Read what some of the recent participants from the WA Health Graduate Development Program have to say about how it prepared them for starting work with the Department on an ongoing basis.
Andrea Powell
Why I joined the program
After studying I was seeking a career which would give me the opportunity to apply the skills I had gained at university to real world problems that would have a substantive impact on people’s lives. The Graduate Development Program (GDP) at WA Health was a perfect first step as the Workforce Data Analysis stream provides the opportunity to apply and expand my data analysis skills while working on problems which will help WA Health deliver health services to all Western Australians.
Why I chose to work at WA Health
I chose to work for WA Health because of the enormous potential they have to improve the lives of all Western Australians by providing quality health care, which has given me the opportunity to have work that is both intellectually challenging and meaningful. Additionally, WA Health promotes a healthy work-life balance and is committed to providing their staff with development opportunities and a range of experiences in the workplace.
The best aspects of the program
The GDP provides an enormous amount of support in transitioning from university study to the workplace. The program coordinators are friendly and always willing to help, as are the program mentors. The GDP includes a range of professional development opportunities including a series of fantastic workshops covering leadership and management skills that can be used to complete a Diploma of Management.
My degree / qualifications
I completed a Bachelor of Science (Biomedical Science, Mathematics and Statistics) followed by Honours in Mathematics and Statistics at Murdoch University.
Annabelle Nankoo
Why I joined the program
After my graduation, I really couldn’t wait to use my degree and apply the skills that I had acquired at university in real life situations to achieve something meaningful. My preference was always to start working in the public sector after my graduation. Since this program is for Graduates, it was the perfect opportunity for me to make the transition between my university studies to a career in health.
This program is known to really nurture Graduates’ talents by offering interesting work in a very supportive work environment, within a diverse and dynamic workplace culture. Moreover, WA Health places much emphasis on staff maintaining a work/life balance and this is something that I personally value. To me, there was no reason to not join this great program!
Why I chose to work at WA Health
WA Health was an ideal place to start my long-term career ambition of working in the health sector, in the area of psychology, and to be a leader in my field. I have a sincere desire to reach out to those in need and to have a positive impact on people’s wellbeing.
Working at WA Health brings me several steps closer to achieving my ambitions, by presenting me with the opportunity to learn about the system, to liaise with others and to also understand the processes, the politics, the challenges and the complexities within WA Health. The diverse range of career pathways within WA Health was certainly also very appealing to me.
The best aspects of the program
The Graduate Development Program (GDP) offers the opportunity to partake in a professional development program, consisting of workshops around leadership and project management skills. At the end of the year, after amassing and documenting the relevant evidence, Graduates are awarded a Diploma of Management. This will be an asset to my career into the future. The workshops have been a highlight of the GDP as they incorporate a range of interesting activities, thought provoking sessions and equip us with skills that are highly relevant to our work and to the rest of our career.
In addition, the program is dedicated to the Graduates’ development and has in place a great system of support including, but not limited to, a buddy and a mentor for each individual. This is one of the best aspects of the program as they not only offer great support but also great networking opportunities!
My degree / qualifications
I was awarded a Bachelor of Psychology (Honours) from Curtin University.
Jessica Bell
Why I joined the program
I was drawn to the Graduate Development Program (GDP) because of its dedication to supporting young Graduates and helping them to develop as emerging health leaders. I believed the GDP would be the perfect introduction to the public health system and act as a base from which to develop networks and the beginning of a career in health. I also believed the program would be an excellent support system as I began the transition from student to full-time worker for the first time.
Why I chose to work at WA Health
I have always been interested in the health of Western Australians including that beyond the scope of my chosen profession in Psychology. As I came toward the end of my degree, I wanted to expand my knowledge and understanding of the public health system in WA and how I could contribute to the system through my interest in data and research.
The best aspects of the program
One of the many great aspects of the program has been the level of support provided. The program coordinators are so friendly, encouraging, reassuring, ready and willing to help and are truly invested in the development of graduates both as individuals and as part of the health community. It has been great to have a mentor and buddy who have each provided unique support and learning opportunities.
My degree / qualifications
In 2012, I completed a Bachelor of Psychology (Honours) from Curtin University.
Lucy Chan
Why I joined the program
Coming from a multidisciplinary background with an interest in research and data analysis, I was not only eager to join a program that would value the unique knowledge and skills I had to offer, but one that would also allow me the opportunity to grow and develop new skills in a practical context. The Workforce Data Analysis stream of the Graduate Development Program (GDP) was therefore an ideal starting point for me as a Graduate fresh out of university.
Why I chose to work at WA Health
Towards the end of my studies I knew I wanted to become involved in a field that contributed to the improvement of the Western Australian community’s health and welfare. WA Health was an appealing choice for me since it promotes a work–life balance with flexible working hours, and the GDP strives to provide a supportive environment with its offer of buddies and mentors.
The best aspects of the program
Having a buddy and mentor to offer guidance and advice has been a real asset of the program. It has helped to ease my transition from being a full-time student to a full-time employee. The myriad of professional development programs scheduled throughout the year are invaluable growth and learning opportunities that I otherwise might not have been able to experience, had I chosen to work elsewhere.
My degree qualifications
At Curtin University I studied a double degree in Psychology and Economics, graduating with a Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Commerce respectively. I then went on to complete a Bachelor of Psychology (Honours).
Produced by
Graduate Development Program