Cara
Home State
Australian Capital Territory
University
Australian National University
Qualifications
Bachelor of Philosophy (Honours)
Background
I applied for the DEWHA graduate program during my final year at the Australian National University. At uni, I studied English, History and Political Science and was an editor of the student-run creative writing journal. I applied for the DEWHA grad program because I was interested in the diverse range of subject matter and opportunities available within the department, particularly following the incorporation of Arts into the portfolio.
Placements
First Placement
Literature and Lending Rights, Culture Division
My first placement was a good fit, having just graduated with English Honours from ANU. I was involved in a broad range of work in the section but was particularly focussed on the Prime Minister's Literary Awards. I also helped with the Lending Rights scheme, a program that makes payments to eligible creators and publishers whose works are held in libraries. Working on the Awards, I gained experience handling public enquiries about the Awards, drafting correspondence and briefs, and providing secretariat support to the judging panels.
Second Placement
During my second placement, I worked in the National Portrait Gallery. I enjoyed the opportunity to work in such a different area of the department: a national cultural institution in an amazing building and location. During my rotation at the Portrait Gallery, I developed their Tourism Awards submission, which involved researching the Gallery as well as the writing and editing process.
Third Placement
For my final placement, I decided to try an area outside Arts and so I worked in the Policy Analysis and Advice section of Marine Division. The rotation was focussed on the department's response to the Beale Review of Australia's biosecurity system, though I was also involved in the broader work of the section. In this rotation, I gained insight into high-level, whole of Government processes. This rotation also gave me experience in preparing briefing materials and responding to ministerial correspondence.
Final Placement
For my final placement, I returned to the Literature and Lending Rights section to work on the 2010 Prime Minister's Literary Awards.
'the best thing about working for us ... is the environment'