What graduates say
- Will Campbell, Valuer, State Valuation Service: Graduate Program 2010
- Kate Cranney, Graduate Policy Officer: Graduate Program 2011
- William Inonda, Graduate Policy Officer, Environment Regulation: Graduate Program 2009
- Miguel Wu, Senior Engineer, Office of the Water Supply Regulator: Graduate Program 2006
Will Campbell, Valuer, State Valuation Service: Graduate Program 2010
In early 2010, I was given the opportunity to participate in the DERM graduate program. I immediately jumped at the chance to be included in a program that would enhance both my professional career and personal development. The program was structured in short blocks over the course of the year to maximise learning outcomes and provided a chance to complete a beneficial project for our workplace.
A major benefit of the program was my individual development, with benefits extending to all facets of life, not just my career. It provided an opportunity to practice and develop these skills with a range of different graduates around the state who all worked in different areas of DERM.
Working for DERM has allowed me to develop a range of generic skills in the property discipline with a focus on flexibility and support throughout my immediate work area and incorporating the entire management staff of the department. Another key factor in my decision to work at DERM was the amount of resources that were available to me at a local and regional level. I found all my supervisors and managers were focused on increasing my skill sets and accuracy of my duties in the graduate year to lay the foundations for a more well-rounded employee at the end of the program. At any time during my course all members of my work group have given me ample support and guidance on my projects and day-to-day work tasks.
The graduate program has seen me travel to some amazing places around Queensland. Having a particular affinity with the countryside, working for DERM has enabled me to have a career I take great pleasure from. It has seen me cover over 1500 square kilometres of Queensland to complete valuations inspections from rural, remote areas to the heart of cities. I have had the opportunity to gain valuable practical experience in the field working with professional valuers with over 150 years of combined knowledge and experience.
I believe the graduate program is extremely beneficial and would assist in the development of any person wishing to work for DERM. I would highly recommend this program to any person of eligibility and encourage them to make the most of what DERM has to offer.
Kate Cranney, Graduate Policy Officer: Graduate Program 2011
I was a fresh-faced second year student when I chanced upon, and was fortunate enough to receive, a scholarship position with DERM. I worked as a scholarship holder in Water Allocation and Planning from 2008 until early 2011, when I completed my Bachelor of Laws/ Bachelor of Science (Environment) degree. During this time, I worked a day a week during semester and 8 weeks full-time over the holidays.
I would recommend DERM’s scholarship program in a heartbeat. The benefits are invaluable. I learnt how environmental and administrative law works in practice, gained a greater understanding of the policy cycle, drew upon the expertise of my colleagues and the department’s library and was supported both academically and financially What’s more, scholarship holders are guaranteed a job with DERM upon the completion of their degree(s).
The areas I have had the opportunity to be involved in at DERM have been as diverse as they are interesting. I have been involved with the Queensland Flood Commission of Inquiry, coal seam gas, state-wide water resource and resource operations plan development. I have also been involved in Planning and Environment Court and Land Court appeals, water bore drilling and aquifer dewatering by mines, weaving through the water channels and pipelines in the Mareeba-Dimbula Irrigation Scheme west of Cairns, testing groundwater quality near the Iwasaki Wetlands of Yeppoon, talking with Traditional Owners from the Lake Eyre Basin and attending Queensland Environmental Law Association updates.
This year I have also been a part of the graduate program with 27 other friendly folk from around the state. The program has involved personal and professional development, social activities, Indigenous and cultural awareness, presentation skills, project management and negotiation/conflict resolution skills and career planning. It’s been enjoyable so far and I’m looking forward to what’s in store in the next block.
Be sure to keep track of scholarship positions and graduate jobs at DERM—it’s a diverse organisation with many opportunities for bright young things like yourself!
Allana Brown, Graduate Environmental Scientist
In the short time I have been a graduate here at DERM I have had the opportunity to work on some exciting projects and have gained valuable experience in the science and environmental policy arena.
Some of my major highlights so far have been completing a review of ecological corridors in South East Queensland, working with the Nature Refuges Branch to increase the amount of protected land in the state, various work in the field, and taking part in the clean-up operations for the Pacific Adventurer oil spill.
On the DERM Graduate Program, each of us is allocated a mentor—certainly one of its strong points. Having the guidance and support of someone who really cares about my personal and professional development is extremely rewarding. Additionally, there is a real sense of camaraderie between the graduates. The many training opportunities available to us were not only a great way to further our professional development, but also gave us the chance to catch up on a regular basis and share and learn from each others’ experiences.
The conservation of biodiversity and the policies that are created to protect our natural and cultural heritage are extremely important to me. I chose to work for DERM because I could see the potential to really make a difference and contribute to achieving a truly sustainable Queensland. The great work–life balance that a career in government presents is also an attractive feature of the job.
Looking back it has certainly been an exciting and rewarding year, and I’m looking forward to many more to come!
William Inonda, Graduate Policy Officer, Environment Regulation: Graduate Program 2009
William Inonda, Graduate Policy Officer, Environment Regulation
DERM is a unique and diverse organisation and its Graduate Development Program has provided me with a great kick start to my career. I joined the program after learning about the opportunities it offered for professional development. What attracted me most was the four-month rotation system which gave me an insight into career opportunities I had never considered before, and broadened my knowledge of how DERM works. This program has helped me recognise where I want to go, and what I want to do in my career.
The program offers networking and training opportunities rare in many organisations, and a mentor from senior management who provides support and guidance on how to excel in the organisation. The rotations are uniquely tailored to each graduate’s academic background, which I found very rewarding both personally and professionally.
I also found the DERM workplace culture very helpful. From early on graduates are involved in tasks and projects ensuring that they are able to begin learning about DERM’s business systems. Help is available from all staff, not just your assigned buddy, and they are all very friendly. Graduates are offered heaps of unique training and professional development opportunities. This sets you on the pathway to developing interpersonal, technical and strategic thinking skills that will be invaluable for the future.
The transition from University to full-time work can be very challenging, but DERM's flexible work arrangements have made this easier for me. As someone with commitments outside work, I value the flexibility to balance my life and work needs, which DERM offers.
I would recommend the DERM Graduate Development Program to any recent or soon-to-be graduate.
Miguel Wu, Senior Engineer, Office of the Water Supply Regulator: Graduate Program 2006
Miguel Wu, Senior Engineer, Office of the Water Supply Regulator
In 2006, I joined the Department of Environment and Resource Management in Brisbane as a graduate engineer. The graduate program has provided me a wide range of professional and personal development training such as time management, Indigenous cultural awareness, career management, and relationship management. I have also had the opportunity to meet graduates from different areas of the department. You never know when you will need help from people in other disciplines.
As a graduate engineer with the department, I have had opportunities to work in different areas within the Office of the Water Supply Regulator. I worked in Infrastructure Management where my main role was to assess and provide recommendations on infrastructure and asset management issues for water and sewerage to service providers, and inspect the completion of new or upgraded water and sewerage treatment plants.
I have also worked in dam safety where my main role was to review and assess dam failure impact assessment reports and undertake dam audits. I also have had the chance to use both one- and two-dimensional hydraulic models to determine the consequence of dam failures.
Ongoing professional and personal development and guidance from my supervisors have given me the opportunity to progress my career. Currently I am working as a senior engineer in Toowoomba. In this office, I enjoy working not only with my immediate colleagues of the Office of the Water Supply Regulator, but also with staff of the larger Regional Water Group. This gives me the opportunity to broaden my engineering skills and knowledge.
I really like my job and I would recommend graduates to apply for the graduate program and become part of the department.
Last updated 19 September 2011