Namaste,
My name is Gaurav Bhim and I’m a New Zealand Indian, born and raised in Te Whanganui-a-Tara Wellington, New Zealand. My parents are second-generation Fijian Indians who left Fiji in the second coup for a safer life here in New Zealand in 1987.
Tell us about your graduate placement and your host agency.
I’m placed at the Ministry of Social Development (MSD) in the Employment Team. My team and I have been working on an Ethnic Employment Action Plan. The plan focuses on understanding and diminishing barriers to employment faced by minority groups including former refugees, recent migrants, ethnic communities, youth, women, disabled people and older workers. A challenge this year has been evaluating the impact COVID-19 has had on employment and how we can source sustainable employment.
Is there a career goal you are working towards?
At this point in my journey, I want to learn, grow, and continue to make New Zealand a better place to live in. Starting my career in the Public Service has opened my mind to opportunities out there for me and the Graduate Programme has enabled me to learn, adapt to challenges and work with people from different backgrounds. This is my first step in my career journey, and I can’t wait to see what the future has in store for me.
Why do you think it’s important to have a diverse Public Service?
I think a diverse Public Service will help shape our future. If we want a future where all cultures are understood and welcomed in New Zealand, then this is a step in the right direction. My ethnic background and history has shaped my point of view and allowed me to bring my perspectives to my work at MSD. Since New Zealand is such a diverse country, we need a diverse workforce to interact and ensure we are doing everything we can to make New Zealand a country that provides a healthy, sustainable lifestyle for everyone.
What advice do you give to graduates considering a career in the Public Service?
If you like to make a difference in people’s lives, then the Public Service is for you! The Public Service may seem a bit intimidating at first, but you are not alone in your job. You are surrounded by like-minded people who have a spirit of service to make New Zealand a better place to live. This is a great opportunity to meet new people, grow, learn new skills, and grow your confidence.