Read about the experiences of some of our recent cadets and what attracted them to the ATO Indigenous cadetship program.
Roshene Cowburn
I started a Bachelor of Laws at university straight out of
high school. After completing my first year of study, I decided to apply for
the ATO Indigenous Cadetship program to gain practical experience in a
professional environment. This would allow me to apply and develop the skills
that I had been learning in my university study.
The application process was relatively straightforward. The
most challenging aspect was the panel interview which was nerve-wracking at
first, but the panellists do their best to ensure that you are comfortable and
relaxed. They made the overall interview process as easy and stress-free as
possible.
The highlights of my cadetship so far are the opportunities
to apply and develop skills that I have been learning in my studies, and to
network and make connections with other staff in the office. The flexibility
with work hours has allowed me to comfortably balance my work, study and
personal commitments. I also appreciate the guidance and support I have
received from my managers and work colleagues.
The advice I would give to future applicants is to make sure
that they capitalise on every opportunity that they are given, and take the
time to network and make connections with others in the office.
I strongly urge Indigenous university students to apply for
the Indigenous Cadetship program at the ATO because it opens you up to
opportunities and experiences that can set you up for a rewarding career.
Nelson Fogarty
I am studying a double degree, a Bachelor of Business
majoring in public relations, and a Bachelor of Media and Communications. There
is a strong emphasis on practical work experience within communication
disciplines, which is what attracted me to the Indigenous cadetship program. It
has allowed me the opportunity to focus on completing my degree, and given me
insight into the types of responsibilities I will have when I enter the
industry.
The ATO provided me with an abundance of support during the
application process, with an Indigenous Liaison Officer available to answer
questions. The program allows you to experience different areas of the
organisation in the form of rotations. My first rotation was in the Corporate
PR & Community Relations department. That gave me the chance to apply the
skills I learnt in university, and experience the diverse roles of a public
relations officer. A highlight of my placement was the development my own PR
plan for the ATO’s Evergreen Program, from creating the strategy through to the
evaluation.
I recommend the Indigenous cadetship program to anyone who
is looking for practical experience in their field, in a supportive environment
with a diverse range of career opportunities.
John Berry
I'm originally from Darwin, and worked in the
public sector for a few years before going back to university. After starting
my studies overseas, I am now completing a Commerce degree with a major in
Finance at Monash University. I applied for the ATO Indigenous Cadetship
program to gain experience in a professional environment that matches my
degree, allowing real life application of the skills I've been learning. The
financial assistance with university fees and generous salary has been a real
bonus.
The application includes a range of support tools to help
you succeed. The panel interview may seem daunting at first, but the panellists
really help you to relax and feel comfortable.
It also provides you an opportunity to network with other indigenous
cadets from various universities and disciplines.
The main highlights of my cadetship so far has been the
opportunity to network and to practically apply my education in a corporate
environment. The level of support that I have received from my manager and
various rotation teams has been amazing. My manager has made every effort to
place me in business lines that complement my degree, and team members really
make you feel welcome and are more than helpful in explaining any concepts that
you are unsure of.
My advice to future applicants is to be confident in your
own abilities; you never know what you can achieve if you just give it a go.
Also take every opportunity to network and make new connections.
The ATO is more than just accounting. I'd strongly recommend
Indigenous full-time university students undertaking a degree in a wide variety
of fields to consider being part of the Indigenous cadet program at the ATO –
it can be a rewarding career path.
Jack Walker
I started university straight out of high school and chose
to study a Bachelor of Commerce. After spending a year deciding on majors and
getting settled, I became aware that the task of entering the workforce
and looking for a professional job is one that shouldn't be left to the
last minute. The ATO Indigenous Cadetship has allowed me to work around my own
schedule, which means I can choose to work less during times when university is
on and gives me extra time to not only study but do other things.
The application process for the Indigenous Cadetship Program
was straightforward and not at all intimidating. There was only one face-to-face interview. It was held by three representatives from different Australian Public
Service agencies and they made the process as easy as possible.
The advice I'd give to future applicants is to make sure
they take every opportunity they can during this experience; some of the best
things happen when you're expecting nothing at all.