Nathan David Howse

Graduate Policy Officer

I have been working on projects relating to Indigenous engagement, such as the National Reconciliation Week Market Day DISR hosted and using this experience towards making a NAIDOC week market event that will be even better than the last.

7:00 AM

I am not a morning person, so I usually get up around 7 AM, get ready for the day and make sure I can bring my best self to work in the morning.

9:00 AM

I usually try to be in the office and greet everyone by 9 AM, but the team is highly dynamic and some of the teams are based interstate, so there is no pressure to be in on a hard deadline. The team begins to roll in and start our daily tasks, have a bit of a chat, and check how everyone is travelling.

Nathan image 1

9:20 AM

Around this time, I have my first coffee and start to address emails, have a chat, or follow up on things that I didn’t finish the day before. Throughout the day, I like to do research on new and innovative ideas from other countries that relate to the work I am doing, so I tend to find and load some interesting articles.

10:30 AM

Around this time, I am looking for a coffee and a chat, so I meet with some of the grads and discuss ideas we have on our Major Project in a chill and no pressure environment. There is an amazing number of coffee and food stores within walking distance, so we are spoilt for choice.

11:00 AM

Usually by now, I have meetings intermittently from 10:00 AM to 12:30 PM, discussing various issues and liaising with my team, discussing the function of the team and how we can best serve the Australian public. These meetings can include discussing inclusivity, promoting understanding, and engaging with businesses and the public.

Nathan image 2

12:30 PM

Around this time, the graduate cohort meets on level 10 for our daily lunch meeting, just a casual chat on how things are travelling and a bit of decompression on life. It’s kind of informal but almost everyone attends lunch at the time and place because we enjoy our regular catch ups.

1:00 PM

Around this time, we go back to work and sit in on some meetings on policy and our function as a department, seeing the real-life implications of our work and seeing the positive effects it has on the community as a whole.

2:00 PM

After the meeting, I try to slip out and grab a quick coffee with someone as a good opportunity to make a new connection or maintain a current one, discuss life and wax philosophic.

2:15 PM

I usually use this time to mingle with the social club and learn a bit more about the culture of the department. I have been working on projects relating to Indigenous engagement, such as the National Reconciliation Week Market Day DISR hosted and using this experience towards making a NAIDOC week market event that will be even better than the last.

3:30 PM

I use the rest of the day to fill in various tasks and ensure the smooth flow of tasks for the week, making sure things are in order, and tasks are being checked off on the calendar. I use this time to organise meetings, discuss ideas with the team and work on various tasks. I like to look into training opportunities and find new and exciting chances to learn and develop as a professional and contribute to the community.

Nathan image 3

5:00 PM

I usually head home and off to the gym after work, getting in some light cardio and boxing lessons where I can. I have become far better and am much happier than I have been in a long time since starting this work and my gym routine.

7:00 PM

I make myself dinner and get some meal prep for the week ready. I love cooking as one of my main outlets and have been working on my everyday gourmet cooking skills (and nailing it!!!). I like making curries and stews the most, as I can make them highly nutritious, sustaining, healthy and delicious in a quick and efficient manner.

8:00 PM

After dinner, I relax with some video games, television, or a good book, depending on the day. I send some messages, connect with friends from near and far and get ready for another day. This is honestly the best job I have ever held, and I am loving every day, as every day is something new and dynamic that I haven’t done before.

10:00 PM

I go to bed around 10 PM and get a good night’s rest, making sure I am fresh and ready for what the next day will offer, which is often something new and exciting.

Thinking of experiencing life as a Department of Industry, Science and Resources Graduate? Sign up to Prosple to receive job alerts for Department of Industry, Science and Resources.