UQ seeks talented Indigenous graduates

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander graduates from across Australia have the chance to join a paid University of Queensland program designed to help realise their career goals.

Applications for UQ’s first Vice-Chancellor’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Graduate Program intake close on 28 January.

Pro-Vice Chancellor (Indigenous Engagement) Professor Bronwyn Fredericks said the program would help four recent bachelor degree graduates develop their practical skills.

“Four talented Indigenous graduates will be able to enter a career of their choosing, through a tailored program designed to develop the skills necessary for success,” she said.

“They will be encouraged to reach for their career aspirations and explore development and training.”

“The Graduate Program at UQ is the first of its kind,” Professor Fredericks said.

The 12-month positions will pay about $63,000 a year.

Professor Fredericks said the successful candidates would be supported by mentors, coaches and tutors, and would work in supportive, flexible environments at a world-class research and teaching university.

“We’re seeking exceptional Indigenous graduates with vision and passion,” she said.

“They can come from anywhere in Australia. They don’t have to be UQ graduates, and they don’t have to stay within the boundaries of their bachelor degree study areas.

“We have career opportunities across almost every field – art curation, marketing and communication, marine biology, accounting, rocket science – and the list goes on. The career opportunities at UQ are enormous.

The program was announced by UQ Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Peter Høj at last month’s launch of UQ’s Reconciliation Action Plan (UQ RAP).

The UQ RAP underscores the University’s commitment to building respectful relationships and opportunities between Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander and non-Indigenous people.

Media: Communications@uq.edu.au, +61 7 3346 7887.

Information for potential applicants: Taylor Payne, t.payne@uq.edu.au, +61 7 3346 7960.