Career paths and opportunities

The work of the ACT Public Service is diverse and we need people with all types of qualifications and backgrounds. That’s why we are encouraging applications from people with a broad range of skills and experience.

For the 2027 ACT Public Service Graduate Program we are seeking graduates across the following career pathways:

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The Finance career path is suited to graduates with an interest in financial management, accounting, economics and commerce.

This pathway provides opportunities to contribute to core government finance functions such as budgeting and forecasting, financial reporting, policy costings, and procurement and financial governance.  Graduates may also support economic analysis, business strategy, and performance reporting to inform government decision‑making.

This path offers diverse opportunities to work across directorates to contribute to the Territory’s financial sustainability, compliance, and ensure effective use of public resources.

Examples of relevant qualifications:

  • Accounting
  • Commerce
  • Finance
  • Statistics
  • Actuarial Studies
  • Economics

“Since joining the ACT Public Service as a financial management graduate in 2024, I have been delivering evidence-based outputs to inform government decisions. As a regulatory analyst, I conduct economic research and analysis on key regulatory and compliance issues, such as setting prices for electricity, water and sewerage services. I feel valued in my job when I see my work reflected in my own utility bills, knowing that it also makes a difference in the everyday lives of other Canberrans.”

- Alex, Bachelor of Economics/Bachelor of International Relations (2024 ACTPS Graduate)

The Corporate and Policy career path offers a diverse and rewarding range of opportunities to suit a broad mix of skills and interests. Whether you have expertise or a passion for governance, policy development, project management, media and communications, human resources, industrial relations, employee relations, or marketing, this pathway provides meaningful avenues to contribute to the ACTPS.
As a graduate in the Corporate and Policy career path you might shape policies, support major initiatives or help to ensure that our people, systems and services operate smoothly and effectively.  You will be at the forefront of initiatives that enhance workplace culture, improve service delivery, drive strategic goals, and support the well-being of the ACT Government and the ACT community.

Examples of relevant qualifications:

  • Business
  • Arts
  • Business Administration
  • Media, Journalism and Communications
  • Human Resources
  • Business and Management
  • Psychology
  • Public Policy
  • Political Science
  • Politics

“I joined the ACT Government's Graduate Program in 2023 after completing studies in the Arts and Humanities. Since starting, I feel lucky to have contributed to work such as running a festival, delivering major events in the ACT, and helping Canberrans access and grow more local food. The Graduate Program was a great way to see and experience how different areas of Government work and allowed me to seek out the role that most interested me. It's been a very rewarding experience being able to pursue work that interests me personally, while also seeing the benefits of that work in the community I live in.”

- Jack, Bachelor of Science/Bachelor of Arts (2023 ACTPS Graduate)

The Engineering and Infrastructure career path is ideal for graduates with an engineering or infrastructure background and a strong interest in building and improving essential infrastructure.

In this path you might work on real world public infrastructure projects, develop cutting-edge solutions for community needs, or drive the advancement of territory technology and infrastructure. You will play a pivotal role in designing and implementing systems that enhance public services.

From constructing bridges, transport and roads to creating sustainable energy solutions, this career path will have you solving complex problems and making an impact for the community you live and work in.

Examples of relevant qualifications:

  • Civil, Structural and Environmental Engineering
  • Building and Construction Management
  • Urban Planning
  • Architecture
  • Electrical Engineering
  • Mechanical Engineering

“I joined the ACTPS in 2024 as a graduate in the infrastructure pathway. Within this program, I was given the opportunity to learn and contribute within a variety of teams, such as planning city infrastructure projects, strategically managing traffic disruption and auditing technical specifications within the land sale process. Now, as an infrastructure planning officer at Transport Canberra and City Services, my team and I lead the preparation of business cases and initiation of projects for a broad range of the city’s assets, including roads, cycleways, sportsgrounds and stormwater systems. It is a great feeling seeing the results of my work being physically constructed across the city, creating a lasting benefit for all Canberrans.”

- James, Bachelor of Aviation (2024 ACTPS Graduate)

The Environment and Sustainability career path offers you the chance to make a real impact. Work on exciting projects that promote environmental conservation and sustainable communities.

Working in environment and sustainability, you will use your skills in environmental project management, parks and land management, climate change, or city services. Your work could contribute to the creation of sustainable communities, management of natural resources, or tackle environmental challenges.

Examples of relevant qualifications:

  • Environmental Science
  • Sustainability Development
  • Science Communication
  • Climate Change Science
  • Agriculture

“Through the grad program I was able to apply my passion for the environment to help bridge the gap between a perceived dichotomy - infrastructure delivery and environmental outcomes. I feel supported by my team and colleagues to strive for positive and innovative environmental outcomes on a cutting-edge infrastructure project that will future proof my city and contribute to the transition to renewable energy”

- Clay, Bachelor of Environmental Science and Management (2024 ACTPS Graduate)

The ICT, Digital and Data career path is ideal for graduates who are passionate about using technology and data to improve government services and outcomes for the community.

Whether your interests lie in software development, data analytics, digital design or user experience, this stream offers diverse and meaningful opportunities to apply your skills in real‑world settings. In this career path you may contribute to designing and delivering digital services, building and maintaining technology systems, and using data to generate insights that inform decision‑making. You could be involved in analysing datasets, developing digital solutions, or enhancing the user experience of government services.

Your work will help ensure that systems and services are secure, efficient, accessible and user‑centred, while supporting evidence‑based policy and program delivery. In doing so, you will play an important role in the ongoing digital transformation and data‑driven improvement of government services.

Examples of relevant qualifications:

  • Information Technology
  • Information Systems
  • Business Analytics
  • Computer Science
  • Data Science and Analytics
  • Mathematics
  • Statistics
  • Software Development
  • Cyber
  • Network and IT Infrastructure
  • Cloud Computing
  • AI

“As a Designer/Business Analyst and graduate program alum, I have the opportunity to work on a variety of cross-industry projects that influence everyday life. While some projects yield visible results in the community quickly, others take time. Regardless of the pace, every effort helps improve our city. The graduate program helped me discover my career path plan and taught me important lessons in overcoming challenges. I learned to view obstacles not as barriers, but as opportunities for growth and continuous learning.”

- Lefei, Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and Information Systems (2023 ACTPS Graduate)

Do you want to drive change and make an impact on society where you live?

The Legal career path within the ACT Public Service Graduate Program is perfect for those who are passionate about shaping the future through innovative policies or legal frameworks.

Whether you're interested in public, legal or health policy, procurement, or contract management, this path offers you the chance to address pressing societal issues.

In the Legal pathway, your graduate program experience might include conducting in-depth research, analysing legislation, drafting contracts or providing insightful recommendations to policymakers.

Examples of relevant qualifications:

  • Law
  • Justice Studies
  • International Law
  • Politics
  • Criminology
  • Public Policy

“Since joining ACT Government in 2023 as a Legal Policy Graduate, I have been able to contribute to inspiring work in many areas, including the integrity of the public service, revenue management, and social policy. As a policy officer in the Justice and Community Safety Directorate, I now work on policy development and law reform addressing domestic, family, and sexual violence. Each day, I feel proud to work for an organisation creating a positive and meaningful impact on our community.”

- Jaclyn, Bachelor of Commerce and Bachelor of Laws (Honours) (2023 ACTPS Graduate)

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Acknowledgement of Country

We acknowledge the Ngunnawal people as traditional custodians of the ACT and recognise any other people or families with connection to the lands of the ACT and region. We acknowledge and respect their continuing culture and the contribution they make to the life of this city and this region.