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Gradcast

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Gradcast is a podcast by APS graduates, for APS graduates.

In our monthly episodes, we will talk about the life of an Australian Public Service (APS) Graduate. From tips and tricks to start your career in the APS to relatable stories like ‘what should you NOT wear for Friday casuals?’.

Produced by contentgroup and sponsored by Commonwealth Superannuation Corporation (CSC), Gradcast follows a ‘magazine’ style format with shorter conversational segments. We will feature guests from the APS and outside who will provide you with practical tips for your career growth and share their mistakes, so you don’t have to repeat them.

Are you looking to join the APS? or are you a current APS graduate? This podcast is just for you.


For more details, visit our website: https://gradcast.com.au/


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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Episodes

#24 - Future of the APS: APS Academy and Graduate Development
31-10-2023
#24 - Future of the APS: APS Academy and Graduate Development
What is the mission of APS Academy and what does it offer for APS grads? What should APS grads know about the APS Craft? What is the Australian Government Graduate Development Program?On the 10th of October 2023, Gradcast hosted its first live podcast event, where we invited current and aspiring Australian Public Service graduates and junior staff to experience the recording firsthand and participate in a live Q&A session. The live podcast featured a special guest, Kristin Boag, Director of Leadership and Graduate Development, APS Academy, APS Commission.This is part 2 of our host Callum Irving’s conversation with Kristin which focused on insights and practical advice for those seeking to upskill while working in the Australian Public Service. We hear from Kristin about the APS Academy, APS Craft and the Australian Government Graduate Development Program.The episode begins with interviews with our event attendees, who share their experiences working in the Australian Public Service and offer advice for someone considering working in the APS.Join us as we hear more of the Q&A session where our event attendees ask Kristin their questions about what is ahead for the future of the APS.Show notes: APS Academy | About Us APS Academy | 2024 APS Graduate development opportunities APS Academy | APS Craft Wheel Writing for busy readers: Communicate more effectively in the real world LinkedIn | Kristin BoagGradcast is produced by contentgroup and sponsored by the Commonwealth Superannuation Corporation (CSC). Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
#23 - Future of the APS: Skills, APS Reform and A.I.
25-10-2023
#23 - Future of the APS: Skills, APS Reform and A.I.
What qualities are employers in the APS seeking in graduates and junior staff? What skills can we expect to be in high demand in the next 5 years? What is the APS reform agenda? How might artificial intelligence (A.I.) impact the way we work in the APS?On the 10th of October 2023, Gradcast hosted its first live podcast event, where we invited current and aspiring Australian Public Service graduates and junior staff to experience the recording firsthand and participate in a live Q&A session. The live podcast featured a special guest, Kristin Boag, Director of Leadership and Graduate Development, APS Academy, APS Commission.This is Part 1 of our host, Callum Irving’s, conversation with Kristin, where they discussed her journey from being an APS graduate to her current position at the APS Academy, and delved into key topics concerning the future of the APS. These topics include in-demand skills, the APS reform agenda, and the role of artificial intelligence (AI).Tune in to also hear a Q&A segment where our event attendees posed their questions to Kristin about what's ahead for the future of the APS.Show notes:APS Academy | About UsAPS Academy | 2024 APS Graduate development opportunitiesAPS Reform | Outcomes and InitiativesDTA | Adoption of Artificial Intelligence in the APSWork with Purpose | EP#84: How is Australia’s public sector using generative AI?LinkedIn | Kristin BoagGradcast is produced by contentgroup and sponsored by the Commonwealth Superannuation Corporation (CSC). Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
#21 - Landing a Job: APS Graduate Interviews 101 (Encore)
14-08-2023
#21 - Landing a Job: APS Graduate Interviews 101 (Encore)
From application to interview, the APS graduate program selection process is extensive, and it can be quite overwhelming. What should you say during the interview? How can you prepare? And, most crucially, how do you stand out?In today's episode, we're taking a step back in time. We're revisiting a memorable segment from last year that provided our listeners with valuable tips on how to excel in job interviews, with a special focus on those designed for APS graduate programs.During our first segment, we'll hear Season 1 co-host Krishna Shukla's discussion with Lisa Tozer, also known as 'The Interview Coach'. Lisa shares invaluable tips for interview preparation, weaving in her own experiences and observations. She also delves deep into the reasons why behavioural questions have become such a prevalent and significant part of modern interview techniques.But that's not all. To provide a tangible and relatable perspective on the APS Graduate program interview experience, we've invited two guests who've walked that path. We are joined by Nidhi Yogi, a former Policy and Corporate Graduate from the Department of Defence, and Caitlin Sandercock, who was at the time serving as a Grants Officer at the Department of Industry, Science, Energy, and Resources. They will share their journeys, the challenges they faced, and the strategies they employed to secure their positions.Gradcast is produced by contentgroup and sponsored by the Commonwealth Superannuation Corporation (CSC). Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
#20 - Understanding fraud and risk as an APS grad
04-07-2023
#20 - Understanding fraud and risk as an APS grad
Understanding risk and fraud is a critical part of working as a graduate in agencies that handle customers’ private information. Fraudsters can employ scams targeting both customers and agency personnel through various tactics such as cunning emails to deceptive phone calls and text messages.In this episode of Gradcast, hosted by former Commonwealth Superannuation Corporation (CSC) graduate Callum Irving, Myo Myat Htin Aung, a current graduate at the CSC shares insights from his rotation in the CSC Risk team, shedding light on the critical role risk and fraud awareness play in agencies handling customers’ private information.Listen as Myo delves into key concepts he learned during his rotation, such as the three lines of defence model and the fraud triangle. He also discusses recent high-profile data breaches such as Medibank and Optus breaches that broke the news in recent years, and how they impacted CSC’s understanding of fraud and risk. Stay tuned as Myo reveals the red flags that professionals in similar positions should be vigilant about and highlights the various measures CSC has implemented to protect itself against fraud and risk.Tune in now to equip yourself with essential knowledge and insights to stay ahead in the constant battle against fraudsters.Gradcast is produced by contentgroup and sponsored by the Commonwealth Superannuation Corporation (CSC). Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
#19 - APS beyond Canberra: The regional experience
05-06-2023
#19 - APS beyond Canberra: The regional experience
Although Canberra serves as the vibrant heart of the Australian public service (APS), a number of government agencies are based in regions beyond this central hub.In this episode, we delve into the unique experiences of those working within the APS in these regional areas. Join us as we engage with three guests from the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA), based in Armidale, NSW. They will shed light on their journey through the APVMA's graduate program, and their subsequent roles within the agency.In our first segment, you will hear insights from Merinda Purcell, Risk Manager at Permits, APVMA, and Erin Boatswain, an Assistant Director (a/g) at Chemical Reviews, APVMA. Tune in to their stories, as they recount the journey from the dynamic urban life in Canberra and Sydney to the tranquil confines of Armidale.Our second segment features Natalie Gosper, Manager at the Adverse Experience Reporting Program, APVMA, who shares her stories, highlighting the transition from the smaller town of Parkes, NSW, to Armidale.Listen to Merinda, Erin, and Natalie as they talk about their respective roles at the APVMA, their experiences before and after relocating, motivations for joining APVMA, and experiences in the graduate program. They also offer perspectives on the decentralisation of the APS and its potential implications for the future of the public service.Gradcast is produced by contentgroup and sponsored by the Commonwealth Superannuation Corporation (CSC). Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
#16 - Starting life as an APS grad
06-03-2023
#16 - Starting life as an APS grad
The 2023 cohort of graduates in the Australian Public Service has now started their first rotation.In this episode, we hear stories about what happens after you accept your graduate program offer and the start of your journey as an APS graduate. Our guest for this episode is Tom Dobrochodow, who is Callum's fellow Commonwealth Superannuation Corporation (CSC) alumni and work bestie. Both Tom and Callum have experienced starting an APS graduate program firsthand when they began theirs at CSC at the start of 2022.Tom’s start to the grad program was full of surprises. He had to move from Melbourne to Canberra just four days before the program's start and was then told to work from home due to the pandemic restrictions. Despite the challenges, Tom has persevered and is now working in the Relationship Management department at CSC.You will also hear from a couple of new graduates from CSC who share their experiences and discuss the resources that helped them when applying for the graduate program.Stick around till the end of the episode for a new segment on Gradcast – Fun Facts about the Australian Public Service (FFATAPS). You will hear facts like: what were the original departments of the APS when it was established?, and what percentage of the APS workforce are graduates? Listen now to find out!Gradcast is produced by contentgroup and sponsored by the Commonwealth Superannuation Corporation (CSC). Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
#15 - Season 2 is here!
06-02-2023
#15 - Season 2 is here!
Are you starting your APS Graduate program this year, or have you just completed it?Gradcast is the perfect resource for you to make the most out of your experience. Our podcast features tips, advice and real-life stories to help you navigate the APS Graduate Program and beyond.As part of the grad experience, the year after your grad program is just as important. Host Callum Irving, who has just completed his own grad year, will share his experiences, and provide relatable insights for those who have recently completed their program.In this episode, Callum will introduce you to Gradcast and how it can benefit you. We'll then start our conversations with graduates, employers, and senior professionals in the Australian Public Service from our next episode.In addition to revisiting important topics such as APS Graduate Program applications, interview preparation, and engaging with your managers, Season 2 will cover new topics that are relevant to the everyday life of an APS graduate and feature exciting new guests AND guest hosts.Season 2 will be more than just a podcast. We've recently launched our TikTok page where we post humorous skits, behind-the-scenes, key insights, and more. You can stay updated with the latest from Gradcast on our Instagram page and find additional resources on our LinkedIn page that are essential for your pre-grad, grad, or post-grad year.Let Gradcast guide you through your journey in the world of the Australian Public Service with our expert tips, advice, and real-life stories.Gradcast is produced by contentgroup and sponsored by the Commonwealth Superannuation Corporation (CSC). Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
#13 - What after grad programs?
05-12-2022
#13 - What after grad programs?
What happens after a grad year? How should grads prepare for a role in the APS? What about for a role in the private sector? We seek for advice from current and ex-APS grads, so you don’t have to.It’s now December, and we are almost at the end of Season 1. As current graduates, including our co-host Callum are approaching the end of their grad year, this episode is all about planning for life after grad programs.Megan Aponte-Payne makes a return to the studio since her appearance in Episode 6. Megan is an International Trade Specialist at the Office of Supply Chain Resilience at the Department of Industry, Science and Resources. She was a graduate at the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet in 2014.Making a Gradcast debut is Chun-Yin San, a Practice Lead at ThinkPlace, a leading global design firm founded in Australia, and the Licensee and Director of TEDx Canberra. Chun Yin has worked for government departments, not-for-profits, and academic institutions delivering and implementing transformative projects. He was a graduate at the Department of Industry, Science, Energy and Resources in 2018.We also hear from Callum’s fellow grads at the Commonwealth Superannuation Corporation (CSC) who share their plans for after their grad programs and advice for current APS grads.3 things discussed in this episode:Transitioning from a grad program to a post-grad program role.Advice for graduates at the end of their grad year.The benefits of undertaking an APS grad program. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
#11 - APS Graduate Program 101 (Part 2)
17-10-2022
#11 - APS Graduate Program 101 (Part 2)
Do you have questions about the APS Graduate Programs? Are you wondering how to pick the right Graduate Program for you? What skills are currently in demand in the APS? How do you make the most of your rotations? We have more answers to questions we received from our listeners over the past few months.In this episode, we continue our conversation with the expert of APS Graduate Programs – Craig Smith, Assistant Director – Career Pathways at Australian Public Service Commission. Craig shares his own career story from coming out of university and reminds us that Graduate Programs are not the only way into the APS. He discusses the range of career pathways there are into the APS, and tips for graduates about to finish their APS Graduate Program this year.Craig also provides some insights about what the future of the APS, and APS Graduate Programs might look like. Notably, some upcoming announcements that will come regarding the APS Academy Campus initiative. While waiting for these announcements, anyone looking for career guidance can contact careerpathways@apsc.gov.au or visit the APSC’s Career Pathways Portal.3 things discussed in this episode:APS Graduate Programs and other pathways into the APSTips for graduates after finishing their Graduate ProgramsThe future of APS Graduate ProgramsRelevant Links:Career Pathways Portal: https://www.apsjobs.gov.au/s/career-pathways-homeCraig Smith LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/craig-smith-994640246/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
#10 – APS Graduate Program 101 (Part 1)
04-10-2022
#10 – APS Graduate Program 101 (Part 1)
Do you have questions about the APS Graduate Programs? Are you wondering where, how, and when to apply for APS Graduate programs? What Department to go for? Or what are graduate programs? We have the answers to all your questions. In this episode, we are joined by the expert of APS Graduate Program – Craig Smith, Assistant Director - Career Pathways at Australian Public Service Commission. Craig has been part of the Australian Public Service for over 21 years across different departments and agencies. In this episode, Craig talks about the inception and future of the APS Graduate programs. Over the last couple of months the listeners have sent us questions about the Graduate program. We took this opportunity to ask Craig all your questions and more. From details of the application process to understanding streams, we have covered it all. Craig will continue the conversation and answer more of your questions in the next episode. Keep an eye on this space for APS Graduate Program 101 (Part 2). 3 things discussed in this episode:How, where and when to apply for APS Graduate programsAPS Graduate Program rotations and optionsThe future of APS Graduate program Relevant Links:APS Jobs: https://www.apsjobs.gov.au/s/graduate-portal Craig Smith LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/craig-smith-994640246/ APS Professional Streams: https://www.apsc.gov.au/initiatives-and-programs/aps-professional-streams Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
#09 - Mental Health and wellbeing of APS Graduates
19-09-2022
#09 - Mental Health and wellbeing of APS Graduates
At times, APS Graduate programs can be a lot to take on. Especially for fresh university graduates - getting acquainted to a working environment, working with a team, meeting deadlines and even moving cities may impact their physical and mental health. What can we do about it? And what is the APSC doing about it?This is a special episode. In this episode, we continue our conversation on mental health focusing on the R U Ok? Day on the 8th of September and the World Suicide Prevention Day on the 10th of September. In this episode, we are joined by Sam Junor, the Framework Implementation Lead at the APS Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Unit. Sam shares her personal and professional journey including the ups and downs in her own mental health while settling into the graduate program. Sam advices to indulge in activities outside of work like pub trivia and walks near the lake. Sounds like creative and easy tips, don’t they?  Sam talks about her passion for mental health reflecting on her experience as an APS Graduate and managing graduate programs. Importantly, she walks us through the Mental Health Framework being implemented across different departments and agencies to develop literacy, capability and expertise in mental health and suicide prevention. 3 things learnt:About APS Mental Health and Suicide Prevention UnitResponsibility of Graduate mentorsMaintaining mental health as an APS GraduateLinks:APS Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Unit: https://www.apsc.gov.au/working-aps/diversity-and-inclusion/aps-mental-health-and-suicide-prevention-unit Compassionate Foundations: https://www.apsacademy.gov.au/compassionate-foundations-suicide-prevention-capability-suite Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
#06 - Why be a public servant
04-07-2022
#06 - Why be a public servant
Are you confused between a career in the public or private sector? Looking for insights from the industry to make your decision? Listen to this special episode of Gradcast, in collaboration with the Future Leaders’ Program of the Institute of Public Administration Australia (IPAA) We are halfway through Season 1 and wanted to switch things up. This episode is about a debate between the Public and Private sectors, we answer the question a lot of students in their final year at university are asking ‘Why be a public servant?’Talking about the perks of working in the Australian Public Service, we have Megan Aponte-Payne from the Office of Supply Chain Resilience at the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet. Making his case for working in the private sector, we are joined by Tim Taylor, Manager at KPMG in their Technology Risk Practice. Megan and Tim are part of the Future Leaders Committee at IPAA. Your guide through this discussion is career coach, Tim Crowden. Tim reflects on the discussion and provides further guidance to final-year university students and others who are deciding on their career paths. Tim also shares resources and exercises to help make career development decisions.  3 things learnt:Why be a public servantWhy work in the private sectorRole of a career coach in your professional developmentRelevant Links from the episode:Megan Aponte-Payne: https://www.linkedin.com/in/megan-aponte-payne-528572163/ Tim Taylor: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tim-taylor-a4a116157/ Tim Crowden: https://www.linkedin.com/in/coachingandleadership2600/ Future Leaders Program: https://www.act.ipaa.org.au/future-leaders-program  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.