Policy Futures Graduate Program (Queensland Government) Reviews

The prospect for career advancement is real in this program. More than 85% of program participants go on to move into higher positions within the Government straight out of the program. A good portion of my current team are former Policy Futures graduates, and they hold positions ranging from a pay grade above my own into junior executive positions. It's not unusual to jump a pay grade or two straight out of the program. Most importantly you don't have to pull crazy hours for years on end to get a promotion.

I work for the public service, every aspect of our job is responsible to the public and must have the public's best interest at its core.

All of the people who work in our department are high performing and very dedicated to their work. In my team within the department everyone is very friendly and professional. There is a "on paper" hierarchy within our team, but it doesn't shape my interactions with my colleagues. It's equally okay for me to ask my Executive Director for advice as it is for me to ask a Policy Officer or my supervisor. My team don't really interact outside of work hours - we all have our own things on. But I do catch up for lunch or end of week drinks with my fellow grads across the department.

The Department is definitely a very diverse place, and there are a very high percentage of women in higher management positions. I would say promotion and maternity leave are workforce leading best practices, and something for the private sector to aspire to. I work with people from different ethnic and social backgrounds, and can genuinely say it is a safe and welcoming environment for all.

On any given day I could be exposed to a number of different issues or projects. Even as a grad I've been given the opportunity to be involved in a meaningful way, from drafting letters from the Premier to the Prime Minister, to preparing briefing materials for National Cabinet, and designing protocols for policy. It's great!

My supervisor and managers are very accessible, and are very approachable. They want me to succeed, and really strike a great balance between providing a healthy challenge and providing the resources to do my work. The feedback is regular, constructive, and positively given. The other thing is they understand you are a grad, and do really well to keep stress at the appropriate levels.

Good and well furnished, and easily accessible. Dress code is very flexible to fit what you are comfortable with but remaining professional.

The description on the Policy Futures website is pretty accurate to the stages of the application process. The first stage is just some simple eligibility questions, a resume drop, and a short paragraph or two about your motivation for applying. The online assessments are like most other graduate programs and I would recommend if you think you need adjustments for any reason do reach out to the team and ask for them as it made all the difference for me. For the video interview definitely do the test question seriously to get familiar with the set-up, as talking to a camera can feel a little unnatural. The assessment centres were also ultimately not as stressful or painful as a lot of other assessment centres I have done for other programs. At no point do you feel like you're competing against the other candidates in your group activity and actually quite a few groups all got through together so definitely work together as best as you can and you'll do great.

As an entry level job it is absolutely great, especially compared to some private sector jobs.

In this program, you receive comprehensive training and development. This includes a formalised personal development agreement, and regular courses and workshops on personal and professional development on subjects such as wellbeing, resilience, mindfulness, Government processes, and communication skills. The time and money they put into you as a graduate in this program is impressive, and definitely sets you up for success.

I work a standard 36.25 hours a week and go home. My current department is very flexible when it comes to hours (between 7am-7pm daily) and allows employees to work remotely when needed/wanted.

The Department discourages paper printing where ever possible, and there is comprehensive recycling and waste management practices in the kitchens. Kitchen waste is broken down into organics, refundable containers, general recycling, and non-recyclable/compostable waste. The building has also been designed to reduce lighting requirements, and lights are turned off after business hours.