ARG Alumni Voices
Here’s what some of our past interns and graduates have to say about their experiences with the ARG Programmes.
Interns
Graduates
“I really enjoyed getting to know the other people in the graduate programme. It was very special to have a group of people, with a range of experiences, all starting the same role. Not only did it create connections across government, but it was a group to talk to about our experience of joining the workforce after university.”
“I have learnt how to extract and present data for responses to Official Information Act requests and Parliamentary Questions, across various subject matter areas I had no previous experience in. I regularly deliver operational and performance reports to other business units, and have gained valuable experience commissioning work for customers and seeing it through to delivery.”
“As someone that didn’t know a lot about the public sector, it was hard to know what government agencies might be a good fit for me. I chose to apply for the ARG Graduate Programme because I liked the idea of being placed somewhere that I was wanted and needed.”
“I was placed at an agency that I would’ve never picked myself and loved it. I feel respected and valued within my team, and I’m becoming increasingly interested in the data I work with and invested in Ministry initiatives relevant to my subject matter.”
“I work in evaluation, so deal with a mix of quantitative and qualitative research methods. I have helped to develop tools, analyse data, create recommendations for stakeholders, write accessible reports, and have learnt about the nuances of evaluation (compared to ‘research’)”
“Having a group of like-minded young professionals in similar, yet varying roles. Beginning a job is a tough experience, and having those voices to talk you through the imposter syndrome, work-life balance, and general life change anxiety changed my experience for the better.”
“I took interest in the programme when my colleague detailed the supportive relationships they had fostered, and the opportunities they had experienced through the programme. Starting in my first job post-graduation, I knew having a support network, and having access to opportunities that would strengthen my professional development would be key.”
“It was useful to learn basics about entering the workforce, such as dealing with your manager, navigating email etiquette, and what a typical meeting looks like. As a graduate, it’s good to learn explicitly about these things that don’t often get ‘taught’.”