About Lindsay
Lindsay is a Professional Experience Coordinator at a university, with a background in Public Administration. She started working in the Commonwealth public service when she was 18. In her 39-year career, Lindsay has worked with an employment agency, and now, at a university. She believes Public Administration is a rewarding career for anyone interested in process and helping make a difference in people’s lives.
"Over the 40 years of my work life I have seen many changes in the opportunities and support available to staff in the public service area."
What was your career pathway?
I sat the public service exam on my 18th birthday and received a job offer the same day as I received my HSC result. This started a 14-year career in the Commonwealth public service. Initially, I deferred university so I could work and save money. Little did I know public administration was going to be a great career choice. I had no knowledge of the public service before I started, only that it provided job security.
Taking every opportunity for training
I started in an entry level role, so I did not require any formal qualifications. However, as my career progressed, I did undertake training in the areas of leadership/management, human resources, business administration and then employment services. I also made use of all available training and opportunities within the public service.
A natural fit for working in government
I like structure and rules – and as the public service requires the administration of laws, policies and guidelines, this career path suited me. During my career I did see that this was a restriction to some people. There was some ability to be creative, innovative and work autonomously, while still contributing to the team. I was an office manager before I was 30, which is something that I am very proud of.
Commonwealth Public Service
Sat the public service exam, entered the Commonwealth public service as an administrative officer.
Commonwealth Public Service
Promoted to office manager before the age of 30.
Not-for-profit
Began work for an employment agency to help people find work and training.
Regional university
Started working at the university and still working there today.
Why did you choose this career?
Throughout my career I have worked for 3 main organisations: the public service, an employment agency and now a university. I consider myself to work in public administration.
Over the 40 years of my work life, I have seen many changes in the opportunities and support available to staff in the public service area. There is support for training, financial assistance and study leave, the opportunity to work part-time and now hybrid.
What does a typical day look like?
I am fortunate to work from home 2 days per week. My commute on the other 3 days per week is about 10 minutes. My role is very autonomous but supported by my manager.
Our team is great and we have morning tea together on days we are in the office. Talk here is a combination of personal and work.
The activities of my day vary according to where we are in the teaching calendar. Sometimes it is very student-interactive while at other times it is system-updating, form-developing or data-entry focused.
The challenges of work in a large organisation
Our workplace culture is pretty good within our team. But being part of such a large organisation does pose its challenges.
There are often also managers who are only on long-term contracts, so if they change every 5 years then you seem to always be in times of change. Sometimes this is rewarding and invigorating – it just depends on the changes and the consultation.
Support available for flexible working and carers
Full-time staff are required to be on campus 60% of the time, so I do work from home 2 days per week. I have access to flexi time but do not really use this. We have great conditions for carers and other types of leave and they are very supportive of family and other commitments.
Being more efficient and creative with technology
I have used and currently use a number of systems and programs other than the standard Microsoft Suite. I regularly use Adobe for PDF form manipulation, and Photoshop. I also use a database system that is used by several universities within Australia, New Zealand and internationally. I love exploring how this can make my role more efficient and also assist the students using it as well. This feeds my creativity and innovation needs.
Lindsay's career tips
Understand the role and limitations of executive government
Many people do not understand how the public service operates. It is totally different to private enterprise, but it is that way for a reason.
It is not the right career for everyone, and I have worked with people who couldn't handle the clientele, rules or structure. But if you like process, helping people and playing a small part in people’s lives, then it is a great and rewarding career.
You can be a public servant and be personal in your approach
When I started in the industry the perception was that public servants just counted paper clips. I always tried to be personal in my interactions and if I was unable to help people I would try to look for alternative solutions. Unfortunately, not all my colleagues felt the same way.
Public Administration can be a career outside the major cities
People don't realise that the public service and public administration can be a career in regional areas, other than graduate programs in cities. Yes, there are limits to how high you can go in regional areas, but it still provides a wonderful level of lifestyle and career satisfaction.
Frequently asked questions
Digital communication is a big one. I think the use of messaging technology will increase and surpass the use of emails. Communication with the younger generation is different and employers will need to move with that change.
The Australian Government and state and territory governments have programs for university graduates that offer extensive training and support to begin a career in Public Administration. The public service is very structured. You will progress through the levels as you gain more experience and assume more responsibility.
I did work with one of the first graduates in a regional office. I am not sure if it was his personality or training, but he had difficulty understanding that we couldn't help everyone the way we wanted because we were limited by the laws and rules we were administering. The public service is very much about transparency and accountability and some people have difficulty acclimating to that.
Hone your skills of communication and collaboration. Be curious and open to continuous learning. Be helpful and respectful in all your interactions, and be honest, transparent and inclusive. Understand that you are administering policies and be comfortable with this.
LinkedIn is an excellent source of professional information and connection. Within government departments, there are networking groups and communities of practice that are also useful for keeping abreast of developments in your area of expertise or interest.
When I first started work, we only had career advisers at high school and no internet. The assistance that is available now is amazing and everyone should take advantage of this to research careers, industries and training. The Careers NSW industry experts are a resource you can call on if you have questions about your pathway into a specific field.
Additional questions about Public Administration and Safety?
NSW Careers has a team of industry experts who can talk to you one-on-one about what it’s like to work in this industry.
