Business and Corporate

Cinthia Dos Santos - Graduate Human Resource Officer

What did you study and where?

I studied a double degree in Business/Government and International Relations majoring in HR and international relations at Griffith University.

What do you hope to get out of the graduate program?

Build capability. The training sessions sound invaluable and want to implement them into my day-to-day work. I'm excited to network with my graduate peers and hopefully gain more confidence in the work environment. I am also excited for the opportunity to observe how training and development is conducted, which will benefit my personal growth and understanding.

What are your career aspirations?

I aspire to one day act in a managerial role in HR. I am still unsure in which area I would like to specialise. However, I enjoy working with people as well as researching and finding different solutions to a problem or task. I think case management would be an interesting avenue to explore. However, my present goal is to learn as much about the different HR functions and how my personal strengths and abilities fit.

Matthew Haspels - Graduate Business Analyst

What did you study and where?

I studied a Bachelor of Commerce majoring in finance at UQ.

What do you hope to get out of the graduate program?

To get out of my comfort zone and embrace every challenge thrown my way. I hope to absorb as much information as I can from the knowledgeable and friendly staff in Resources.

What are your career aspirations?

To become a certified business analyst and contribute to meaningful projects that have a positive effect on the community.

Breanna Jamieson - Graduate Business Analyst

What did you study and where?

Bachelor of Business majoring in management, with a minor in applied economics and electives in information technology at QUT.

Do you have other qualifications?

Certificate II in Retail Services through McDonald’s.

What do you hope to get out of the graduate program?

I hope to gain a deeper understanding of what the Department of Resources does for Queensland. I hope to develop the skills and confidence that will help me further myself in the corporate world.

What are your career aspirations?

Now that I have finished university and have landed a role in this graduate program, I would like to transfer my skills and experience to working in a professional environment. I would like to continue to develop my skills and experience as I work to progress my career.

I want to go to work each day feeling like I am making a difference, taking on leadership responsibilities and being truly committed what I am doing.

Alexandra Kint - Graduate Policy Officer

What did you study and where?

Bachelor of International Studies at UQ (majoring in international relations and Spanish).

Do you have other qualifications?

International study exchange at the University of Edinburgh to study political theory and Spanish literature.

What do you hope to get out of the graduate program?

I hope to put the skills I have practised throughout my studies to use in a real-world environment. I want to learn about the inner workings of government as much as possible and get involved behind the scenes as much as possible in various projects and department areas.

I hope to develop my network and connect with other graduates during our time at the department.

What are your career aspirations?

After graduating from my Bachelor of International Studies, the end goal was to work in government. I am very excited and feel very fortunate to have this amazing opportunity with the Department of Resources, pursuing a career I'm passionate about.

Marlena Litchfield - Graduate Lawyer

What did you study and where?

I studied a Bachelor of Laws (Honours) at QUT.

Do you have other qualifications?

Diploma of Legal Practice from the College of Law.

Bachelor of Arts with a double major in French and international relations at QUT prior to starting my law degree.

What do you hope to get out of the graduate program?

My program is made up of rotations through the Coal Hub; the Mineral Hub; and In-House Legal, so I am expecting to get quite a wide range of experience. I think seeing how the department engages with industry will be really interesting and I am hoping to have some exposure to the Judicial Review process if the opportunity arises. Overall, I am looking to obtain all the skills and contacts I will need to contribute back to the department as a lawyer moving forward.

What are your career aspirations?

I would like to work within the In-House Legal Team as I progress through my legal career. Hopefully, I get to advise on a wide range of issues so I can discover what I'm passionate about.

Angela Pogoda - Graduate Human Resource Officer

What did you study and where?

Bachelor of Business with minors in human resource management and marketing at CQU.

Do you have other qualifications?

Certificate II in Workplace Practices.

Certificate III in Business.

Certificate IV in Property Services.

What do you hope to get out of the graduate program?

Build my knowledge to make me a better human resources professional. Networking, work rotations and a better understanding of how I can progress my career.

What are your career aspirations?

Become the best human resources manager that I can be, leading into the role of a director within human resources. I would love to have the opportunity to be in stepping-stone positions, where I gain the knowledge and experience necessary for me to be successful in a director role.

Heath Sadler - Graduate Policy Officer

What did you study and where?

Dual Degree Business (Economics) and Creative Industries (User-Interactive Design) - QUT.

What do you hope to get out of the graduate program?

The Department of Resources represents an exciting challenge, and is a fantastic opportunity to transition from university into full-time employment.

Equipping me with the knowledge and tools required to hopefully build a successful career within policy. I hope to leverage this wonderful opportunity to build a network of support with the many talented members of the department, to guide me through the early stages of my career.

What are your career aspirations?

I always avoid defining a vision for where I see my career in 20 years, because ultimately my reason for working is more important. I want to make meaningful impact on my community. My current aspirations are to become passionate and engrossed in my role and follow the work wherever that leads me.

Jaini Shah - Graduate Interaction Designer

What did you study and where?

Bachelor of Design Computing at The University of Sydney.

What do you hope to get out of the graduate program?

I hope to put the skills I've developed over the past years into practice, as well as learn new skills from my peers and co-workers.

I hope to meet many people in the graduate program and enjoy my time here.

What are your career aspirations?

To find myself in a steady job that I enjoy doing. To continue learning new skills and meeting lots of people. I hope that the work I do will help to provide improvement in someone's life.

Daniel Walterson - Graduate Accountant

What did you study and where?

Bachelor of Commerce majoring in accounting and economics at Griffith University.

What do you hope to get out of the graduate program?

I look forward to meeting and collaborating with my fellow graduates. I am keen to develop and grow my professional skillset to assist the financial and corporate operations team to deliver key financial services for the department and people of Queensland.

What are your career aspirations?

My aim is to learn and develop new and existing skills through both professional development and engagement to deliver an outstanding quality of work for the people of Queensland.

Georesources

Emma Beattie - Graduate Geoscientist

What did you study and where?

Bachelor of Geology (Honours) at James Cook University.

Master of Economic Geology at CODES (Centre for Ore Deposit and Earth Science) at University of Tasmania.

Do you have other qualifications?

Bachelor of Business started at UQ.

What do you hope to get out of the graduate program?

A good introduction to all aspects of the Queensland Geological Survey and the different mineral systems of Queensland.

What are your career aspirations?

I’d like to continue my career as an economic geologist/geoscientist under Helen and Vladimir’s leadership in the minerals team.

Kate Campbell - Graduate Geologist

What did you study and where?

I studied a Bachelor of Geology at James Cook University

What do you hope to get out of the graduate program?

I see the graduate program as an exciting opportunity to progress my career. I hope to shadow professionals and learn from Queensland leaders, bringing fresh eyes and ideas to the State of Queensland.

What are your career aspirations?

To be a part of delivering something new and innovative to the resources sector. To discover exploration and mining best practice, to help better the knowledge and understanding of Queensland geology. I hope to one day mentor new geologists.

Nicole Carter - Graduate Resource Economist

What did you study and where?

Bachelor of Economics (Natural Resources and Environment).

Bachelor of Science (Ecology).

What do you hope to get out of the graduate program?

I want to understand how the public sector operates and collaborate with and learn from a variety of colleagues. I aim to gain a deep understanding of how global trends in decarbonisation and ESG investing will impact Queensland’s resource sectors. I would also like to grow my technical skills in data analysis and visualisation to communicate what has, is, and might happen in the resource sector. In doing so, I hope to help the department position the resource sectors to be resilient and sustainable well into the future.

What are your career aspirations?

As my career progresses, my aim is to produce outcomes that contribute to a more sustainable, fair, and prosperous future.

Daniella Mario - Graduate Engineer

What did you study and where?

Bachelor (Honours) of Civil Engineering at the University of Newcastle.

Partially completed dual degree in Economics and Commerce at UQ.

Do you have other qualifications?

Certification Training (Project Management)

Certificate III in Customer Engagement (Business Services)

What do you hope to get out of the graduate program?

I hope to be able to gain a good appreciation for the different business units within the Department of Resources.

What are your career aspirations?

I would love to be a valued member of my team.

Yurany Pena - Graduate Engineer

What did you study and where?

Process Engineering at QUT.

Do you have other qualifications?

Diploma of printing/graphic arts and multimedia at International Design School (IDS) in Melbourne.

Industrial Engineering in Colombia.

What do you hope to get out of the graduate program?

My main objective is to learn as much as possible by developing my interpersonal and professional skills and then implementing them into my growing career.

I feel honoured to be working for the Queensland Government within the Department of Resources. Most projects seem very interesting and I know that this experience will have excellent outcomes for my professional development.

What are your career aspirations?

To work effectively within the team. To contribute my evolving skills across diverse tasks and projects and to work collaboratively to achieve objectives.

Spatial Information

Shaun Blackmore - Graduate Spatial Information Officer

What did you study and where?

Graduate Diploma of Spatial Science Technology Specialisation Geographic Information Systems from the University of Southern Queensland.

Do you have other qualifications?

Bachelor of Planning from James Cook University.

What do you hope to get out of the graduate program?

I hope to improve my professional skills within a world-class government department such as Resources. Learning and developing my spatial science skills in a practical way. Continue my studies in the field of spatial science and the understanding of different software, procedures, spatial methods, and learning from industry experts. In addition, networking, communication, leadership, interpersonal skills, problem-solving skills, and public speaking.

What are your career aspirations?

Become an industry expert in the spatial science field and continue to increase my knowledge in new techniques and methods.
To continue to work within state government, making a difference for the people and state of Queensland.

Ashlee Poeppmann - Graduate Spatial Information Officer

What did you study and where?

Bachelor of Environmental Science at QUT.

Do you have other qualifications?

I also completed a Bachelor of Creative Industries, majoring in professional writing and design. This degree has not only helped me to maintain my passion as a writer outside of my current career, but also benefits my everyday work to think creatively and approach challenges and situations from different perspectives.

What do you hope to get out of the graduate program?

My current role is within Spatial Information and Graphic Services, and during my time here as a graduate I hope to gain more skills in spatial science and use those skills to support the department and the resources sector.

What are your career aspirations?

I am excited for the opportunity to work in the Department of Resources and be involved in the management and communication of spatial data to industry and the people of Queensland.

Land and Surveying Services

Rachel Crawford - Graduate Valuer

What did you study and where?

Bachelor of Business (Property) at UNSIA.

What do you hope to get out of the graduate program?
I hope to gain further experience and knowledge in the valuations sector working towards registration. I want to assist my division to the best of my capabilities and gain a better understanding of the Department of Resources and the different disciplines, and take any opportunity that is available.

What are your career aspirations?

To gain registration as a valuer and have a fulfilling career within the Department of Resources.

Ben Bryant - Graduate Surveyor

What did you study and where?

Bachelor of Spatial Science Technology (Surveying) - University of Southern Queensland.

Do you have other qualifications?

Bachelor of Commerce - UQ.

What do you hope to get out of the graduate program?

I hope to get broad exposure of the work done within Department of Resources, developing an understanding of how the state government works.

I am looking forward to meeting and working with many people across a wide range of positions and divisions. I am also looking forward to the mentorship aspects of the program; hopefully learning from the diverse range of people in the department.

What are your career aspirations?

I would like to work towards my registration as a registered surveyor and further gain my cadastral endorsement. I would like to progress through the department and gain experience in a wide range of surveying activities in both the cadastral and geodesy/positioning areas.

Josh Fraser - Graduate Valuer

What did you study and where?

Bachelor of Business Management majoring in real estate and development at UQ.

What do you hope to get out of the graduate program?

To build connections with new people and develop my skills as a valuer.

What are your career aspirations?

To become a fully registered valuer with the Department of Resources.

Ravi Lakhani - Graduate Valuer

What did you study and where?

Bachelor of Commerce majoring in finance and a Bachelor of Business Management majoring in real estate and development.

What do you hope to get out of the graduate program?

I hope to gain a much deeper understanding of the property market, gain practical experience doing property valuations and work towards getting my registration.

What are your career aspirations?

Once I get my registration, I would love to work as a property valuer or potentially take what I've learnt and go into property investment fund management. I want to work in the property sector and look forward to seeing what opportunities present themselves.

James Swann - Graduate Valuer

What did you study and where?

Bachelor of Property Economics with minors in management and urban development at QUT.

What do you hope to get out of the graduate program?

I hope to gain a wealth of knowledge in not only my own discipline being valuation, but also get an understanding of what others do within the department.

What are your career aspirations?

To learn as much as I can and become the best version of myself. I hope to work my way up within the government sector.

Natural Resource Operations

Alesia Dyer - Graduate Natural Resource Management Officer

What did you study and where?

Bachelor of Environmental Management (Honours) majoring in natural systems and wildlife at UQ.

Do you have other qualifications?

I worked with my honours supervisor (post-honours) to get my thesis published in the Journal of Pacific Conservation Biology in May 2021.

I was research assistant at UQ on a project for the National Environmental Science Program (NESP) under the Threatened Species Recovery Hub. Read our project report.

What do you hope to get out of the graduate program?

I hope to gain skills and knowledge from the vast array of backgrounds and interests of others in the graduate program. I seek to gain networking and interpersonal contacts and soak up as much information as possible.

Austin Jamieson - Graduate Planning Officer

What did you study and where?

Bachelor of Environmental Management - University of the Sunshine Coast.

Do you have other qualifications?

Diploma of Community Services Work - TAFE

What do you hope to get out of the graduate program?

Learn to communicate with influence, negotiate, resolve conflicts, develop leadership skills, and manage projects and stakeholders, coaching and mentoring.

Develop my emotional intelligence, be aware of unconscious bias, and gain a deeper understanding of the history and experiences of First Nation Peoples.

What are your career aspirations?

Build a career that allows me to become an expert in environmental management, planning, organisational leadership and management.

I aspire to work collaboratively to develop solutions that meet the needs of the diverse perspectives and cultures of Queensland.

Laura Smith - Graduate Natural Resource Management Officer

What did you study and where?

Wildlife Ecology and Restoration - University of the Sunshine Coast.

What do you hope to get out of the graduate program?

Participating in the graduate program will aid in my understanding of the resource department within the state government. I am looking forward to networking throughout the program and building on my existing professional relationships.

What are your career aspirations?

I aim to work towards a rewarding supervisory role where I can have input into creating change and growth within the sector.