Corporate and Financial Management Trainee profile - Bernadette

Year joined

2009

Current position

Corporate and Financial Management Trainee, working in the Evaluation and Audit Section.

What were you doing before joining DFAT?

I was teaching English in Japan for two years as part of the Japan Exchange and Teaching Programme (the JET Programme). Prior to that I was working for a mid-tier accounting firm in Sydney both during and after completing my bachelor degree in Commerce at the University of Sydney, where I majored in accounting and government and international relations.

Why did you apply to DFAT?

My interests in international relations and accounting led me to DFAT. The opportunity DFAT provided to work in a financial management role within the realm of international relations seemed like a perfect fit.

Do you speak any languages?

I speak social Japanese.

What was the most challenging aspect of the recruitment/selection process?

I found the application process quite gruelling. There is a need to clearly address each selection criteria through articulating your experience and skills within a limited space. The interview also had me shaking a little leading up to it, but I found it quite interesting in the end.

Has the reality of working in DFAT differed from your perceptions of what it was going to be like?

My expectation was that I would find the work both challenging and diverse and so far it has been both. I've worked in sections focusing on management strategy, post and locally-engaged staff management issues, trade finance and now auditing. The roles have ranged from dealing with human resources concerns in countries with vastly different labour laws to Australia through to working on Australia's sovereign debt and supporting Australian exporters. I have been set tasks that at first glance seemed impossible to master, however colleagues have been incredibly supportive and responsive and working through the challenges has been extremely rewarding.

Why would you recommend DFAT as a career?

A career with DFAT allows you to use your financial management skills in an dynamic environment quite different from the opportunities available to you in a conventional corporate role. If you are someone who likes variety in their work, DFAT is a great place to work. Being flexible and responsive to change are essential both during the two year program and beyond as the Department encourages staff to move around and develop skills in a range of areas. The people you will work with are not only very supportive of your development, but they also have an immense wealth of knowledge from their experiences to share with you.