 | This article is sponsored by NSW Government |
By George Raptis
My name’s George Raptis and I’m in the primary stream of the NSW Government Graduate Program. I’m currently working at the Department of Education. I was motivated to work in the public service to better understand how government works and, in doing so, hopefully make a difference in my community.
During my arts and law degree, I studied a range of social and environmental issues that confirmed my love for research and my commitment to social justice. It’s important to me that I work for an organisation whose values closely align with my own, and the public service prides itself on leading with integrity and valuing diversity.
Also, for someone who wasn’t certain about the kinds of work I wanted to do directly out of university, NSW Government seemed like an ideal place considering the many kinds of work it offers – from policy to project management to communications – and the opportunity it offers to connect with people who have different levels of expertise.
Since I started the Program, I’ve been able to use my research skills to advance school excellence and make meaningful connections with both community members and other professionals in government.
My mentorship experience during the Program
The different kinds of mentorship I have received as part of the NSW Government Graduate Program have far exceeded my expectations.
Beyond my manager who leads my immediate team and provides ongoing guidance, I have an executive sponsor who provides me with invaluable insights into the kinds of work involved in executive leadership. I also have informal catch ups with my mentor, who has helped me grow confident in the professional setting by giving his advice on work and life. I also have access to the Early Careers Team who answer any questions I have about the Program and conduct regular check ins with all the graduates.
Another perk of the NSW Government Graduate Program is getting to know the other graduates. Working alongside a cohort who share similar experiences to me has made my transition to full-time work easier and more exciting, particularly when us graduates from different departments meet for the learning components of the Program.
Having a broad network of colleagues and support people has made me much more aware of the different opportunities in NSW Government and allowed me to connect with people from all walks of life.
Apply now for the NSW Government Graduate Program. Applications Close 11:59pm, 14 August 2024.