About our current graduate cohort

Our current graduate cohort is a vibrant and diverse group of talented individuals, each bringing a unique blend of academic backgrounds, professional experiences, and perspectives. This year's graduates joined us from across Australia, contributing expertise in areas such as international relations, politics, security, fine arts, communications and more.

Throughout the program, our graduates gain hands-on experience across a range of departmental functions. They develop key professional skills and contribute to meaningful projects that support the essential work of Australian Parliament House.

Our graduates value being actively involved in a variety of learning and development opportunities and building networks across the Department of Parliamentary Services (DPS). They tackle real-world challenges that help shape the services we deliver to the Parliament and the Australian people.

The 2025 graduate cohort is currently undertaking a structured development program that includes 3 distinct rotations across different areas of the department. These placements provide valuable exposure to a broad spectrum of functions, including:

• Parliamentary Library (Research Branch)
• Cyber Security
• Property Services
• Corporate Operations and Human Resources
• Digital Recording Services (Hansard, Broadcasting and more)
• Security Operations
• Finance and Accounting
• Communications and Media
• Legal Services
• Art Collections
• Client Relations
• Parliamentary Coordination.

These rotational experiences empower our graduates to explore their interests, develop transferable skills, and contribute meaningfully to the work that supports the functioning of Australia’s Parliament.

For those seeking a purposeful and dynamic career at the heart of Australia’s democracy, our graduate program offers a rewarding pathway filled with opportunity, growth and impact.

Meet our graduate alumni

Jerome

Jerome joined the department with a Bachelor of Ancient History and a Master of International Security. He started the program in the Personnel and Access Security section of the Security Division. His second rotation placement was in the Parliamentary Library’s Research Coordination Unit where he was offered an acting opportunity for his third rotation.

Jerome found being part of a small graduate cohort incredibly rewarding. As each graduate is placed in different rotations and works on different projects, Jerome reflected how they can share insights and support each other. That sense of connection and peer support is especially valuable for those who relocate interstate to join the program.

During his first rotation, Jerome was involved in work that was later raised during Senate Estimates. Seeing senators engage with material he had contributed to was a standout moment for him. He also had the opportunity to watch Question Time and see politicians directly use his research, which he described as both exciting and fulfilling.

Reflecting on the application process, Jerome encourages future applicants to be authentic. He recommends being open about your goals and interests while remaining curious about the full range of opportunities available at DPS. His final piece of advice is to avoid spending too much time on online forums that can create unnecessary stress.

Alexandra (Alex)

Alex joined the department with a Bachelor of International Relations and a Bachelor of Arts (majoring in Politics). Her studies demonstrated a clear interest in supporting the facilitation of Parliament. Alex was first was placed in our Cyber Assurance & Governance team. In this role she engaged with stakeholders to educate and raise awareness of the importance of proper cyber hygiene in Australian Parliament House. She then moved into the Policies & Public Relations research team within the Parliamentary Library. In this rotation she was able to provide research and information services directly to parliamentarians while also using her finely honed research skills.

As an avid watcher of news, politics and current events, Alex’s favourite part of the program was having the opportunity to work in the building where it all happens! Working in Parliament House can offer staff the opportunity to glimpse behind-the-scenes of an interview, conference, or significant figure walking through the building. With this privilege comes the crucial role of DPS staff remaining impartial and providing equal services to all stakeholders in the Parliamentary Precincts.

Alex’s advice to future applicants is to do some research into the department to inform your application and take every opportunity that you can. Joining the DPS Graduate Program is a great chance to meet like-minded people and to work in the heart of democracy.

Aditeya

Aditeya joined the program as a recent graduate, holding a Bachelor of Actuarial Studies and Economics. His first rotation was with the Statistics and Mapping team in the Parliamentary Library, followed by a placement in Management Accounting within the Finance Division. Due to his specialised skillset and interests, Aditeya was the first graduate offered the opportunity to complete a short external rotation in another Parliamentary Department. His time with the Parliamentary Budget Office (PBO) allowed him to gain specialised experience aligned with his qualifications and bring the knowledge back to DPS.

One of Aditeya’s favourite experiences in the program was participating in the SES roundtable discussions organised by the Employment Pathways team. They offered a valuable opportunity to engage in open and meaningful conversations with senior leaders about working in government and the importance of public service.

During his rotations in the graduate program, Aditeya worked on a variety of exciting projects. He developed a Power BI dashboard to track departmental revenue and expenditure, and contributed to policy modelling on various topics during his secondment with PBO. These tasks not only strengthened his practical skills but also deepened his understanding of how policy and data intersect in government.

Aditeya encourages future applicants to take the time to understand the organisation’s values and how they connect to your personal university, work or volunteering experiences. He recommends preparing to share clear, authentic examples during the selection process.

Whether you’re a policy thinker, a tech mind, a creative communicator or something entirely unique - there’s a place for you at the Department of Parliamentary Services. Our graduate program celebrates all backgrounds, all voices, and all ideas. We don’t just prepare you for a job, we empower you to make a difference.

Matthjis

Matthijs started in the Security Policy & Governance team, developing his understanding of the interpretation and application of security policy. He then moved into the Official Visits team inthe Security Division where he prepared for international visits to Parliament House by diplomats and other significant visitors. Matthijs’ last rotation was in the Research Branch of the Parliamentary Library.

One of Matthjis’ highlights was his rotation in Official Visits. Here he had the opportunity to work with stakeholders to plan and facilitate visits to Parliament House by significant international visitors and delegations. He found this work particularly interesting because it helped him understand how different department’s worked together to execute a guest of government visit.

Matthijs’ advice to anyone applying for  the graduate program is to be clear about what you want out of it, as this will unlock many opportunities. He also recommends capitalising on the complimentary membership to the Health and Recreation Centre in Parliament House. He has found exercising before or after work has been a positive way at adapting to life in Canberra, and the staff are wonderful too.

Before joining the graduate program, Matthijs completed a Bachelor of International Studies, majoring in Mandarin and International Relations and sure what he wanted to do for his career. After working in the public service, he realised how the parliamentary service would allow him to apply his tertiary background and professional experience to a diverse workplace.

Chris

Chris joined the program with a Bachelor of Science (majoring in Geology), and a Master of Public Policy and Management. He started in the Science, Technology, Environment & Resources section of the Parliamentary Library, before moving into the Official Visits team in the Security Division. He finished his program in the Parliamentary Coordination team, assisting with preparations for the Senate Estimates process.

One of the highlights of his time in the program was the opportunity to contribute to the drafting and publication of a research paper for the Parliamentary Library.  It was a challenging project but ultimately a highly rewarding experience that allowed him to engage meaningfully in the work of the team.

For those considering the DPS Graduate Program, Chris offers 2 key pieces of advice. First, having a clear understanding of the role of Parliament and DPS, and how it differs from the Australian Public Service, can be an advantage. Second, he encourages applicants to keep the diversity of DPS work in mind. The department has one of the broadest sets of responsibilities in the parliamentary and public sectors. No matter your educational or professional background, there are excellent opportunities to grow your skills and discover where your interests align.

Emma

Emma joined the program with a Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in Ancient History and Classical Languages, as well as a Master of Museum and Heritage Studies. She previously worked at the Office of the Governor-General at Government House.

She started in the Building Information team for her first placement, where she assisted with mapping the building and monitoring the state of the infrastructure. She then rotated into Art Collections for her second placement. Her final rotation was in our Hansard team. Hansard record, transcribe and archive the audio-visual record of chamber and committee proceedings, and produce the written record of parliamentary debates and committee hearings.

Her favourite experience of the graduate program was seeing the extensive array of artworks on display throughout the building and being able to appreciate the incredible pieces in the Parliament House Art Collections.

Emma’s advice to future applicants is to apply even if you’re apprehensive or not confident in your chances of getting the job. If you don’t apply, you have already made the decision for the department. It can be beneficial to think about this process as good practice for applying for jobs and interviewing. You may not get a graduate position your first time around, but everything you learn from the experience will help you in your future attempts.

Remy

Remy joined the Department with a Bachelor of Science and Global Studies. He started in the Business Management and Strategic Advisory team of our Security Branch. He then rotated to the Security Capability section and joined their Change Management team.  His final placement was in the Human-Centric Cyber Defence team within our Cyber Security Branch.

Remy was involved in the security logistics of delivering the 2022 Federal Budget and Ukrainian President Zelenskyy’s speech to Australian Parliament. He was also the proud third prize winner of the DPS Social Club’s raffle, where he won some locally sourced produce and other goodies.

If you’re thinking of applying, Remy says to consider how the department’s values might align with your own while completing your application.

After graduating from the program, Remy moved into the Cyber Governance, Risk & Assurance team in the Cyber Security Branch. In this role, he facilitates and supports a range of DPS cyber security program initiatives. He also engages with stakeholders to raise awareness of the importance of proper cyber hygiene.

If you’re curious to find out more, reach out to employmentpathways@aph.gov.au with your questions. Don’t forget to visit the DPS careers portal to stay informed about upcoming application opportunities.