Case study: The attraction of the public sector after the defence force

Carmel wanted to work for a values-based organisation that's fast-paced.

Carmel Flynn - Veteran

The attraction of working in the public sector

'I was attracted to work in the public sector for the same reasons I was attracted to work in the ADF ... I was motivated to contribute to public service, and in particular to safer communities. I wanted to work in a values-based organisation that's fast-paced and provides challenge and variety.'

'I think veterans will be surprised by how relevant their training and experience is to the public sector. They can use the skills they gained in the ADF to achieve better outcomes for Victorian communities.'

Carmel's work history

After finishing her Bachelor of Commerce, Carmel enlisted in the Royal Australian Air Force in 1989. Over the next nine years she worked as a Logistics Officer. Carmel joined as a junior officer. The diverse roles she held at the RAAF include procurement, project management of strategic inventory management and transportation operations.

In 1993 Carmel was deployed to active service in Somalia. She worked in a tri-service movements team with the United Nations operations in Mogadishu. She was later promoted to Squadron Leader, before leaving the ADF in 1998.

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