to use my law degree, but knew that working in a private law firm wasn't for me. I have always had an interest in practicing law in the public sector, as well as being able to combine my legal and policy skills. AGD presented an opportunity to use these skills in supporting the Attorney-General as First Law Officer, I liked the diverse subject matter and chance to work on high government priorities.
Additionally, I knew AGD would support me in both relocating from Brisbane to Canberra, and completing my Practical Legal Training, which was a massive bonus.
What was your most defining moment / biggest growth opportunity during the year?
My most defining moment this year was having the opportunity to contribute to the reform of Australia's administrative review system. I was part of the taskforce responsible for creating legislation to establish the Administrative Review Tribunal, which would replace the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT). I enhanced my legal research and policy thinking skills, learned how to issue drafting instructions, and gained experience consulting with important stakeholders, such as the AAT. It was an incredible experience being able to work on such a high priority for the government and extremely rewarding to see the Bill introduced into Parliament.
As a graduate, what does a typical ‘day in the life’ look like?
A typical day would involve me arriving to work early, where I would make a coffee, check my emails and get settled in for the day. I would create a to-do list, working around any meetings I may have on that day. I would also check in with my immediate supervisor and team about what our priorities were. Around 10:00 am I might grab a coffee with a colleague or another grad, and will usually grab lunch with some grads as well. Typically, my work will consist of conducting legislative research, discussing policy ideas with the team, and issuing drafting instructions and responding to questions from the Office of Parliamentary Counsel (OPC). I am then one of the primary points of contact for OPC to liaise with regarding these particular instructions. I usually leave around 4:00 pm and catch the bus home!
What advice would you give to a future Attorney-General's Department graduate?
If you are studying law but not sure what to do with your degree (or any other degree), consider applying for this program! You get the opportunity to try so many different things and learn so many new skills across a vast range of subject areas. Also, don't be afraid to relocate if you are interstate – I did and have made so many friends and memories in Canberra that will last a lifetime!
Chris
What did you study and why did you choose us for your graduate year?
For university I completed a Bachelor of Commerce (Finance and Economics) and a Master of International Relations. Although I never pursued it, studying law was also an interest of mine. With that lingering at the back of my mind, AGD stood out to me as the best place I could experience working on legal policy and frameworks to deliver positive outcomes for the Australian public. I was also interested in experiencing the wide range of business areas AGD had to offer, ranging from national security to integrity frameworks.
What was your most defining moment / biggest growth opportunity during the year?
It is difficult to pinpoint a single defining moment as I believe all the experiences throughout the graduate program constantly challenged me and provided opportunities to grow and develop. One growth area that stands out to me would be overcoming my hesitancy to speak up and lead meetings. Through the many opportunities each rotation provided me, I was able to develop and build my confidence to a point where I am now comfortable with taking the lead in meetings with major stakeholders and being able to effectively communicate with them.
As a graduate, what does a typical ‘day in the life’ look like?
Generally, I would start the day by checking my inbox and actioning any immediate tasks. Then I would assess my priorities for the day against my weekly ‘to-do’ list. After having a clear picture of what my day will look like, I would head to a nearby café to buy a cup of coffee. Every day is different, especially as a graduate rotating through various business areas. In one of my casework rotations, daily tasks included analysing and applying legislation, liaising with stakeholders and writing briefs. I could also be attending branch meetings or events hosted by one of the many departmental diversity networks.
What advice would you give to a future Attorney-General's Department graduate?
Don’t be afraid to try new things, whether it’s through a rotation in a different area to your interests, or taking part in one of the employee diversity networks. The graduate year is definitely the perfect time to fully immerse yourself into the department’s culture and be involved!
Fiona
What did you study and why did you choose us for your graduate year?
I studied a Bachelor of Development Studies and Bachelor of Arts at ANU.
I chose the Attorney-General’s Department because it met my desire to work with diverse communities to help improve lives and engage in human rights, Royal Commissions, modern slavery and human trafficking, Pacific law and justice, and law reform regarding the high incarceration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders.
What helped me decide was looking at the department’s organisational structure, website and the administrative arrangements orders.
What was your most defining moment / biggest growth opportunity during the year?
My biggest growth opportunity was during my second rotation where I balanced competing priorities to:
- co-lead the departments engagement with STEPtember, raising over $30,000
- support the creation and launch of Justice Reinvestment programs
- support the delivery of the National Modern Slavery Conference in Melbourne.
Looking back, I now have a sense of achievement for the work I accomplished in this period, especially considering the referendum for an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice to Parliament was in full swing. I am grateful that I was supported by my team to continue to prioritise my wellbeing and health during this period.
As a graduate, what does a typical ‘day in the life’ look like?
The reality is there isn’t a typical ‘day in the life’. As a grad there are ebbs and flows in your workload and each rotation offers you a new routine. One day you are in back-to-back meetings, the next you are running to Parliament House to hold an event or witness your bill pass.
The one constant throughout the year is the ability to find a grad who is keen on a morning coffee, a walk, Friday drinks, or lunch in the park.
What advice would you give to a future Attorney-General's Department graduate?
Remember to keep an open mind about rotations. You might not get your first preference but that line area could become the one you want to work in long term.
Remember it is okay to advocate for yourself and other graduates and to call out inequities, behaviour and confusing processes, etc. Integrity and accountability are core to AGD’s culture.
Remember that ups and downs are normal, but being a grad provides a network of support as you have 30 plus people who you can lean on.
Remember that grads before you are likely willing to have a coffee, support and/or guide you. So, reach out!
Luke
What did you study and why did you choose us for your graduate year?
I studied a Master in Human Resource Management before beginning the program. When considering places I'd like to find myself, I was interested in places that made substantial and profound impact on the lives of Australians. The Attorney-General's Department is one such place, dedicated entirely to delivering programs and policies to maintain and improve Australia's law and justice framework.
What was your most defining moment / biggest growth opportunity during the year?
I was permitted the opportunity to be part of Australian Public Service (APS) Enterprise Bargaining process for 2023-24, assisting with agency-level negotiations between the relevant bargaining parties. Industrial relations are fundamentally important to ensuring that every person working is treated with respect and dignity, for this reason I was honoured to be a part of the process.
As a graduate, what does a typical ‘day in the life’ look like?
The first thing on my agenda is to discuss the days tasks with my team. In the event that a team huddle is not occurring, I will usually ask my supervisor what is on the agenda. This did not come naturally; it was a routine developed in my first rotation within the Work Health, Safety & Wellbeing Team.
Following this I will turn to my to-do list (an essential instrument for any public servant to have in their utility belt), to update with the mornings tasks or begin chipping away at what might be on there. The remainder of the day could be filled with anything from section/branch meetings to discussions that progress work tasks.
What advice would you give to a future Attorney-General's Department graduate?
Don't pass up an opportunity if it presents itself to you – if it is presented to you then there’s probably a reason. Further to this, try to remember, the more you do something the easier it gets – whether that be public speaking or complex work tasks. And lastly, know what you want out of yourself and out of the program – be confident in navigating your new career.
Maddie
What did you study and why did you choose us for your graduate year?
I studied a Bachelor of Laws and a Bachelor of Arts (International Relations) at Macquarie University in Sydney. I chose the Attorney-General’s Department for my graduate year for the opportunity to gain experience in an organisation which operates at the intersection of public policy and the law. I was impressed by the range of work completing by the department, and by the opportunities it offered to new graduates.
What was your most defining moment / biggest growth opportunity during the year?
The biggest challenge I faced in my graduate year was balancing a new, full-time job, with moving to a new city and continuing part time study. It was stressful at times, but thanks to the great social network around me, it was manageable.
My biggest achievement of my graduate year was completing my practical legal training, and being admitted as a solicitor to the Supreme Court of ACT. It was really special to be admitted with my friends and colleagues, and to have my admission moved by my work supervisor.
As a graduate, what does a typical ‘day in the life’ look like?
I start each day with a cup of coffee, which I drink while tackling my inbox and organising my priorities for the day. After that, I read through any media clippings related to the area in which I am working. Then I get stuck into my work. Every day is a little different – my days often involve meetings, legal research, writing, reviewing documents and assisting my team members with high priority tasks. At times, it involves organising events with the graduate fundraising committee.
What advice would you give to a future Attorney-General's Department graduate?
I would advise future graduates to be open-minded, to embrace new learning opportunities, and to create social networks both within and outside of work.