What’s your job about?

I am a Sydney-based STEM Graduate at the Department of Industry, Science, and Resources (DISR) placed at the National Measurement Institute (NMI). I have worked within the Chemical and Biological Metrology branch of NMI which delivers a range of services including chemical analyses of organic and inorganic samples, certification of reference materials, hosting international proficiency test schemes, and more. My 3 rotations over the 12-month program included laboratory-based roles in the Chemical Reference Values team and Australian Forensic Drug Laboratory, as well as a policy rotation.

What’s your background?

I completed a Bachelor of Forensic Science with a Chemistry major at the University of Technology, Sydney. Upon the completion of my degree, I applied for the Australian Public Service (APS) Graduate Development Program through the STEM stream. Outside of university, I had no prior exposure to the science industry, and my work history included various casual roles in hospitality, customer service, and support work.

Could someone with a different background do your job?

Due to the breadth of DISR and the APS, anyone with a STEM background can apply their skills and expertise regardless of degree specifics. There are roles for everyone whether it be in a technical laboratory-based role or a science policy role, there are constant opportunities for professional development that can open doors to future careers. Common among all STEM backgrounds are problem-solving and critical thinking skills that are highly relevant, transferrable, and sought after in all areas of work.

What’s the coolest thing about your job?

As a STEM graduate placed at NMI, I have been able to develop technical laboratory skills that I did not have the opportunity to at university due to online learning from COVID lockdowns. I have had the opportunity to be involved in all stages of analysis, from sample preparation, sample analysis, data processing and interpretation, and reporting, as well as additional skills in instrument troubleshooting and maintenance. I have received hands-on experience with scientific instruments including GC-MS, ICP-MS, EA-IRMS, qNMR, and more!

What are the limitations of your job?

Due to the nature of technical scientist roles, it can take years to become an expert in the laboratory processes and the operation of scientific instruments. With rotations being 4 months, it can be difficult to grasp an in-depth understanding of the operation of specific scientific instruments without the opportunity to build on those skills in the next rotations. However, the exposure the graduate program offers is an opportunity not available to people who enter the workforce with a standard full-time job and build solid foundational understandings that can be revisited once a full-time career becomes a more clear post-grad program.

3 pieces of advice for yourself when you were a student…

1. You don’t need to have your entire career planned out. It is good to have goals; however, you will have specific experiences and meet certain people that will have big impacts on your career path. Be open to these changes.
2. Talk to subject coordinators, lecturers, demonstrators, peers, etc. about career options—it might feel intimidating, but they are all just people too and may have valuable insight and connections.
3. Apply for multiple roles to gain experience on the application and interview process. This is a skill that can be developed.