Jagvir's graduate story: accounting and finance stream

Pronouns: He/him/his
Studied: Bachelor of Commerce
Stream: Accounting and finance
Home department: Department of Jobs, Precincts and Regions*
How he describes himself: Entertaining, sporty, laid-back, friendly, ambitious and honest

About me

I love playing sports! Most of my weekdays after work, I either go play some volleyball, basketball or workout at the gym.

In the future I’d love to own my own business. I don’t know what, where or how. But I know I’ll have one at some point. Until then I’ll keep working on myself and developing my professional and interpersonal skills.

What I expected

I was searching for a position where I would be valued and give me the opportunity to develop great contacts across a wide variety of areas. I wanted to contribute to something greater and be proud of my work.

I was expecting the role to involve a lot of bureaucracy! And while there is a lot of administration and paperwork involved, we have a common goal; working for the people, with the people.

What I experienced

Throughout the year, all the executives I interacted with showed me the highest respect. I really valued this as it embodies how I interact with people, regardless of their position.

I really loved the enthusiasm my manager brought to our work. And catching up with colleagues became a highlight of my workday. Working through the various problems they brought to me was satisfying and fulfilling.

Who I worked with

My home rotation was in the Business and Financial Services team in Agriculture Victoria, part of the Department of Jobs, Precincts and Regions*.

In my second rotation, I worked in the Financial Services Division at the Department of Education and Training*.

I got to work on many different projects over the year. Everything from budget submissions to grants reporting, system changeovers and more.

I worked on an analysis of worldwide policies and comparing them to equivalent ones in Victoria. I especially enjoyed this because my role isn’t policy orientated so I was able to get exposure to policy work.

Advice for future applicants

Focus your application around why you want to be part of the VPS. Having strong beliefs and ideals will make it easier to pick you out of the crowd.

A full workday can be unexpectedly tiring and sitting down all day is as bad for you as it sounds. Try to stand up regularly, go outside at lunchtime, and make time for semi-social activities.

Once you start the program, remember that if you ask, you shall receive. I wish I’d realised how open all co-workers were to point me in the right direction.

*From 1 January 2023, the Department of Jobs, Precincts and Regions was renamed the Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry and Regions and the Department of Education and Training was renamed the Department of Education.