The dreams of some highly talented University graduates have come true, having been welcomed into ANSTO’s Graduate Development Program. The competition was fierce and only 24 graduates made the cut from a field of 460 applicants.
Over the next two years, each graduate will rotate through several departments at ANSTO, getting hands-on experience in research fields ranging from nuclear medicine to environmental studies and materials engineering.
ANSTO CEO, Dr Adi Paterson officially welcomed the group of bright young minds to the organisation on Monday along with the Federal Member for Hughes, Craig Kelly.
Among the graduates was Eve Chong who recently completed a degree in Chemistry and Law at the University of New South Wales.
She said it has always been a dream of hers to work at ANSTO, “I used to come to the ANSTO open days when I was in high school and I thought, ‘This is where I want to be.’”
Chemical Engineering and Finance graduate, Sandeep Chandra, also from UNSW, said it is an exciting new chapter in his career, “The program is a good opportunity to get as much as experience as soon as you can. It’s inspired me to get involved in every aspect of ANSTO’s operations.”
ANSTO CEO, Dr Adi Paterson said the Graduate Development Program was extremely important in attracting and retaining key Australian scientific and engineering talent to bridge the skills gap in the science and technology field.
“Our vision is to deliver excellence in innovation, insight and discovery through our people, partnerships, nuclear expertise and landmark infrastructure. Most importantly it’s our people that allow us to achieve these goals. That is why it is so important to have graduate programs like this and to have you join us.
“ANSTO is about the future and as we head towards our 60th year of operation and beyond, the future direction will rely greatly upon the younger generations. How the organisation will look, feel and operate will largely be in your hands because you’ll be the creators of the ANSTO of the future as you work here,” Dr Paterson said.
The Federal Member for Hughes, Mr Craig Kelly encouraged the graduates to push the boundaries of research, “History has shown us that every new discovery whether it’s in science, medicine or business, has been at the hands of the maverick – someone crossing new frontiers to come up with innovative ideas.
“The work you do in nuclear science and research will benefit millions of Australians. The future prosperity of our country relies on the innovation of our science and technology based industries and ANSTO will lead the way in the field of nuclear science and technology,” Mr Kelly said.
In the first year of the Graduate Development program graduates take part in an induction and professional development scheme as well as completing two work placements in various departments within ANSTO.
In the second year of the program the work placements are tailored to suit the graduate’s degree discipline to prepare them for their ongoing career at ANSTO.
Published: 09/02/2011