By Emily Stokes, APS Academy, Graduate Development Program team
Reflections from a (new) MC
In early March, the APS Academy hosted the APS GDP G25 Grad Connect event, bringing together over 330 graduates from 27 agencies for a day of connection, learning, and professional growth.
It was also the first APS event I attended and hosted since joining the APS late last year. Standing on stage I felt a sense of shared experience. Like many of the attending graduates, I was still finding my feet—learning the language of the APS, understanding its structures, and figuring out my role. There was excitement, but also a degree of overwhelm. That’s why G25 Grad Connect felt so important—not just as an event, but as a day to connect with others sharing similar experiences.
Held at the National Convention Centre in Canberra, the G25 grad Connect was designed to bring graduates together at the very start of their program, helping them build networks, gain insights from experienced professionals, and develop adaptability in an evolving public service landscape.
The APS Graduate Development Program
The APS GDP is a structured learning and development pathway designed to equip APS graduates with the skills, networks and mindsets to thrive in public service. Each year, the program welcomes graduates from diverse academic and professional backgrounds, offering a year-long journey of social learning, practitioner-led sessions, and collaborative experiences.
Highlights from the Day
G25 Grad Connect was designed to achieve three key objectives:
- Support graduates to build personal and professional networks, forming relationships that support effective connection and collaboration
- Instil a sense of stewardship, encouraging graduates to take ownership of their roles, recognise the contributions they can make and support them to uphold the integrity and professionalism that maintains trust in the APS
- Equip graduates with skills to navigate change and build adaptability for long-term success
The event featured discussions with APS leaders and other experts who shared their experiences and insights into public service careers. A keynote address from Dr Subho Banerjee underscored the importance and impact of continuous learning, Clare McLean discussed the Value of Stewardship, and an address from Andrea Clarke explored the importance of adaptability, resilience, and lifelong learning in shaping impactful APS careers.
One of the most engaging moments of the day was the panel discussion with graduates from previous APS GDP cohorts. They shared their firsthand experiences of challenges, unexpected opportunities and lessons they wished they had known from the start. Hearing their stories highlighted that a willingness to have a go, ask for help and build networks is essential to make the most of the APS GDP year.
The Power of Connection
Beyond the formal sessions, some of the most valuable moments happened in between during networking breaks, in hallway conversations, and over shared reflections on the day’s discussions. For many, the G25 Grad Connect was the first chance to meet their fellow graduates from other Agencies in person—to put faces to names, share experiences, and start forming relationships. As the event went on, the energy only built, with a real sense of momentum developing as we saw out the day with motivating messages from Andrea Clarke about building adaptability and navigating change.
Looking Ahead
Throughout the year, APS GDP graduates will engage in a series of in-person and online events, coaching, and year-long online social learning, all designed to deepen their understanding of the APS and strengthen their professional skills. Through collaboration with peers, the exploration of concepts in a series of two-week sprints, and access to practitioner-led learning, graduates will build the skills and mindsets to excel in their APS careers.
For me, hosting Grad Connect was a reminder of why I joined the APS in the first place; to be part of something meaningful, surrounded by people who care about making an impact. For the graduates, this year will be about learning, adapting, and finding their place in public service, and I look forward to doing the same.