Congratulations. You've landed an APS Graduate position. You've survived the application process, the psychometric testing, the panel interview, and the awkward "do you have any questions for us?" moment where you definitely asked something you could have Googled.
You are now a public servant. Welcome to the machinery of government.
Here's what nobody tells you before you start.
Week 1: You will not understand anything
This is normal. The APS has its own language. EL1, APS6, SES, MoG, PGPA, whole-of-government, machinery of government, please action by COB — none of this meant anything to you three weeks ago and now it's your entire personality.
Don't panic. Nod confidently. Write everything down. Ask your EA where things are.
Week 2: You will have your first "taken on notice" moment
It will happen in a meeting. Someone will ask a question you cannot answer. You will feel the eyes of the room on you. And then, like a reflex, it will come out of your mouth: "I'll have to take that on notice."
You are now fully APS. It happens to everyone.
Week 3: You will understand the importance of the EA
Every graduate learns this eventually. The Executive Assistant knows where everything is, how everything works, and who to call when something goes wrong. Treat your EA well. Bring them coffee. Buy them a mug that acknowledges their importance. This is not optional advice.
The hot desk situation
You will arrive on your first day to discover that your desk is not your desk. It is everyone's desk. You will spend your first week finding a power point, a locker, and a spot near a window that nobody else has claimed. This is your territory now. Guard it.
The Teams call learning curve
You are always on mute when you're speaking. You are never on mute when you shouldn't be. This is the immutable law of the APS Teams call and it applies to graduates and Secretaries alike.
What to get an APS Grad (or yourself)
If you're shopping for a grad — or you are a grad who deserves a treat after surviving your first few weeks — here's what we recommend:
The World's Best Grad sticker is the perfect badge of honour for someone at the start of their public service journey. Stick it on your laptop, your water bottle, or your hot desk monitor as a territorial claim.
And when they inevitably have their first "taken on notice" moment — and they will — the "I'll have to take that on notice" mug is waiting for them.
Shop the full Taken On Notice range at takenonnotice.com.au — official merch for the unofficial moments of public service life.