Graduate Opportunities

University attended: The University of Queensland.

Alex works as an economist in Emerging Technologies for Queensland Primary Industries and Fisheries (QPIF), part of the state’s Department of Employment, Economic Development and Innovation.

What are some of your responsibilities and projects at QPIF?

My primary role with QPIF is to evaluate the economic implications of different farming practices across a range of Queensland Primary Industries, as well as conduct cost-benefit analyses of proposed QPIF projects. Over the next few months I will be working on a project based in Eastern Africa examining possible improvements to the farming systems in operation at present.

Your position is not part of a formal graduate program. What attracted you to the role over a graduate position?

I had no deliberate intention to find a position outside of a graduate program. I applied for a number of positions (some formal grad positions) and was lucky enough to be offered the job with QPIF. I would say my role allows me a level of independence not available in most graduate programs, which I’ve really enjoyed.

Do you receive any professional development training to supplement your day-to-day work?

QPIF does run a graduate program, and I’ve had the opportunity to attend the graduate training days that have been run throughout the year. They’ve been a great way to meet other people new to QPIF and learn a range of skills I wouldn’t otherwise have the chance to in my day-to-day work.

What appeals to you about working in the public sector environment?

I’ve just really enjoyed the work. It’s been incredibly interesting and continually challenging. The public sector offers a great environment to continue developing skills and gaining valuable experience post-university. The work-life balance is also a big plus. I have friends in the private sector who receive excellent salaries, but work a 16-hour day every day to earn it. Personally I do not see how the benefit outweighs the cost from a standpoint of work-life balance.

What’s the best career advice you would offer to others?

The advice I wished I’d received/listened to on entering university is pretty simple; do a double degree and do an internship in uni holidays. This won’t apply to all fields of study, but I think especially for Business/Finance students, you want to finish uni with as many options available to you as possible, and doing both of these things help immensely.