Gabbi Hamilton shares how to make the most of your project support role. Read on for more.
What attracted you to join Burnet?
I had previously worked in global health roles. Working in similar communities, I’d heard great things about Burnet’s reputation as a workplace as well as their infectious disease work in Papua New Guinea (PNG). Their work was leading the way and was linked to the work I was previously doing.
You had been in your Project Officer role at Burnet for a little over a year when you moved into an acting Program Manager position based in PNG. What was that experience like?
The acting position started from a conversation I had with my manager during one of Burnet’s People Development Framework check-ins. We had discussed my goal of working towards becoming a Program Manager, and at the time we had a gap in staffing [in Daru]. I was given the opportunity to take on that role and relocate to Daru, PNG for 3 months.
It was the most incredible experience. Working in development programs, it’s really important to get on-the-ground experience. That allows you to understand how things operate day-to-day and how the team is implementing everything that we’re working on.
It was great to work closely with the team and understand the challenges they face daily that aren’t always communicated to the Melbourne office.
One of my favourite memories of that experience was being there for PNG Independence Day. Being able to witness the joy and celebration and the team being altogether as a community was just amazing.
After the acting position, you returned to your Project Officer role and later you were promoted to a Project Manager position. How did that come about?
The acting role was a great experience because it helped me to test the waters in a more senior role to see how I would feel about it and if I would be comfortable. When I returned from that role, my manager and I discussed how we could build on that experience. What else did I need to progress, and what opportunities were available?
We agreed that I needed more experience in budget management. I was provided with mentoring and training in that area, and I eventually became comfortable managing budgets. I then moved into the Project Manager position to support a project that was focused heavily on research. There I had more oversight of things like activity planning, budget management, and stakeholder engagement.
What has helped you to progress your career at Burnet?
Burnet has been one of the best workplaces for professional development that I’ve experienced. Previous workplaces have made career development feel like a check box task once a year. Here I feel like Burnet actually wants to help staff achieve career goals, whether it’s within the organisation or even externally, which is something I’ve not experienced before.
Having such a supportive manager who helped build the steps needed for me to progress and provide mentoring was really important. Burnet offers so many different opportunities for progression. It’s just about grabbing hold of them and making the most of them.
We’ve recently had a Burnet Program Management network established which I think will be a really good place for professional development. I am also keen to take part in the upcoming Women in Leadership course provided by Burnet’s Gender Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Committee.
Burnet is also a member of the Australian Council For International Development (ACFID), so I’ve been able to access resources from the ACFID Communities of Practice specific to PNG.
What would be your advice for other people working in project support roles who are wanting to take the next step in their careers?
I think it’s important to make sure you are having career discussions with your manager and specifically identifying the skills and experience you need to be able to get to that next stage. Also be willing to take on professional development opportunities wherever they arise.
For me, that was taking on the acting opportunity and moving to PNG which really broadened my understanding of the programs and how the Program Manager work fits within the team.
What’s next for your career?
My previous goal was the Project Manager role so that’s been achieved which is great! In the next couple of years, I’d like to broaden my global health experience, working on different programs across the Pacific or Southeast Asia regions.
Are you interested in joining Burnet and forging an exciting career with us? View our current opportunities or submit an expression of interest here!