AGS's Laura John is Graduate of the Year 2015
On Thursday 26 November 2015 at the National Press Club in Canberra, AGS's Laura John was announced as the Graduate of the Year at the Chartered Accountants of Australia and New Zealand Leadership in Government Awards 2015. Sir Bob Geldof presented Laura with a Tiffany trophy and a $10,000 sabbatical to invest in leadership development.
Laura was selected for the AGS 2014 Graduate Program. However, she deferred her graduate role when she was selected by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade as the 2014 Australian Youth Representative to the United Nations. Consequently, Laura joined AGS as a graduate in the 2015 Graduate Program and has continued working with young Australians, balancing her community service with work commitments and undertaking the Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice at ANU.
Laura has spoken to various youth groups on 12 occasions and has more engagements. Her ability to manage all of her commitments while still performing outstandingly within the Graduate Program is indicative of her drive. She is hardworking, committed and responsible. AGS supervisors have praised her ability, character and working relationships with colleagues and clients. They have commented on her intelligence, demeanour, maturity and technical ability.
Laura has also cultivated external relationships for her professional development. Earlier this year, she was invited by the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet to speak on a panel alongside Group Captain Catherine McGregor and Annabel Crabb to celebrate International Women's Day. In May, UNESCO invited Laura to speak at the World Education Forum in South Korea. Laura spoke on a panel alongside ministers, academics and education experts. She gave the keynote address at the National Youth Conference in Canberra and she was a panellist for the City of Melbourne's public seminar series, Melbourne Conversations, to celebrate World Peace Day.
Congratulations, Laura.