Shehara was a graduate project officer at NSW Department of Planning and Environment, working in Dubbo, in regional NSW. We interviewed Shehara when she commenced the Graduate Program.
What did you study and where?
I studied a Bachelor of Social Science (Psychology) at Western Sydney University.
What attracted you to the NSW Government Graduate Program?
Unlike typical entry-level jobs, this program doesn’t expect you to conform to pre-set job profiles. It provides you with a supportive network and environment that allows you to grow and realise your own potential. The Graduate Program also ranked 4th in the list of the top 100 graduate employers by the Australian Financial Review in 2019. But above all, this program valued my background and a discipline that I am passionate about.
What advice would you give a graduate thinking about applying for the program?
Go for it! It’s been an invaluable experience, to say the least, and it’s not every day that you get the opportunity to work for Australia’s largest employer and such a diverse workforce.
Tell us about your current role.
I’m a Graduate Officer at the Department of Planning, Industry and Environment, Regional NSW. I’m currently assisting with key aspects of the Regional NSW Investment Strategy and mapping mental health and drug and alcohol services for domestic violence perpetrators.
What’s your favourite part of your role?
Working regionally involves a lot of travel and I’ve experienced first-hand the diverse regions and communities that make up NSW beyond metropolitan areas. I’m often out of office with my team, meeting with councils, other departments and agencies and community groups. I’m passionate about working with communities and my team’s front-line engagement is the most exciting part of my role.
What value have you drawn from your mentor and sponsor relationships?
This opportunity has been about growing my professional network and my mentor and sponsor have both helped me tremendously to understand how the public sector works by exposing me to their line of work and expertise.
What’s the best professional advice you’ve been given that you’d like to share with others?
Ups and downs in your career are inevitable and for all those like me who have only just started, it is important that we celebrate even the smallest achievements along the way.
What’s the best thing about finishing full-time study?
The best thing about finishing full-time study is having the time now to focus on my personal development, wellbeing and career. In my spare time, I enjoy travelling and I am looking forward to all the travel I will be doing in time to come.