Graduate Employment

Aaron - BCom (Ec) Curtin University

'From my very first day on the project it was made clear to me that my opinions and input were just as important as any other member of the team.'

I moved from Perth to begin working at the Commission in January 2010. The Commission gave me a lot of support during this time, which made the move very easy.

In my graduate year I worked on an inquiry into agricultural R&D. From my very first day on the project it was made clear to me that my opinions and input were just as important as any other member of the team.

Working on this inquiry gave me the opportunity to apply the microeconomic skills I began developing as a student. Importantly, the longer term deadline provided the opportunity to really drill down into the economic issues, helping to develop my ability to apply economic thinking and analysis to policy issues.

In addition to 'learning on the job', I was able to take part in some other training opportunities at the Commission that all staff are actively encouraged to pursue. The Commission also support staff wanting to go on to do postgraduate study, which I'm looking at doing in 2011.

Finally, and perhaps most importantly, the staff here at the Commission are all very friendly and supportive, making it a great place to work.

Vanessa - BCom (Hons) and BSc University of Melbourne

'If you are interested in economics and public policy, I would recommend the Productivity Commission as the place to begin your career.'

I joined the Productivity Commission in January 2010. In my first year at the Commission I have worked on two inquiries - Wheat Export Marketing Arrangements and Australia's Urban Water Sector. My current role involves partial equilibrium modelling of an urban water market. I have been given a high level of responsibility on this project and feel that my input is valued by my colleagues.

The graduate program offers a range of relevant and useful training courses, as well as excellent on the job training. I have gained many new skills that expand on the knowledge I acquired at university. In addition, the Commission is supportive of further study and development for all staff.

The people I have worked with at the Commission are helpful and friendly, and all levels of management are approachable and supportive.

If you are interested in economics and public policy, I would recommend the Productivity Commission as the place to begin your career.

Erin - BCom (Hons) University of Melbourne

'I have been treated as a valuable member of a team, and was given interesting work from the day I arrived'

I joined the Productivity Commission's Melbourne office in January 2009.

Since that time I have been working on a staff working paper on childhood obesity and preventative health. This project has given me the opportunity to utilise the skills I developed as a university student, and to further develop my research, writing and analytical skills.

The Commission provides graduates with many learning and development opportunities that I have enjoyed very much. As well as on-the-job training, there are training weeks that cover a range of topics such as writing and public speaking. The Commission also gives you the opportunity to get to know graduates and staff in the other office.

I have found the Productivity Commission to be a relaxed and friendly environment to work in, and I have worked with some very knowledgeable and supportive people. I have been treated as a valuable member of a team, and was given interesting work from the day I arrived.

Genesis - BEc (Hons) La Trobe University

'The Commission provides a great opportunity to work on topical projects. As a graduate you are given the chance to contribute in a substantial way'

I joined the Productivity Commission's Melbourne office at the beginning of 2009 and have spent the bulk of my time working on a commissioned study entitled: 'Market Mechanisms for Recovering Water in the Murray-Darling Basin'. The study examines the current policy of purchasing water from irrigators, for environmental purposes.

The Commission provides a great opportunity to work on topical projects. As a graduate you are given the opportunity to contribute in a substantial way. As well as writing chapters of the report, there was an opportunity to travel and visit stakeholders throughout the Basin. A highlight was a visit to the Barmah forest, where a Red Gum ecologist showed us around the forest and explained the role water plays in the area's ecosystem.

Work at the Commission further develops the research, writing and analytical skills attained at university and working alongside other economists is a great experience, which helps build your knowledge of economic theory.

The Commission also provides training for graduates on writing, public speaking and other aspects of work. Graduates and other staff are also encouraged to attend internal and external seminars, as well as undertaking additional external training or studies.

The work environment is both supportive and friendly. I found my supervisors, managers and other members of my team very approachable and willing to help or discuss any aspect of working life at the Commission.

Nick - BCom (Hons) Monash University

'...the diverse range of issues that the Commission explores, as well as the depth of analysis it undertakes, contribute to tremendous job satisfaction'

I joined the Productivity Commission's Melbourne office as a graduate in January 2009.

In my first year at the Commission, I worked on an inquiry into executive remuneration. During the nine months of the project, I met a range of interested parties - from groups representing shareholders, to chief executives of some of Australia's largest companies - and contributed to two chapters of our final report. I felt my input was genuinely welcomed - contributing ideas, providing analysis, and (ultimately) helping to shape our recommendations.

The Commission is an amazing place to work, and has exceeded any expectations I had as a student when contemplating a career in economics. The encouraging work environment here has allowed me to confidently apply my knowledge of economics from university. Moreover, that base of knowledge has been expanded as a result of both project specific research and general training opportunities. The nature of the Commission's work means that skills development is a continuous process here.

I have found that the diverse range of issues that the Commission explores, as well as the depth of analysis it undertakes, contribute to tremendous job satisfaction. It is an exciting place for those who want to understand 'how things work'. In addition, the people I've had the chance to work with have been fantastic - I couldn't ask for a better group of colleagues.

Candice - BCom (Hons) BA University of New South Wales

'The sharing of ideas among staff is regularly encouraged and graduates are seen as valuable members of the team'

I started working at the Commission in January 2009.

During my graduate year, I joined the Benchmarking Regulation team on a project which benchmarked indicators of regulatory burden associated with Occupational Health and Safety across the jurisdictions. The study involved attending stakeholder meetings and departmental briefings, as well as the writing and researching of report chapters.

Being involved in the process of producing a research report from start to finish was a great introduction to the Commission's work.

As my first foray into full time work, I was thankful that the Commission provided a supportive and friendly working environment. The sharing of ideas among staff is regularly encouraged and graduates are seen as valuable members of the team.

Another aspect of the Commission that I appreciate is that, unlike some other departments, the longer term deadlines allow for detailed consideration and assessment of the issues and perspectives within a project - ensuring the work being produced is of a high standard.

In addition to graduate training, professional development courses are offered to all staff, as well as the opportunity and financial assistance to pursue further post graduate studies. Regular internal seminars provide staff with the opportunity to be kept informed of their colleagues' work, and the Commission also attracts visiting researchers and international speakers who present seminars on a range of economic and policy issues.

Overall, I have thoroughly enjoyed my graduate year and look forward to contributing further to the quality and diversity of work that the Commission undertakes.