NATHAN RUDDER - Graduate public policy officer
Salary range
AUD$53,826 - 61,831 p.a.
What I studied
Combined Science (Biological Sciences)/Law, University of Western Sydney
Career path
Higher School Certificate 1997
Graduated University 2003
Graduate Program: Department of Industry Tourism and Resources 2004
Policy Officer: Biotechnology Australia 2005
My Life
After finishing high school, Nathan Rudder took on combined degrees in Law and Science, as he was interested in both.
“I thoroughly enjoyed my course which included the opportunity to undertake a research project with the Cooperative Research Centre for Eye Research Technology at the University of NSW. I took a year off in the middle of my studies to travel overseas and do a variety of jobs including working at a summer camp in the USA and at a ski resort in Canada. I graduated in 2003 with double majors in biology and chemistry as well as my law degree.”
Upon finishing university, Nathan decided he did not want to be a lawyer or a research scientist but wanted a job where he could use his knowledge of both. So public policy seemed a good fit. He gained a position on the graduate program with the Australian Government Department of Industry, Tourism and Resources where he was able to work on issues and advise Government across a range of areas including tourism, innovation and the automotive industry.
“The graduate program ran for almost a year and after that I gained a position with Biotechnology Australia. I really enjoy my job as I get to travel around Australia and meet a lot of interesting people involved in biotechnology. I also get to work with five different commonwealth agencies and the State and Territory governments. This provides me with work that is both interesting and challenging where I can apply my university training.”
There are other benefits to his job, too.
“I enjoy living in Canberra as I am close to work, Sydney, the coast and the snow. Canberra allows me to be involved in a range of interests including Australian Rules football, snowboarding and guitar.”
My advice for students
“Study what you enjoy and are interested in as it is much easier to do the work and your results will be better. Do not be in too much of a rush to get a real job but make the most of the opportunities that being a student brings.”