In part three of the 2016 graduate trilogy that is much better than the Matrix Revolutions, AFMA now introduces Sophie Fisher.
Unlike the previous profiled graduates, Anna Whitton and Daniel Beard, Sophie’s ‘home’ agency is the Australian Fisheries Management Authority (AFMA) where she will now be based.
AFMA Graduate Sophie Fisher
Sophie has undertaken three rotations across the year, two at AFMA and one at the Department. We checked in with her so she could to tell us about her experiences.
Where have you been working at AFMA and what were the main things you have been working on?
Having worked at AFMA for a few years prior to the graduate program, I was keen to use the program to develop skills in areas I hadn’t yet been exposed to.
At my rotation at the Department, I worked in the Workforce Planning Section of the People Capability Branch. I really enjoyed getting to understand the strategic human resources that enable the policy and program functions. My final rotation was back at AFMA in the Communications Section. This has provided a great overview of the diverse issues and achievements happening across the agency and has encouraged me to look out for the story in every situation! Not to mention develop great pun writing skills!
What has been your favourite part about working at AFMA?
I love working at AFMA. The people here are passionate about making a positive difference. There is a palpable link between the work you carry out each day and the impact it has on our stakeholders and the overall efficient and sustainable management of Commonwealth fish resources.
Have you had any memorable experiences?
Plenty! Our industry trip (home to Tasmania) was a great experience. Our project looked at the drivers and constraints to growth in the aquaculture industry. This provided a really interesting comparison to wild caught fisheries. I also coordinated the fundraising for the annual graduate trivia night which raised over $8 500 for Rural and Remote Mental Health, a cause which I am passionate about.
What have you gained from being a graduate at AFMA?
Undertaking the graduate program at AFMA has enabled me to develop skills that will be useful to my career (wherever it takes me) into the future, better understand how all the pieces of the agency fit together and develop networks across different areas. The year has been really worthwhile and I am grateful for the opportunities for development it has offered me. I’d encourage future university graduates with an interest in natural resources to think about applying for the 2018 program.
Every year AFMA runs a graduate program to help develop the next generation of AFMA leaders. For the past few years, AFMA has partnered with our portfolio agency, the Department of Agriculture and Water Resources (the Department) on this program giving AFMA graduates an opportunity for an external rotation, and departmental graduates a chance to do a rotation at AFMA.
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