At The Australian National University (ANU) College of Business and Economics (CBE), students not only receive a word-class education, but they also have access to many professional-development opportunities. One of these is the Australian Public Service (APS) Engagement Study Visit initiative, led by Dr Marina Iskhakova from the ANU Research School of Economics (RSE) – an opportunity that’s helping to introduce students to the real-world workplace environment.
The RSE APS Engagement Study Visit initiative is intended to equip both undergraduate and postgraduate economics students with a first-hand APS experience, and bridge the gap between academic education and real-world economics practice. The initiative consists of up to six half-day public sector visits throughout the year, at different APS government departments in Canberra, each for a group of up to 30–40 students.
Previous visits have included some of the key APS agencies and departments: Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, The Treasury, Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet, Department of Industry, Science and Resources, and the Australian Bureau of Statistics.
Marina explains that the primary purpose of the public-sector visits is the students’ development.
“The immersive APS visits aim to provide students with unique opportunities for both their professional and personal development, and to satisfy their demand for learning first-hand from public-sector experts and meeting decision makers, all in a live format,” she says.
A typical study visit involves 8 to 12 presentations by middle and senior executives on some of the most critical problems in current Australian economics and politics. Students also learn from graduate-program employees and public-sector experts, and attend Q&A sessions and informal networking with APS managers and speakers.
“The experience expands students’ horizons, giving them deeper and more balanced perspectives. Public-sector experts generously share their philosophies and the APS way of thinking. Many of them also share and teach what it means to make balanced economic decisions, which include and optimise outcomes for many various stakeholders,” says Marina.
Students who participated in the 2023 visits found the experience beneficial.
“It allowed me to meet professionals whose job it is to navigate global challenges, learn about graduate programs and gain insight into government operations,” shares CBE student Michael Green.
Marina is proud of the initiative, which she believes provides a unique format of learning experience, and at the same time, inspires students.
“Everyone leaves the typical study visit thinking: ‘I’ll study hard to get a job like that, I’d like to be able to bring a positive impact to society,’” says Marina.
Upcoming APS Engagement Study Visits will include visits to the Department of Industry, Science and Resources, and the Treasury. Expressions of Interest will be sent out to CBE students soon.
The ANU College of Business and Economics offers an extensive range of employer engagement opportunities, such as internship and employer-lead workshops. Click here for more details.