Graduate 2007 - Bhuvana Radhakrishnan

I graduated with a Bachelor of Laws from Chiba University (Japan) in 2002, and a Masters of Human Rights from the London School of Economics in 2006. I spent a few years in between working at an investment bank and with human rights Non Government Organisations.

I joined the Department of Immigration and Citizenship’s Generalist Graduate Development Program to get an overview of the portfolio. I had three diverse rotations in the Border Security, Legal, and the now Migration and Visa Policy (MVP) Divisions. Throughout the program, I was impressed with the level of support provided by my fellow colleagues, training facilitators, and fellow graduates. What impresses me now is how alive these networks remain.

In my first rotation with Airport Policy Section, I gained exposure to operational activities and high level policy. I observed our Entry Operations Centre, audited transit security protocols, and prepared sensitive and complex legal briefs. By reviewing referral reports, I learned how people are assessed for immigration clearance. I also worked with stakeholders to administer airline infringements, and organised airport manager conferences. A visit to Sydney airport was insightful, showing how policy and procedures combine to protect our borders. 

My second rotation was spent in the Ombudsman and HREOC Section, managing Ombudsman investigations into the department. Liaising with business areas to prepare responses helped me to build beneficial networks and uphold client services. In my graduate project under the Chief Lawyer, I worked with other graduates to research and draft a Chief Executive Instruction (CEI), to govern the use of legal resources. Though it was challenging balancing the two roles, seeing its completion gave me a great sense of achievement.

My last rotation was with Permanent Business Migration Section. I liaised with case officers and helped review procedure advice manuals on permanent business visas. Mt team graduate project was to design a management reporting template, which is still in use today. Communicating with MVP sections, overseas posts, and visiting interstate officers, I collected feedback and presented our model to management. Working independently and as part of a team increased my confidence. I developed transferable skills which allowed me to earn a promotion.

I currently work in the ACT and Regions Office (ACTRO). Interacting with clients and assessing visa applications is both challenging and rewarding. Entering my third year with the department, I have found that the Generalist Graduate Development Program has served as a great launching pad for a career in the department and Australian Public Service.