In January 2010 I started work at the AIHW after the completion of a Bachelor of Science (Psychology) (Honours) degree at ANU. Like many graduates, I applied for a number of graduate programs at different government departments. The AIHW program appealed to me the most though, and I subsequently accepted an offer to start in the Indigenous Determinants and Outcomes Unit.
Initially I was somewhat unsure about what life in the public service would be like, whether my analytical skills would be up to scratch at Australia's national agency for health and welfare statistics and information, and how I would go working in the area of Indigenous statistics when I had little formal training in this area. As it turns out, I need not have worried too much. I found the pay and conditions to be excellent (competitive starting salary, flexible working hours, annual leave, personal leave and flex time all offered) and AIHW staff to be friendly and supportive. My university training prepared me well for the analysis I would be doing (descriptive statistics mostly, though the opportunity for other challenges always exists) and where I needed to extend my skills the Institute offered numerous learning and development opportunities. Additionally, I soon felt comfortable working in the domain of Indigenous statistics. My team helped enormously here, integrating me into the project work and always giving me the opportunity to ask questions, learn, and express my views on an issue.
Overall, working at the institute has been rewarding and valuable experience. I've enjoyed being part of a team that contributes high quality data to inform the Government and the public on the state of Australia's health and welfare. Being able to make this contribution whilst working in an organisation that values the work-life balance makes it all the better.
Tim Howle