While Nadine Bakker expected the Launch program for the public sector’s new graduates to be a valuable professional experience, it was the profound personal benefits that surprised her.
Nadine took a roundabout way of joining the public sector, completing an undergraduate degree in
Perth before going on to a masters at the University of Gronigen in the Netherlands, and starting her career in HR in the private sector.
She joined WorkCover as a graduate HR Officer in December 2022 and is one of a record 103 graduates participating in Launch in 2023.
“The topics we cover and discuss at Launch are applicable to both my professional and personal life,” Nadine says.
“For example, the self reflection exercises have helped me further develop my skills in terms of examining what is and is not in my scope of control when things feel overwhelming. They help me focus on what I can do.
“One point I found profound was the paradox that to reach true self awareness you need feedback from others. Self reflection isn’t a solely independent exercise.
“The discussions around this inspired me to be more courageous to ask others for
feedback in both my professional and personal life.”
It’s a great example of how Launch establishes a growth mindset and embeds key behaviours in staff, developing a breadth of practical skills required for a successful career.
