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Victorian Government

3.8
  • #10 in Government & public service
  • > 100,000 employees

Victorian Government Reviews

Based on 23 surveyed graduates working at Victorian Government. Read on to get an insider’s view on life as a graduate.
3.8
Based on 23 reviews

Pros & Cons

  • I've enjoyed working on meaningful programs and projects that I can see have a positive impact on the community. Even as a grad, I feel I've been able to make a valuable contribution.
  • Carefully considered graduate workplan that connects you with a like-minded graduate cohort. Offers three departmental rotations so that you get an engaging insight into public service work as a graduate.
  • I think the ability to work on projects and policies that are topical and improve Victoria is the best aspect of the job. There are a lot of really interesting roles and responsibilities. I like working on things that make a difference to people and place. It feels good to work for people and not profit. So far, I have worked on emission reduction projects, major infrastructure projects and grant programs. I am excited by all the important things I will work on in the future.
  • The prioritisation of staff well-being, flexible working arrangements, and the ability to remain mobile at the beginning of my career, gaining insight and experience into a number of areas.
  • Meaningful work and shared values between employees. In general, public servants are quite nice people. Meeting lots of people in the program. Great work life balance :)
  • Some managers are not sure how to best utilise grads or how to ensure we feel welcome in our short 4 month rotations. These managers are in the minority, however.
  • The uncertainty and underappreciation. Mobility and MOG changes are part and parcel of working in the VPS however they can be quite unnerving. The announcement of job cuts just weeks into the program was very unsettling. These efficiency savings have made me worry about losing my position and future career decisions. I also wasn't aware of just how unstable the job and teams were when I applied. Every team I have been in during the program has had people acting and leaving. I have also seen a change in premier and portfolio reshuffles. Secondly, I think there is a perception that public servants don't do anything and are bludgers. The Victorian Government Graduate program is very hard to get into and everyone is really passionate and hard working. Similarly, I have worked in teams with really inspiring and smart people. I think it is a shame that public perception isn't better. Further, I think the ceiling in terms of pay is quite low unless you're an executive. While the public service should be for people and not profit, in this fiscal environment we should be paid accordingly. I have been stressed as a graduate about paying my rent and affording to live in Melbourne.
  • Being a graduate there is not always a constant workload where motivation levels fluctuate over time.
  • Pay is ok. VPS 2.1.6 Given recent inflation, I think it is no longer competitive. 2 years ago it would have been appropriate, but it feels like taking a pay cut to be a part of the program. I understand that other graduate programs are not necessarily that much higher, but I think across the board there needs to be an increase. I'm in the Data Stream for the graduate program. I have a master’s in data science, but the work I've been given has mostly been data analyst related. I don't feel challenged in these roles, but I think that may be due to being overqualified.
  • The pace can be quite stressful and there are limited opportunities to celebrate the success of completing a particular piece of work before having to do the next one.

What Insiders Say

7.5
Career Prospects
7.5
Career Prospects
You would be surprised at how many VPS employees at varying levels began as graduates. It is a fantastic opportunity to join the public service and will be looked on favourably to other governmental entities. Some rotations offer their graduates continuing positions as promotions.
8.0
Corporate Social Responsibility
8.0
Corporate Social Responsibility
The goal of the organisation is literally social responsibility everywhere so. Would be a bit concerning if we were only interested in turning a profit.
7.9
Culture
7.9
Culture
Across all three teams I've been a part of, everyone has been easy to get along with, friendly, and kind. There has not been much interaction outside of work hours. The tasks I work on tend to be quite individual, though I have no problem asking for help or advice when necessary and colleagues are always happy to make time and help out. Amongst others in the graduate program, there has been plenty of socialising with outside of work hours catchups, after work drinks, an occasional weekend picnic, coffee catchups etc.
8.3
Diversity
8.3
Diversity
Extremely diverse and accepting organisation. There are many employee support networks established to represent and support staff who identify with specific minority communities. In addition to this, there are leave policies in place that recognise cultural and medical leave, and you can have discussions with your managers to establish a flexible working arrangement to suit your personal needs.
7.2
Satisfaction
7.2
Satisfaction
My role and responsibilities include managing actions under the adaptation action plan, internal and external stakeholder engagement, developing and managing grant programs and broader climate change works. In my other rotations I have also been responsible for writing briefs and correspondence and risk reporting and analysis.
8.0
Management
8.0
Management
I have had a great experience with managers, who have to undergo their own learning workshops to be able to manage the unique circumstances of having a graduate in their supervision. In addition to managers, you may have a separate supervisor (who is not a Manager) in your team who is there to support you through your rotation and monitor your progress. It is expected that you share your performance plan (you will find out all about this resource) with your supervisor to track your work progress and goals. It is a VPS standard to have routine 1:1 chats with your supervisor/manager to share feedback with one another and raise any concerns if needed.
7.7
Office Work Environment
7.7
Office Work Environment
All the offices I have worked in are close to public transport. Some are nicer than other (view, kitchen facilities ect.) but all are functional. Most teams have been relaxed in terms of dress code which is good for me as a grad as I don't want to spend too much on work clothes. Others feel a little fancier which has at times made me feel out of place from the rest of the team.
7.4
Recruitment
7.4
Recruitment
For the grad program the recruitment started in March or April the year before. after applying I did psychometric testing, a recorded video question, a zoom group interview/activity and then finally an interview with two interviewers. I got a call about a week after the final interview and got an offer. The process after that was quite slow as the job didn't start for another 6 months but I got my contract within 2-3 weeks of the offer. The public sector focuses heavily on the STAR format for interview questions: Situation: Set the scene and give the necessary details of your example. Task: Describe what your responsibility was in that situation. Action: Explain exactly what steps you took to address it. Result: Share what outcomes your actions achieved.
6.0
Salary
6.0
Salary
Entry level pay is quite low, but many opportunities to progress.
7.1
Training
7.1
Training
There are a number of mandatory online and in-person Learning and Development workshops over the course of the program. Most of these are really insightful, and you will not be assessed on your observations. There are of course optional learning workshops always on offer that can be found on your department's intranet.
8.8
Work Hours
8.8
Work Hours
Vic Gov is really flexible in understanding flexible working arrangements. The initial discussion with managers may feel a little bit uncomfortable, especially for graduates who feel they may not have much bargaining power, though the pay off is worth it to be able to support your unique working requirements. There is a growing movement to allow flexibility with in-office expectations, as some cannot faithfully meet the 3 day requirement.
7.4
Sustainability
7.4
Sustainability
Average, as I'm not sure that I can point to any specific sustainability measures, but would be keen to hear about what VPSC has committed to in this respect.