What's your job about?
I work as a Service Designer for Services Australia. Services Australia is the government agency responsible for supporting Australians in every stage of life. This is through a range of services and payments. As part of the Technology, Innovation and Design team, we help and empower others to work at their best, in order to get the best results for Australians.
My job is quite varied. One day I could be facilitating innovative workshops for other teams. This includes helping them to streamline and update their processes, structures, or their vision and purpose. Another day, the team could help make a video game that engages young people to learn. And then next, we could make graphics and design items for different projects across the agency. We’re happy to go wherever our services are needed.
The unique jobs we do means being able to access lots of new technology to help others. This includes virtual reality headsets, drones, 3D printers – you name it. The nature of our space also means we get to meet interesting people, try new things and grow outside of our comfort zone. It’s a fantastic gig with an amazing team. I’ve found my people.
What's your background?
I started off life bouncing around the world in India, Singapore and Sydney. Beautiful Brisbane is where I really grew up. During my studies, I had the privilege of taking any opportunity to travel. This included volunteering in Hong Kong and attending video game expos in Germany. Along with visits to family in India, I was exposed to lots of different cultures, ideas and walks of life.
During university, I worked part-time in service delivery for Services Australia. I found an organisation that existed to help those who need it. We supported people from all sorts of diverse backgrounds who call Australia home. When I learned about the graduate program, I took the opportunity to move to a new city and join the agency full time. I found that my time in service delivery was useful in understanding the context and importance of the work we do.
What's the coolest thing about your job?
It’s a joy to help others discover new ways of problem-solving. If solving a puzzle is satisfying, imagine teaching others to solve their own puzzles! Inserting innovative thinking and human-centred design is extremely useful in any role. However, it can be hard to have the energy when your regular tasks take most of your time. It’s great to be the person who can step in and help lend a fresh set of eyes or match a team with a model that helps them think differently.
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