Graduate Data Network

The Graduate Data Network (GDN) empowers graduates to advocate for better data use, analysis, and capability across the Australian Public Service (APS). Through a bottom-up approach, our data initiatives aim to drive better policy, program and corporate delivery outcomes across the APS and for the benefit of all Australians.

Established in April 2018, GDN membership has grown to over 1,000 members, with members coming from over 40 different Commonwealth and state and territory agencies. Members come from both data specialist and non-specialist backgrounds, bringing together graduates from policy, program and service delivery, legal, financial and other areas. We are united by the common desire to drive the effective use of data in the APS for its benefit and the benefit of all Australians.

We seek to provide our members with opportunities that improve their data confidence and develop them to be the future leaders of our APS.

Who is this Network suitable for  

The GDN is for graduates who have an interest in data and we welcome all graduates across all APS agencies, regardless of their experience. GDN membership is open to all Australian Public Service graduates regardless of agency, department, level of government or year in which they joined as a graduate. We also welcome state and territory public service graduates to join the network.

Some opportunities in the GDN are only open to current APS graduates or those who have completed their APS graduate program within twelve months of signing up to the GDN. Non-graduate APS employees interested in data are encouraged to join the APS Data Profession.

Benefits of joining this Network?

• An opportunity to join a collaborative whole-of-government initiative that aims to improve data culture across the APS.
• Opportunities to develop a better understanding of how the APS uses data and build skills in data analysis, leadership and project management.
• Opportunities to meet and work with other graduates and senior leaders across the APS.
• Access to early-career data-related job opportunities in the APS.
• Access to exclusive GDN run training, workshops, forums and events.
• Access to the monthly GDN newsletter.

This Network three objectives

• Champion cultural change – We work to improve how the public sector uses data by identifying opportunities for improvement in APS data networks and programs.
• Empower graduates – We give graduates opportunities to discuss the benefits and challenges of data analysis and use, develop their data literacy and collaborate across agencies on initiatives and projects.
• Collaborate with Senior Executives – We advocate for effective data use in Senior Executive governance forums and work with key senior data experts, such as the Deputy-Secretaries Data Group, the Data Champions Network and the National Data Commissioner.

Recruitment for Graduate Data Network Positions

Each year the Graduate Data Network recruits APS graduates for Co-Chair, Steering Committee and Working Group Positions.

We highly encourage prospective members who are interested in changing the data landscape to join the Network and use the opportunities we provide to make a profound positive impact on how the Australian Public Service uses data to serve the public.

Co-chairs

Each year the GDN recruits Co-Chairs to lead the strategic direction of the Network and provide leadership to the Steering Committee.

Steering committee

Every year the Graduate Data Network recruits Steering Committee members, who monitor and report on each of the Working Groups as well as contribute to and implement the GDN’s Work Plan.

Check out our Network Structure to find out more about the responsibilities of the GDN Leadership team.

Working groups

Each year, the GDN recruits graduates to deliver projects through Working Groups.

In 2022, there are nine GDN Working Groups who have a responsibility to deliver projects to support the core objectives of the Graduate Data Network.

A Steering Committee member leads each Working Group. The Working Groups typically break into sub-teams based on the deliverables for the project. Once assigned to a Working Group graduates can nominate for Co-lead positions. Co-leads are leadership roles, with the responsibility for leading a sub-team to work on their project.

Check out our Work Program to find out more about the types of projects you could be involved in if you apply for a Working Group position in the GDN.

Who can apply?

GDN positions are available to those who are current APS graduates or have completed their APS graduate program within twelve months of signing up to the GDN.

Graduates nominate their preferences for which GDN roles they are interested in and positions are subject to a selection process.

Recruitment for our working groups takes place in April-May each year, so please subscribe to the mailing list and keep an eye out for our emails to get involved.