Graduate Employment

Cindy - Master of Economics, University of Sydney

"A career with the Productivity Commission allows graduates to pursue a broad range of economic and policy interests, and to acquire specialist skills."

I joined the Commission in January 2011 and have since worked on the inquiry into the retail industry. This experience has provided me with extensive exposure to a range of economic issues, and interesting insights into public policy formation. 

Since joining the Commission I have been able to develop my skills in writing for a policy context and in quantitative analysis. I have found my colleagues and the workplace to be very supportive of learning and development. As part of my professional development I have attended conferences and am currently undertaking non-award study.

A career with the Productivity Commission allows graduates to pursue a broad range of economic and policy interests, and to acquire specialist skills.

Isfaaq - PhD (Economics and Econometrics), Monash University

"One of the great things about working at the Commission is being exposed to a range of projects, and having the time and resources to undertake a thorough examination of the issues."

I joined the Productivity Commission’s Melbourne office in January 2011. I worked on three projects during my graduate year — two research projects and an inquiry into climate change adaptation. As part of the inquiry process I have met with a range of stakeholders, which has been very valuable in enhancing my understanding of the relevant issues.

Working at the Commission has allowed me to apply the economics skills I obtained at university, and to further develop my research and writing skills. I have been encouraged to contribute from the start, and feel that my input and opinions are always valued. One of the great things about working at the Commission is being exposed to a range of projects, and having the time and resources to undertake a thorough examination of the issues.

In addition to ‘in house’ training courses, the Commission offers a range of professional development opportunities to further develop writing, management and communication skills. Through internal seminars, all staff are kept abreast of the work that the Commission is doing. These seminars also provide an opportunity to learn from external speakers about a range of policy issues.

The Commission is a great place to learn about using economics to solve important policy issues. Furthermore, it gives graduates the opportunity to work with experienced and talented people on a daily basis. I have found all staff members to be friendly, approachable and always willing to help.

Joshua - BEc (Hons) University of Adelaide

"I feel my opinion is valued and I’m given the opportunity to contribute in a meaningful way."

I joined  the Commission as a graduate in January 2011.

Since that time I’ve worked on a review of vocational education reforms implemented by the Council of Australian Governments (COAG). The main focus of my work has been modelling the effects of the reforms.

In doing so, I’ve been given the opportunity to apply my economic knowledge and mathematical skills to a policy issue that has real relevance to the Australian economy. The work is challenging, but I have been given the support to develop and grow as an Economist. My understanding of applied economics has benefited immensely from my time at the Commission. I feel my opinion is valued and I’m given the opportunity to contribute in a meaningful way.

The Commission provides formal training opportunities, which have helped in my professional development. The Commission also encourages and supports staff to undertake further study.

The graduate year has been challenging, rewarding and a lot of fun. Staff and management at the Commission are friendly, supportive and approachable. I relocated from Adelaide and the Commission provided considerable support, which made the move a lot easier. 

Paul - BEc (Hons), LLB University of New England

"The relatively small size of the inquiry teams means that there is a real opportunity to add value and get involved in all aspects of the work."

I commenced with the Productivity Commission in January 2011 and have since worked on the airport services inquiry. I have thoroughly enjoyed the diverse nature of the work, and the opportunity to provide meaningful input from day one.

The training that I received through the graduate induction program has been invaluable The relatively small size of the inquiry teams means that there is a real opportunity to add value and get involved in all aspects of the work. Graduates are actively and directly involved in shaping the Commission’s outputs. For me, this has been the highlight of my year as a graduate.

Aaron - BCom (Ec) Curtin University

"From my very first day on the project it was made clear to me that my opinions and input were just as important as any other member of the team."

I moved from Perth to begin working at the Commission in January 2010. The Commission gave me a lot of support during this time, which made the move very easy.

In my graduate year I worked on an inquiry into agricultural R&D. From my very first day on the project it was made clear to me that my opinions and input were just as important as any other member of the team.

Working on this inquiry gave me the opportunity to apply the microeconomic skills I began developing as a student. Importantly, the longer term deadline provided the opportunity to really drill down into the economic issues, helping to develop my ability to apply economic thinking and analysis to policy issues.

In addition to 'learning on the job', I was able to take part in some other training opportunities at the Commission that all staff are actively encouraged to pursue. The Commission also support staff wanting to go on to do postgraduate study, which I'm looking at doing in 2011.

Finally, and perhaps most importantly, the staff here at the Commission are all very friendly and supportive, making it a great place to work.

Vanessa - BCom (Hons) and BSc University of Melbourne

"If you are interested in economics and public policy, I would recommend the Productivity Commission as the place to begin your career."

I joined the Productivity Commission in January 2010. In my first year at the Commission I have worked on two inquiries - Wheat Export Marketing Arrangements and Australia's Urban Water Sector. My current role involves partial equilibrium modelling of an urban water market. I have been given a high level of responsibility on this project and feel that my input is valued by my colleagues.

The graduate program offers a range of relevant and useful training courses, as well as excellent on the job training. I have gained many new skills that expand on the knowledge I acquired at university. In addition, the Commission is supportive of further study and development for all staff.

The people I have worked with at the Commission are helpful and friendly, and all levels of management are approachable and supportive.

If you are interested in economics and public policy, I would recommend the Productivity Commission as the place to begin your career.