More than just a degree

When she completed a Master of Public Policy at The Australian National University, Adina Jordan returned to the Australian Public Service equipped with more than just her degree.

The Sir Roland Wilson Pat Turner alumna has gained confidence and agency.

“The scholarship created the space for me to develop my leadership skills and the confidence to apply academic knowledge beyond a Western viewpoint.

“Access to First Nations experts and academics helped develop my thinking across a range of policy areas and how to bring different viewpoints to the work of the APS.”

Adina believes the Pat Turner scholarship is building a community of strong First Nations thinkers and leaders who are working across the Australian Public Service.

“Scholars and alumni are making invaluable contributions to the APS, bringing a diversity of thought and cultural leadership that leads to better policy advice, program implementation, and outcomes for Australians.”

Adina said the course was a great opportunity to focus on the processes and practice of public policy through case studies and research.

“Understanding international public policy and our own historical context helped me gain insights into current policy approaches,” Adina said.

Adina completed her degree in 2021 and returned to the Department of Social Services. Keen to apply her learning, she has continued to challenge herself including a temporary placement at Treasury in 2024.

“My year in Treasury strengthened my knowledge of central government. This was a great opportunity to gain exposure to the intersections between policy development and decision making, and develop a deeper understanding of how the best available evidence can be used to improve policy advice and programs.”

While Adina’s newfound knowledge has been invaluable in her post-scholarship career, the transferable skills she developed while studying have been equally useful.

“The real benefit has been the strong academic reading, writing, critical analysis and research skills I developed.

“These are transferable skills that allow me to analyse public policy issues, formulate options, and provide high-quality advice.”

As an alumna, Adina has been committed to paying it forward to the Sir Roland Wilson Foundation community, serving for two years as Co-Chair of the Alumni Advisory Group. She also coordinates regular alumni policy reading groups for Foundation scholars and alumni to discuss contemporary policy issues.

“I am keen to mentor those coming through the Foundation programs – alumni have so much to offer in terms of guidance and support for the scholar cohort,” Adina said.

The Pat Turner scholarship is a one-to-three year, full-pay scholarship for any level of postgraduate study at ANU or Charles Darwin University for high performing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander APS 4 to SES Band 1 APS employees.

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Image: Adam McGrath/HCreations