at the public policy coalface Few are lucky enough to walk out of university and straight into the exciting world of international policy development. But Cedric Hodges, who completed a Bachelor of Business in Economics and Finance with Honours in Economics in 2009, has secured a ringside seat to observe the inner workings of the G-20, the premier forum for international economic cooperation. Cedric is a graduate policy analyst with the Federal Treasury, in the International and G-20 Division.
Such an important role might be daunting for some, but Cedric says he is enjoying the learning opportunities, keeping abreast of the issues, and the interactive infrastructure of the Treasury. “Everyone is very friendly and willing to provide you with information when you need it. There’s a good culture,” he says. Being exposed to a wide variety of schools of economic thought at UWS, which he has learned from other graduates is “not commonplace in other universities”, has also been very valuable in preparing him for this role. Hodges plans to continue working in public policy or economic research, and in the future hopes to return to uni to complete a doctorate.
“Broadly this type of role involves analysing the impact of proposed policies on the public. However, the G-20 unit is somewhat different. The demands of the G-20 meeting schedule on its constituent nations are substantial,” Cedric says. “So my job involves monitoring international developments/country positions, liaising with other G-20 member countries, and responding to commitments Australia makes at the G-20, in areas such as reform of the international financial sector, and ensuring a strong, sustainable and balancing economic recovery.”
GradLife December 2010
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