Hear from former graduates

Yas (2025 graduate, generalist pathway)

I applied for DSS because I’ve always been passionate about helping Australians, and my own lived experience has strongly shaped that commitment. With a background in mental health casework, I was used to supporting people one on one.

Throughout the Graduate Development Program, I’ve learned how those individual stories connect to broader systemic issues, and I’ve gained insight into how federal policy and programs are implemented, evaluated and reformed. The program has strengthened my thinking, reasoning and writing skills, and given me many opportunities to apply these learnings in real workplace settings. 

As someone with lived experience, it’s been incredibly rewarding to work on complex social issues from a macro perspective and develop a deeper understanding of Australia’s governing systems. I’ve also had the opportunity to become an accredited Mental Health First Aid Officer, complementing my existing skills and allowing me to support colleagues in a meaningful way.

Along the way, I’ve met wonderful people and found a large, supportive community within my graduate cohort. Moving from Brisbane was a big step, but the program and my fellow grads have helped me settle in and I now consider Canberra home.

Michael (2024 graduate, data specialist pathway)

I come from a Maths background and during my studies, I never really expected to work in the social services space. Maths and Social Sciences felt like 2 completely different worlds. But when I joined the graduate program, I found that there is a wide range of work areas in the department where I can apply my skills to help improve the social and economic wellbeing of people all around the country.

The culture at DSS is easy-going and so supportive. Many of the staff are former graduates, so they know what it's like to do the program and they’re quick to provide guidance when needed.

In the graduate program itself, you’re among dozens of people on the same journey and this leads to close connections. I’ve made genuine friendships and I still keep in touch with others who have since gone on to pursue opportunities elsewhere.

Deepika (2025 graduate, finance specialist pathway)

As I approached the end of my university studies, I knew I wanted to begin my career in a place where I could create meaningful social impact. The Department of Social Services’ mission to improve the wellbeing of individuals and families in Australia deeply resonated with my values, making the DSS Graduate Program a natural choice for me. 

As a Graduate in the Finance Group, I gained valuable insight into intersection of public policy and financial stewardship by working across 3 diverse rotations which worked together in unison. Each rotation offered unique learning opportunities, where I was supported by teams that promoted a culture of encouragement, whilst ensuring to provide an enriching experience. My rotations not only expanded my technical capabilities but also helped build my confidence and self-belief when embracing uncertainty and complexity. The program’s professional development opportunities through the mentoring program and the strategic policy project provided me with invaluable guidance and practical experience to navigate my strengths and refine my skillset.

My relocation to Canberra was both exciting and transformative. My highlight of the Graduate Program was the opportunity to explore a new city and find my community with whom I was able to create lasting friendships and memories! Looking back, I’m deeply grateful for the program, as it was instrumental in shaping my professional career by expanding my knowledge on public policy and finance, whilst helping me grow as an individual. I am incredibly grateful for these experiences, the people and the learning which was made possible through the Graduate Program.

Tim (2024 graduate, economist pathway)

I’d recommend the Department of Social Services Economist Graduate Program to anyone studying economics and interested in helping Australia’s most vulnerable improve their social and economic wellbeing. Being a graduate in the department is both exciting and challenging, with work in both of my rotations having a clear impact on the lives of Australians. 

A highlight of my time as a graduate was working towards a social housing and homelessness funding agreement, as I got to spend a day at Parliament listening to federal and state housing ministers discuss the costing framework I had worked towards. This experience was both exciting and rewarding, as I could see that my work had a real-world impact.

My second rotation was in the Economic Analysis Unit, which allowed me to gain valuable experience providing policy and economic advice on Australia’s transfer system, poverty, inequality, and the labour market.

More generally, the department is very supportive of graduates. Relocation assistance made my move from Perth to Canberra simple. Reflecting on my time at DSS, I’ve been fortunate enough to gain experience working for the Australian Public Service, but have also established a network of life-long friends from across the country.

Lily (2025 graduate, generalist pathway)

I applied for the Graduate Development Program at DSS because I am passionate about social policy and felt a strong alignment with the Department’s values. During the program I worked in the Families and Communities and Social Security streams and was exposed to a wide range of work, learning about the many ways the department impacts the lives of Australians. 

I completed my first rotation in the Family Safety Group, working on the implementation of the National Plan to End Violence against Women and Children. I was excited to be placed in this area as it aligned with my interests and my academic background, and I returned at the end of the program. In this rotation I was able to contribute to high priority projects, with the support of my supervisors and my team allowing me to feel confident in my work as I navigated my first APS role. 

My second rotation was in Disability Employment, supporting the transition to the new Inclusive Employment Australia program. In this rotation I had the opportunity to represent the Department at the Canberra Disability Expo, which was a really rewarding experience and a highlight of my year. In this placement I was able to gain a greater understanding of the social security system, and I had the chance to gain new skills and knowledge beyond my previous experience. 

Throughout the year I was able to step outside my comfort zone and grow both personally and professionally. I have made great connections through the program and across the wider Department that I know will last well beyond the graduate year. 

I really appreciated the learning and development opportunities that we were provided through the program. I particularly enjoyed working with my fellow graduates on our Strategic Policy Projects and attending Whole of APS Graduate events throughout the year. There are so many opportunities and experiences unique to the graduate year, and I am grateful that I was able to begin my APS career through this program.