Helen Nguyen
Project Officer, Department of Chief Minister and Cabinet
"The Public Sector provides its staff with diverse career opportunities, allowing them to explore various career paths within other agencies without switching their employer."
Working for government allows me to make a direct impact on the community.
Helen Nguyen, Project Officer and former Department Chief Minister and Cabinet (CMC) graduate has called the Territory her home for the past 3.5 years. Originally from Vietnam Helen moved to Australia in 2017 and stayed in Melbourne, VIC for three years before taking a leap of faith on the Territory.
“I arrived in the Northern Territory during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and found the process of organising my belongings and arranging my stay in Darwin, as well as the quarantine area, to be challenging but I was impressed by how controlled the situation in the Territory was.”
“In Melbourne we were very restricted during the COVID-19 pandemic, but in the Territory, everyone could continue with their daily activities without interruption. Effective measures to ensure the safe isolation of individuals travelling from interstate or overseas were in place but Darwin city was still alive and abuzz with people. I received exceptional services from the isolated area of Howard Springs, which offered me a peaceful retreat and allowed me to make many beautiful memories.”
When asked about her favourite aspects of living in the Top End region, Helen highlights the friendliness of the people and the multicultural community events, which make her feel at home. She also notes the availability of job opportunities for early-career women adds to the region's appeal.
“Upon my arrival in Darwin in 2020, I quickly developed a deep affection for this thriving city and considered it my second home.”
“Working for the Northern Territory Government (NTG) has allowed me to take part in projects and initiatives that address the needs and challenges of society, making a direct impact on the community.”
Moving to the Territory as an international student Helen came to peruse her Master of Professional Accounting at Charles Darwin University. After completion of her two-year course, she then applied for the Department Chief Minister and Cabinet (CM&C) graduate program. In 2024 Helen completed the yearlong program with flying colours and now has officially won her role working for the Northern Territory Government
“As a student I aspired to work for the NTG because I want to make a positive impact on society. I am eager to contribute my knowledge and efforts to the well-being of the community I hold dear.”
“Now working for CM&C I have been awarded with unique benefits. I observed that the organisation places significant emphasis on promoting a healthy work-life balance and facilitating a flexible working environment for its employees. The Northern Territory Public Sector (NTPS) also provides its staff with diverse career opportunities, allowing them to explore various career paths within other agencies without switching their employer.”
“I have witnessed firsthand that my employer always invests in the professional development of its employees through comprehensive training programs, workshops, and educational opportunities, which enable them to acquire new skills and advance in their careers.”
“Furthermore, NTPS encourages a healthy workplace - I found that my colleagues at NTPS are highly supportive and encourage open dialogue through the exchange of knowledge, interesting discussions, and the sharing of stories. This collaborative approach fosters a positive work culture that encourages staff to seek answers and feedback through inquiry and explore innovative solutions to challenges.”
For those considering a career with the Northern Territory Government, Helen offers valuable advice: "If you want to contribute to the greater good and make a positive impact on the Northern Territory, the public sector is the right place to motivate your enthusiasm and help you find the meaning of your work."
“The positive influence of every individual I have encountered, the serene lifestyle, and the synchronization with the pace of Darwin have convinced me to make it my permanent home. The amiable locals and the support of the community have created an ideal atmosphere to establish my career and start a family.”
Work in the Northern Territory
Explore more testimonials
The Territory's warm weather creates a sense of a perpetual working holiday.
Communications Officer, Department of the Chief Minister and Cabinet
The NTG promotes a flexible working environment and generous leave entitlements.
Senior Finance Manager, Department of Lands, Planning and Environment
We have been made to feel so welcome by everyone.
Senior Executive Assistant to the CEO at the Department Tourism and Hospitality (DTH)
The Northern Territory Government is an environment that fosters continuous growth.
Graduate Finance Officer at the Department of Health
If you have the right skill sets, you will get the job.
Senior Project Officer in the Priority Reform Implementation Team, NT Regional Health
The Territory has given me better education and more job opportunities.
Trainee, Business & Workforce Division
Working in the Big Rivers Region has significantly broadened my capabilities.
Senior Regional Project Officer, Department of the Chief Minister and Cabinet Big Rivers
Work has allowed me to become an active member in the community through the healthy work/life balance.
Social Media Officer, Department of Industry, Tourism and Trade
I am a proud Katherine girl- Our family arrived in 1946 and have been here ever since.
Artist
Towns like Darwin and Alice Springs have everything you need, including shopping centres, healthcare, and schools.
Migration Support Programs Officer
“The Territory will work its magic on your heart- and change you for the better.”
Mental Health Occupational Therapist, Business Consultant and Yoga Teacher
“The Territory offers opportunities and is full of many wonderful and diverse people."
Café Owner - Meow Waffee, Darwin City
“The Territory gave me amazing opportunities such as starting a few of my own businesses."
Restaurant Owner - The Last Supper, Darwin City
“I couldn’t imagine living anywhere else but the Territory"
Founder of ARC Fitness, Palmerston
“Living in the NT it's a life changing experience"
Café Owner - Yaye's Cafe, Alice Springs
“The Territory has truly been a game-changing experience for me. "
Managing Director of Triptic, Alice Springs
“The Territory has offered me the perfect work life balance."
Owner - Marketing by Paige
“I find people are really mindful of supporting local businesses in Darwin.”
Owner – Star Barber
Nick is a Senior Psychologist who is currently working on new programs to change people’s lives.
Tanya is a Psychologist with Department of Corrections. She gets a great lifestyle and a way to make real change.
Jennifer is a psychology graduate who jump-started her career with a role in Department of Corrections.
Inclusion Advisor and Speech Pathologist, Student Wellbeing and Inclusion Programs and Services, Department of Education and Training
Psychologist, East Arnhem Region, Student Wellbeing and Inclusion Programs and Services, Department of Education and Training
Living in the Territory has encouraged me to step out of my comfort zone.
School Counsellor, Barkly Region, based in Tennant Creek. Student Wellbeing and Inclusion Programs and Services, Department of Education and Training
Assistant Director Client Services, Student Wellbeing and Inclusion Programs and Services, Department of Education and Training
School Counsellor, Darwin Region, Student Wellbeing and Inclusion Programs and Services, Department of Education and Training
Inclusion Advisor (Senior Teacher), East Arnhem Region. Student Wellbeing and Inclusion Programs and Services, Department of Education and Training.
Occupational Therapist, Top End Region, Student Wellbeing and Inclusion Programs and Services, Department of Education and Training
From university placements to Assistant Principal - explore what opportunities you can achieve in our Northern Territory schools!
Assistant Principal in Ngukurr
I moved with my family from overseas. The culture in Alice Springs reminds me of home.
Special Education Teacher Centralian Senior College Alice Springs
If you've got a sense of adventure and you like being outdoors why not try teaching in Alice Springs.
PE Teacher Gillen Primary School Alice Springs
Remote teaching has been the best experience I have had since starting my career.
Principal at Robinson River School, Big Rivers region at Education NT
Lured in by the fishing and relaxed lifestyle Brad stayed for a multifaceted teaching career.
Design and Technology Teacher
It’s beautiful out here and I have a great group of friends which makes it all the more better!
Classroom Teacher at Tennant Creek Primary School
"Only in the NT do flies flock to the coolness of the fridge."
Year 5/6 teacher at Zuccoli Primary School
From South Africa, to New Zealand, to Jilkminggan - a road less travelled, but a teaching adventure like no other.
Middle Years Teacher at Jilkminggan School
The Graduate Program has allowed endless opportunities.
Graduate Trainee, Department of the Chief Minister and Cabinet Graduates program 2023
Being a Trainee with NTG has given me stability and growth opportunities.
Trainee at the Department of Industry, Tourism and Trade Business and Workforce division.
I have found many great friends in the public service and across the Territory.
Policy Officer & former NTG Graduate
The graduate program helped me find my place in policy and public service.
Policy Support Officer, Office of Aboriginal Affairs
I stay in the Territory because it offers abundant opportunities for those who are passionate.
Project Manager
The NT has a way of opening doors to opportunities you might never have expected.
Digital Marketing Professional
Working in the NT dispelled myths about securing government roles on a visa.
Executive Assistant to the General Manager, Department of People, Sport and Culture
I’ve been able to pursue my passions and make real impacts.
Senior Advisor, Department of Education and Training, Darwin, NT
The NT is the perfect place for me to continue growing and making a difference.
Aspiring scientist, pursuing a Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science (Honours) at CDU.
The sense of community in the Territory is truly special.
Master of Science and Technology student at Charles Darwin University.
The NT is such an exciting and diverse place and the community feel here is amazing.
Primary School Teacher, St Paul's Primary School
The Territory has provided an abundance of opportunities for career growth.
Master of Information Technology student with a focus on cyber security at CDU.
My experience in the NT has been incredibly rewarding.
Pursuing a Bachelor of Humanitarian Aid and Development at Charles Darwin University (CDU).
The beauty of the Territory and the warmth of the close-knit community will surprise you.
Bachelor of Information Technology student at Charles Darwin University (CDU).
Moving to Darwin has been a seamless and enriching experience.
CDU Student currently studying Bachelor of Humanitarian Aid and Development.
Moving to the Territory has been an incredibly enriching experience.
Charles Darwin University student, pursuing a Bachelor of Information Technology.
Working in the Territory allows me to connect with like-minded people.
Financial Analyst, Department of Treasury and Finance
Living in the Top End has been about enjoying everything it has to offer.
Budget Analyst, Department of Treasury and Finance