AIHW graduates
Name: Alise
Team: Burden of Disease and Mortality Unit
Position: Project Officer / Data Analyst
When did you join the AIHW Graduate program?
I joined the AIHW Graduate program in November 2017.
What did you study at university?
Bachelor of Health Sciences (Hons).
What has your experience of the grad program been so far? Most interesting or fulfilling project you have worked on?
The AIHW graduate program has brought many eye-opening experiences to my professional life through endless training and work opportunities within and across different government departments and agencies.
During my graduate year, I was able to be part of a team working on the Australian Burden of Disease Study 2015, where I was able to apply research skills I gained at university and develop new analytical and project capabilities. I was also given opportunities to rotate around various units to get a taste of different work and projects within the institute.
The AIHW is awesome at creating a friendly and supportive working environment to ensure its graduates feel comfortable.
What are the best parts of working at the AIHW?
A highlight for me was the extensive training programs offered both internally and externally to graduates, the challenging responsibilities that I was given, as well as being part of a cooperative and approachable team, with the luxury of having an excellent supervisor and unit head.
Do you engage in any extra-curricular activities at the AIHW?
Another great thing about working at the AIHW has been my involvement in the Social Club and Ideas Working Group. Last year I took on the role of Secretariat and Events Coordinator. This has been a fantastic way to become an active and contributing member of the community, both the Institute and in the ACT, through organising a range of social events, fundraising for charities and being part of a committee that works towards improving the organisation.
What advice would you give to any future applicants or graduates?
It’s worth giving it a shot! With a positive attitude and an open mind, there will always be something you can get out of the AIHW graduate program.