6.00 AM

Time to wake up and get ready for the day. I’m not naturally a morning person but I’m training myself to become one – apparently it’s possible!  I’m a huge Formula One fan and it’s a Monday morning, so over breakfast I check the highlights of the race that happened overnight.

7.00 AM

I’m headed into the office today, so I jump on the ferry.  In my opinion it’s the best way to get to work – it’s gorgeous and you can’t get stuck in traffic! Staying up to date with current affairs is always helpful in the policy space, so I pop on a news podcast on my way in. My favourites are currently 7am and The Daily Aus.

7.45 AM

Our work hours are flexible, as long as you complete your required hours between 7am and 6pm. I have a few plans this evening, so starting early allows me to have plenty of time up my sleeve in the afternoon.

When I arrive, I pick up a coffee from the café downstairs and say hi to the other early birds in my team. I check my messages and emails, respond to an enquiry from a stakeholder that came in overnight, and take some time to plan my day over coffee.

I’m currently working on a project that facilitates the presentation of major research funding proposals to senior government decision makers. We use Microsoft Planner to track our work, which is fantastic because you can break every task down into smaller chunks (and ticking off a task as completed is always satisfying!).

9.00 AM

Our project is broken down into two-week ‘sprints’, and we’re coming up to the end of one shortly. I meet with the project manager and the other team members who’ve been helping to check in on everyone’s progress, re-allocate tasks as needed, and work out what needs to happen during the next sprint.

9.30 AM

Time to get some writing done. On this project, this might look like drafting emails to external stakeholders or updating wording for the project’s public-facing website. 

I’m currently helping to schedule some key presentations, which will be attended by a committee of Deputy Directors-General across Queensland Government. Trying to balance the calendars of a group of busy people is a challenge, so I try asking Queensland Government’s special, secure version of generative AI to help me draft a schedule for the day based on attendees’ availability. In the Science division, we’re encouraged to try using this emerging technology in a safe and controlled way.

10.15 AM

It’s a Parliament sitting this week, so I to tune in to question time. This gives me a feel of what the immediate priorities are for Government and is always an interesting watch.

12.00 PM

I’m lucky enough to have another Policy Futures grad, Robyn, working in a team close to mine. We take a “business lunch” (all talk, no business) to catch up and check in about how our placements are going.

12.45 PM

Alongside the project, I’m doing some longer-term research. Soon I’ll be drafting a section of a review of an ongoing initiative which accelerates the translation of science research into industry. Having a science background, I really enjoy work that promotes Queensland as a science hotspot.

I spend an hour or so researching how similar programs operate in other Australian states and territories.

2.00 PM

As a grad, we’re encouraged to gain exposure to as many different topics and work areas as we can. My director knows I have a strong interest in genetics thanks to my study background in science, so invites me to observe a meeting about some upcoming changes to some genetics-related Federal legislation. The meeting is attended by senior public service representatives from each State and Territory. As a grad I try to say yes to everything; you never know what you’ll get to be a part of!

3.00 PM

I sit in on a weekly planning meeting with the Queensland Chief Scientist, as well as my executive director, director, and manager. This meeting helps me to stay across the huge volume of varied work that’s going on in my branch.

3.45 PM

It’s time to wrap up for the day and head off. I’m working from home tomorrow, so I make sure to clear my desk and take my laptop and notes home with me.

4.30 PM

I squeeze in a Pilates class. Moving my body after work helps me to prioritise my physical and mental health, and it’s a great way to switch off from the workday. I aim for 3 classes a week at my local studio. On days I don’t have Pilates, I try to get outside for a walk along the river with an audiobook instead.

5.15 PM

Usually I’d head home from here, but today is a little different. I’m a musician and music lover, so I go to as many concerts as I can. The Australian Chamber Orchestra has discounted tickets for under 35’s, so I take advantage of this while I can. I head over the river to the Queensland Performing Arts Centre and pick up a quick bite to eat before the concert.

7.30 PM

The lights go down and the performance begins. While the Policy Futures program is exciting, your first year can be exhausting – there’s so much to learn and so many people to meet. Keeping up with hobbies and things you enjoy helps you to bring your best self to work every day (for me, that’s music).

9.30 PM

I make a quick call to my Mum on the ferry trip home – I’m from Far North Queensland, so I make time to catch up with my long-distance family and friends as often as I can.  

10.00 PM

I try to stay off my phone for at least half an hour before I go to sleep, so I read a chapter or two of a book. After not reading for enjoyment much during uni, I challenged myself to finish 25 books this year. I’ve read 27, so I might have to make that goal 30 next year!

After a long day it’s time for a good night’s sleep before seeing what tomorrow brings.

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