As a university student, it is quite an ordeal thinking about where you want to end up in your professional career. Some degrees are far more streamlined, whereas others have flexibility with what career path you take. If you are confused or unsure about where you might want to end up, this is my advice to you.
I studied a Bachelor of Nursing from the University of Queensland. I loved this degree as I got a wide range of clinical experience while dipping my toes into public health policy. Now I know you may be sitting there thinking ‘How did she go from a Nursing degree to public policy at PM&C?’ - That is a great question, let me tell you.
PM&C is an incredible place to work. Studied maritime science? Fantastic. Studied economics and law? Also fantastic. PM&C is trying to find the most versatile graduates, graduates that can provide new insight into policy due to their unique experiences. They want to know if you can transfer the skills learnt from your degree into practical work. I have used most, if not all, of my soft skills from my Nursing degree. Critical thinking, compassion, diligence, are all skills I have applied to my roles within the Department. Basically, if you don’t think your degree is relevant – it is.
It is okay to be unsure of what you want to do. It is okay to study nursing, or law or even journalism and think ‘Heck I’m really unsure if this is exactly what I want to do’. There are so many paths you can choose, and PM&C truly provides for all backgrounds. I have been able to work on the COVID-19 vaccine rollout, national security policy and in HR. I am still unsure where I will finally land in the Department, but that’s the beauty of it – I am free to choose and I know that my skills will be transferrable and recognised wherever I go.
PM&C is looking to hire you for who you are. If you can write, well that certainly will help, but there is nothing that PM&C expects from you prior to joining the graduate program. And there will be so much that you can bring to the Department – it’s a win-win for all. Don’t try to sell yourself for something you’re not. The best thing you can be is you, and sing it to your assessors.
This is the sign you’ve been waiting for. I am screaming at you telling you to apply even if you think you don’t fit the ‘criteria’ because I can guarantee the criteria that you think PM&C is looking for is so not it. If you are diligent, hardworking, are willing to give something new ago, then PM&C is for you.