Elle

Analyst
Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Advanced Studies (Politics and International Relations) Masters Degree in Social Justice (Development Studies)

What has been the best part of the program?

The best part of the graduate program has been the opportunity to work on a wide range of projects across different teams, which helped me explore and define my career direction. It’s been especially valuable to experience such variety within a single organisation.

What would you say to someone thinking about applying?

I’d strongly encourage you to apply, even if you’re not completely sure about your career path yet. IPART is a great place to start, particularly if you’re motivated by making a difference to people and the services that affect them.

What did you study, and what do you do at IPART?

My Bachelor's degree was in politics and international relations. I'm also currently studying my Master's part time; in Social Justice. At IPART, I work in the Energy Sustainability Schemes team.

Why did you apply for the IPART Graduate Program?

I thought it looked like a really good opportunity, particularly with the rotational aspect of the program. It also felt like a really good fit for me based off my academic background; my major was political economics, so I was excited to explore the essential services economic regulation that IPART does.

What kind of work have you contributed to so far?

I have worked in water regulation and compliance, specifically, on Operating Licence Reviews for Sydney Water. I have also worked in the Pricing & Policy division, mostly in the Early Childhood Education and Care reviews, and a little bit of work in the Opal Fares team. I also had a graduate rotation in the Strategy team, and worked on the upcoming IPART Strategy at the time.

What has been the most interesting or meaningful part of the program?

Definitely the opportunities. IPART is a big enough organisation to have a plethora of teams and things to work on, but still small enough so you get some great responsibilities. For me, I was Chair of the workplace health and safety committee for 2 years while I was a graduate, leading a team of people and working on some critical projects. That was really meaningful.

How have you been supported as a graduate?

I had a great mentor through the IPART graduate mentor program. I was pared with a Director who organised monthly catch-ups with me to see how I was going with everything. It was an awesome opportunity to have a close working relationship with someone who could provide me with great advice and mentorship.

What skills have you developed since joining IPART?

Confidence, public speaking, project management, and leadership.

What does it feel like to contribute to work that affects people across NSW?

Fulfilling. Knowing that I'm playing a part in making NSW more equitable is the thing that motivates me every day.

What advice would you give to someone thinking about applying?

Go for it! You don't have to have a concrete career plan straight after uni, but the graduate program at IPART actually allows you to continue to think and figure out what direction you might like to go in, even after you get the job. And you'll probably work in so many different areas here that what you want to do might even change while you're here. IPART really is the best place if you want to set up yourself with the best opportunities for your career.

Nahrain

Analyst
Bachelor of Commerce (Economics) and Psychology (Honours)

Why did you apply for the IPART Graduate Program?

I applied for the IPART Graduate Program because I wanted to make a positive difference for the people of NSW. The opportunity to experience a variety of work across different sectors while developing a broad range of skills was particularly appealing.

What kind of work have you contributed to?

During the graduate program, I worked on a diverse range of pricing, regulatory and compliance projects including the review of third-party access to rail networks, the future of embedded networks, and operational licence reviews of public water utilities. I also spent 6 months in the strategy team helping to develop IPART's strategic plan.

What has been the best part of the program?

The best part has been the variety of work and the opportunity to contribute to such a diverse range of projects - no two days are the same in the graduate program. I've also built valuable connections across the organisation and with my graduate cohort.

How have you been supported as a graduate?

I’ve been well supported through a mentor who was a senior leader in the organisation, a buddy from a previous graduate cohort and supportive managers throughout my rotations. There have also been plenty of training and development opportunities throughout the program.

What would you say to someone thinking about applying?

Go for it! It's a great opportunity to gain exposure to meaningful work, build your professional network and develop skills across a range of areas while being supported every step of the way.

Alisar

Analyst
Bachelor of Economics

What kind of work have you contributed to?

Since joining IPART, I have felt fulfilment in knowing that I am contributing to meaningful work that has real impacts on peoples' everyday lives, which motivates me to be at my best on the daily. As a grad, I contributed to the assessment of contributions plans, applications for accreditation under the PDRS and ESS schemes, and water pricing reviews.

What has been the best part of the program?

The best part of the program is definitely the rotations - you are able to dabble in multiple divisions, teams and roles to get a taste of and tangibly understand the different areas of IPART, skills you want to develop and your future endeavours (whether they be within or outside of IPART). Also, the people at IPART are incredibly motivating and supportive, always willing to lend a hand and provide further opportunities for growth, such as through ad hoc tasks to extend your skill set in addition to your BAU.

How have you been supported as a graduate?

As a grad (and beyond), I felt supported no matter how big or small the task, and by whoever I turned to - I had 'buddy' who was friendly grad who recently completed the program who helped me settle in, knowledgeable mentors who have been at IPART for a little while longer, encouraging managers, and fellow IPART-ians who are always eager to help. The great thing about IPART is that if you ever need a hand, multiple are keenly extended to help.

What would you say to someone thinking about applying?

Do it. I know applications are exhausting, and I know you're tired - but don't remove yourself from a truly fantastic opportunity and don't doubt yourself. Myself and all grad program alumni are rooting for you!

Grace

Lawyer
Bachelor of Laws/Bachelor of Science

Why did you apply for the IPART Graduate Program?

The IPART graduate program seemed like a great opportunity to be involved in interesting work that has an impact on the people of NSW.

What kind of work have you contributed to?

I’ve contributed to IPART’s work on the NSW Energy Savings Scheme and several energy related pricing reviews. I have also worked in IPART’s legal team; providing legal advice and drafting the instruments that give effect to IPART’s decisions.

What has been the best part of the program?

The best part of the graduate program was rotating through different teams and being exposed to a wide variety of IPART’s work.

How have you been supported as a graduate?

On my first day, I was paired with a buddy who had previously completed the graduate program and a mentor from the executive team. They helped me settle in during my first few months and provided valuable guidance and advice.

What would you say to someone thinking about applying?

IPART is a great place to start your career if you want to make a difference and help solve complex, real-world problems.

Advice for someone looking to apply	What surprised you about IPART
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Advice for someone looking to apply

What surprised you about IPART

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