After completing a Bachelor of Science (Psychology) at the University of Canberra I wasn't exactly sure what kind of work I'd like to do as a starting point for my career, but I did know I wanted a job where I would be able to actual use and further develop the skills I learn at Uni. The AIHW offered an opportunity to do just that; specifically to utilise skills in research, writing, and statistics.
I was offered a position in the Indigenous Data Gaps unit within the Social and Indigenous group and promptly started work two weeks later. On my second day I attended the Australia's Welfare conference, a biennial event facilitated by the AIHW, which was an excellent introduction to the work done in my group and other parts of the Institute. Within my first six months of work I participated in over ten training courses including statistical package training (SAS), cultural awareness and a series of writing seminars. I also had the opportunity to travel to Melbourne for a three-day training course and to Brisbane for a two-day conference.
During my graduate year I've worked on various projects including the Closing the Gap Clearinghouse, Healthy for Life, and prepared a research paper on international methods of Indigenous identification in datasets. My role on projects has ranged from writing and preparing descriptive statistics and graphs, to secretariat support and stakeholder liaison.
If you're interested in applying for a Graduate position at the AIHW and want to have a chat to a current graduate, email me at kimberley.branson@aihw.gov.au.
Kim Branson