Happy holidays! Join us in this special Year in Review episode as we wrap up Season 2 with our host, Callum Irving. As 2023 draws to a close, we reflect on a year brimming with insightful podcast episodes and social media content, all designed to support and inspire graduates and junior staff in the Australian Public Service (APS).

This special episode is a collection of the year's highlights, showcasing engaging stories, key insights, and practical advice from throughout the year. During Season 2, Callum has interviewed current and former APS graduates, staff from various regions within and outside Canberra, and numerous experts and professionals, each contributing their unique perspectives.

So, grab a comfortable seat and tune in as Callum revisits the best moments of 2023 on Gradcast!

Gradcast is produced by contentgroup and sponsored by the Commonwealth Superannuation Corporation (CSC).

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What is the mission of APS Academy and what does it offer for APS grads? What should APS grads know about the APS Craft? What is the Australian Government Graduate Development Program?

On the 10th of October 2023, Gradcast hosted its first live podcast event, where we invited current and aspiring Australian Public Service graduates and junior staff to experience the recording firsthand and participate in a live Q&A session. The live podcast featured a special guest, Kristin Boag, Director of Leadership and Graduate Development, APS Academy, APS Commission.

This is part 2 of our host Callum Irving’s conversation with Kristin which focused on insights and practical advice for those seeking to upskill while working in the Australian Public Service. We hear from Kristin about the APS Academy, APS Craft and the Australian Government Graduate Development Program.

The episode begins with interviews with our event attendees, who share their experiences working in the Australian Public Service and offer advice for someone considering working in the APS.

Join us as we hear more of the Q&A session where our event attendees ask Kristin their questions about what is ahead for the future of the APS.

Show notes:

1.  APS Academy | About Us
2.  APS Academy | 2024 APS Graduate development opportunities
3.  APS Academy | APS Craft Wheel
4.  Writing for busy readers: Communicate more effectively in the real world
5.  LinkedIn | Kristin Boag

Gradcast is produced by contentgroup and sponsored by the Commonwealth Superannuation Corporation (CSC).

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What qualities are employers in the APS seeking in graduates and junior staff? What skills can we expect to be in high demand in the next 5 years? What is the APS reform agenda? How might artificial intelligence (A.I.) impact the way we work in the APS?

On the 10th of October 2023, Gradcast hosted its first live podcast event, where we invited current and aspiring Australian Public Service graduates and junior staff to experience the recording firsthand and participate in a live Q&A session. The live podcast featured a special guest, Kristin Boag, Director of Leadership and Graduate Development, APS Academy, APS Commission.

This is Part 1 of our host, Callum Irving’s, conversation with Kristin, where they discussed her journey from being an APS graduate to her current position at the APS Academy, and delved into key topics concerning the future of the APS. These topics include in-demand skills, the APS reform agenda, and the role of artificial intelligence (AI).

Tune in to also hear a Q&A segment where our event attendees posed their questions to Kristin about what's ahead for the future of the APS.

Show notes:

1. APS Academy | About Us
2. APS Academy | 2024 APS Graduate development opportunities
3. APS Reform | Outcomes and Initiatives
4. DTA | Adoption of Artificial Intelligence in the APS
5. Work with Purpose | EP#84: How is Australia’s public sector using generative AI?
6. LinkedIn | Kristin Boag

Gradcast is produced by contentgroup and sponsored by the Commonwealth Superannuation Corporation (CSC).

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Are you curious about what neurodiversity means and why it's becoming a significant topic in workplaces? Do you want to know how the Australian Public Service (APS) is creating an inclusive environment for people with neurodivergent conditions like autism, ADHD, and dyslexia?

In this episode, we are joined by Robin Edmonds, the Assistant Director of the Media Reform Branch at the Department of Infrastructure and Co-founder of the Public Sector Neurodiversity Community of Practice, and David Smith, an Autism and Neurodiversity employment specialist and advocate who runs 'Employ for Ability.'

Listen as Robin and David discuss what neurodiversity is, the initiatives the APS is undertaking for inclusivity for neurodivergent individuals, and organisations and services available to assist people with neurodivergence in entering or sustaining employment in the APS. Additionally, don't miss Robin's rundown of various software and tools that can help neurodivergent individuals in the workplace.

Whether you're a current APS grad, a potential recruit, or an employer looking to diversify your workforce, this episode will provide you with valuable insights.

Links:

1. David Smith | LinkedIn
2. Robin Edmonds | LinkedIn
3. Public Sector Neurodiversity Community of Practice
4. Employ for Ability

Gradcast is produced by contentgroup and sponsored by the Commonwealth Superannuation Corporation (CSC).

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

From application to interview, the APS graduate program selection process is extensive, and it can be quite overwhelming. What should you say during the interview? How can you prepare? And, most crucially, how do you stand out?

In today's episode, we're taking a step back in time. We're revisiting a memorable segment from last year that provided our listeners with valuable tips on how to excel in job interviews, with a special focus on those designed for APS graduate programs.

During our first segment, we'll hear Season 1 co-host Krishna Shukla's discussion with Lisa Tozer, also known as 'The Interview Coach'. Lisa shares invaluable tips for interview preparation, weaving in her own experiences and observations. She also delves deep into the reasons why behavioural questions have become such a prevalent and significant part of modern interview techniques.

But that's not all. To provide a tangible and relatable perspective on the APS Graduate program interview experience, we've invited two guests who've walked that path. We are joined by Nidhi Yogi, a former Policy and Corporate Graduate from the Department of Defence, and Caitlin Sandercock, who was at the time serving as a Grants Officer at the Department of Industry, Science, Energy, and Resources. They will share their journeys, the challenges they faced, and the strategies they employed to secure their positions.

Gradcast is produced by contentgroup and sponsored by the Commonwealth Superannuation Corporation (CSC).

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Understanding risk and fraud is a critical part of working as a graduate in agencies that handle customers’ private information. Fraudsters can employ scams targeting both customers and agency personnel through various tactics such as cunning emails to deceptive phone calls and text messages.

In this episode of Gradcast, hosted by former Commonwealth Superannuation Corporation (CSC) graduate Callum Irving, Myo Myat Htin Aung, a current graduate at the CSC shares insights from his rotation in the CSC Risk team, shedding light on the critical role risk and fraud awareness play in agencies handling customers’ private information.

Listen as Myo delves into key concepts he learned during his rotation, such as the three lines of defence model and the fraud triangle. He also discusses recent high-profile data breaches such as Medibank and Optus breaches that broke the news in recent years, and how they impacted CSC’s understanding of fraud and risk. Stay tuned as Myo reveals the red flags that professionals in similar positions should be vigilant about and highlights the various measures CSC has implemented to protect itself against fraud and risk.

Tune in now to equip yourself with essential knowledge and insights to stay ahead in the constant battle against fraudsters.

Gradcast is produced by contentgroup and sponsored by the Commonwealth Superannuation Corporation (CSC).

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Although Canberra serves as the vibrant heart of the Australian public service (APS), a number of government agencies are based in regions beyond this central hub.

In this episode, we delve into the unique experiences of those working within the APS in these regional areas. Join us as we engage with three guests from the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA), based in Armidale, NSW. They will shed light on their journey through the APVMA's graduate program, and their subsequent roles within the agency.

In our first segment, you will hear insights from Merinda Purcell, Risk Manager at Permits, APVMA, and Erin Boatswain, an Assistant Director (a/g) at Chemical Reviews, APVMA. Tune in to their stories, as they recount the journey from the dynamic urban life in Canberra and Sydney to the tranquil confines of Armidale.

Our second segment features Natalie Gosper, Manager at the Adverse Experience Reporting Program, APVMA, who shares her stories, highlighting the transition from the smaller town of Parkes, NSW, to Armidale.

Listen to Merinda, Erin, and Natalie as they talk about their respective roles at the APVMA, their experiences before and after relocating, motivations for joining APVMA, and experiences in the graduate program. They also offer perspectives on the decentralisation of the APS and its potential implications for the future of the public service.

Gradcast is produced by contentgroup and sponsored by the Commonwealth Superannuation Corporation (CSC).

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this special edition of Gradcast, our host Callum Irving interviews one of Canberra’s favourite internet personalities ‘bri_jean198’ aka Brianna Williams.

Bri used to work as a recruitment admin in the Department of Infrastructure and Regional Development before she became a TikTok sensation with over 22K followers creating entertaining videos about Canberra and working in the APS. She is currently a real estate agent for LJ Hooker, where her job is to sell property in Canberra.

Their conversation covers a range of topics such as:

• How Bri became a TikTok sensation
• Advice for those applying for the APS graduate program
• Working in the APS as a neurodiverse person
• Advice for house hunting in Canberra
• '5 Voices' personalities in the workplace

Don't miss the rapid questions segment where Callum challenges Bri to answer as many questions as possible in 2 minutes!

Check out Bri's social channels here:

• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bri_jean198
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bri_jean198/

Gradcast is produced by contentgroup and sponsored by the Commonwealth Superannuation Corporation (CSC).

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The 2023 cohort of graduates in the Australian Public Service has now started their first rotation.

In this episode, we hear stories about what happens after you accept your graduate program offer and the start of your journey as an APS graduate. Our guest for this episode is Tom Dobrochodow, who is Callum's fellow Commonwealth Superannuation Corporation (CSC) alumni and work bestie. Both Tom and Callum have experienced starting an APS graduate program firsthand when they began theirs at CSC at the start of 2022.

Tom’s start to the grad program was full of surprises. He had to move from Melbourne to Canberra just four days before the program's start and was then told to work from home due to the pandemic restrictions. Despite the challenges, Tom has persevered and is now working in the Relationship Management department at CSC.

You will also hear from a couple of new graduates from CSC who share their experiences and discuss the resources that helped them when applying for the graduate program.

Stick around till the end of the episode for a new segment on Gradcast – Fun Facts about the Australian Public Service (FFATAPS). You will hear facts like: what were the original departments of the APS when it was established?, and what percentage of the APS workforce are graduates? Listen now to find out!

Gradcast is produced by contentgroup and sponsored by the Commonwealth Superannuation Corporation (CSC).

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Are you starting your APS Graduate program this year, or have you just completed it?

Gradcast is the perfect resource for you to make the most out of your experience. Our podcast features tips, advice and real-life stories to help you navigate the APS Graduate Program and beyond.

As part of the grad experience, the year after your grad program is just as important. Host Callum Irving, who has just completed his own grad year, will share his experiences, and provide relatable insights for those who have recently completed their program.

In this episode, Callum will introduce you to Gradcast and how it can benefit you. We'll then start our conversations with graduates, employers, and senior professionals in the Australian Public Service from our next episode.

In addition to revisiting important topics such as APS Graduate Program applications, interview preparation, and engaging with your managers, Season 2 will cover new topics that are relevant to the everyday life of an APS graduate and feature exciting new guests AND guest hosts.

Season 2 will be more than just a podcast. We've recently launched our TikTok page where we post humorous skits, behind-the-scenes, key insights, and more. You can stay updated with the latest from Gradcast on our Instagram page and find additional resources on our LinkedIn page that are essential for your pre-grad, grad, or post-grad year.

Let Gradcast guide you through your journey in the world of the Australian Public Service with our expert tips, advice, and real-life stories.

Gradcast is produced by contentgroup and sponsored by the Commonwealth Superannuation Corporation (CSC).

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.