BURZACOTT, Stephanie

Degree

Bachelor of Arts (International Studies); and Bachelor of Management (Human Resources)

Graduation year

2015 and 2016

Current position

Senior People and Culture Business Partner

Employer

Department of Treasury and Finance

What are some of your career highlights so far, and what are your short and long-term career goals?

My first career highlight was gaining a graduate Human Resources (HR) position at the State Revenue Office (SRO). I worked at the SRO for several years, developing my skill set in HR. Since then, I have worked on many projects, from returning to the office in a COVID-normal environment, health and wellbeing programs, and most recently a project to review the end-to-end recruitment process. I have also been lucky to go on two secondments within Government. One was to COVID Quarantine Victoria and now my current position at the Department of Treasury and Finance as a Senior People and Culture Business Partner.

A career highlight for me was working as a HR Business Partner at COVID Quarantine Victoria in 2021. I was managing employee relation matters in the hotel quarantine system. Every day there was something new and it was an exciting challenge! I’ve been so lucky to have amazing mentors and leaders support me so far in my career.

My short-term career goal is to continue to learn as much as I can in relation to HR. I’d love to be able to dive into more challenging areas of HR. I also enjoy networking, and I’m a member of a few networks where I meet new people in the HR industry. My long-term career goal would be to be in a leadership position. I’m also looking into completing further studies to really round out my HR knowledge.

Describe the most enjoyable and challenging aspects of your job

I enjoy helping people! It’s a good feeling when I know I’ve been able to assist someone or answer their questions. If I can make their day better or influence them to have a more positive day, it gives me a sense of achievement. I also have had seven student interns that I’ve mentored from Federation University who all had an interest in HR. I enjoyed having the students as I was able to show them what I know about HR and support them in their career endeavours.

The most challenging aspect has been the changing landscape of HR due to COVID. The past 2.5 years have been unprecedented, and I’ve learnt a lot in a very short amount of time because of it.

What are your strongest memories from studying at University?

I loved the variety of HR topics I could study. I really gained a strong foundational knowledge of HR from completing the Bachelor of Management. My strongest memory is of getting to learn from the amazing lecturers. These included the great Debbie Lord, Peter Osmond and Patrick O’Leary.

One day in Intro to HR, Pete had us make little lolly teacups, which was one of my favourite memories. I can’t remember why we made them, but it was so much fun! I also enjoyed getting to know other students, particularly international students. I was a student mentor in my last year which was so much fun! I often reflect on my time at Federation University and how fantastic it was. It set me up to be the person I am today.

Do you have any advice about life after study to pass on to current students?

Towards the end of my degree I was scared  that I wouldn’t get a job. I'd say, don’t be scared, apply for every opportunity you see and don’t ever think that you’re not enough or that you don’t have enough experience. Someone will believe in you, never give up no matter what obstacles come your way!