Starting a career is rarely a straight line. You arrive with knowledge, curiosity and ambition, but the direction often becomes clear only once you begin.
The Graduate Program at nbn is designed for exactly that moment.
Over two years, graduates complete four six-month rotations across the business. Each graduate also has a “home” business unit that provides continuity, while rotations offer the chance to explore how different teams operate across the organisation.
For Natasha Murthy and Minsung Choe, the program has taken them in different directions. One works at the intersection of operations and commercial strategy. The other designs software that helps teams work more effectively.
Their paths may look different, but both began with the same opportunity.
Learning the business from the inside
When Natasha Murthy joined the graduate program in 2024, she was already confident about one thing: telecommunications was where she wanted to build her career.
“After finishing university and gaining some early experience in telco, I knew I wanted to stay in the industry,” she says. “There’s no better organisation to learn it from the ground up.”
Her home business unit was Operations within Field Services, a part of the organisation responsible for the network on the ground. The experience gave her a practical view of how the infrastructure behind Australia’s connectivity actually works.
Across the organisation, Minsung Choe entered the program from a very different perspective.
As a Software Engineer, he was interested in building systems and solving complex problems through code.
“I enjoy tackling ambiguous, real-world challenges that require thoughtful design and technical ability,” he says. “Experimenting, debugging and validating ideas can be challenging, but it’s incredibly rewarding when everything comes together.”
Through rotations, both graduates gained a broader understanding of the business.
“Graduates have the opportunity to experience how different teams operate and understand how their work contributes to the organisation,” Minsung explains.
For Natasha, those rotations helped translate theory into practical insight.
“One of the most valuable experiences was working closely with Field teams and seeing the network firsthand,” she says. “It helped me connect the commercial outcomes to what was actually happening on the ground.”
Applications for nbn 2027 graduate program are now open!
Turning knowledge into impact
Today, Natasha works as a Commercial Specialist, helping translate operational data into decisions that influence where the organisation invests.
“A highlight of my role is turning complex field programs into clear commercial insights that support teams on the ground,” she explains.
Developing that capability required stepping outside her comfort zone.
“Coming from a non-technical background, I realised I needed to build a deeper understanding of the technical foundations behind the numbers. Learning directly from technical teams helped me stand confidently behind my recommendations. “ she says.
Minsung’s impact looks different, but the motivation is similar.
As an Associate Software Engineer Full Stack, his work focuses on designing solutions that improve systems used by colleagues and customers.
“Knowing the solutions I build can influence the experience of end users gives a real sense of purpose. It motivates me to keep learning and improve the outcomes we deliver.” he says.
The program encourages graduates to contribute from the beginning.
“Graduates are trusted with responsibilities across different projects,” Minsung says. “That trust allows you to bring fresh ideas and practical solutions to the team.”
A community that grows with you
For both Natasha and Minsung, the graduate cohort became one of the most meaningful parts of the experience.
When Natasha relocated from Brisbane to Melbourne, she arrived without a local network. The program quickly created one.
“My favourite part of the program was the people,” she says. “Something as simple as having lunch together every day became a highlight.”
Both graduates became involved in Graduate Social Connect, a group run by graduates for graduates that brings the cohort together through events, volunteering and learning sessions.
“It’s a space where we can stay connected while developing professionally,” Minsung explains.
Natasha later co-led the initiative, helping organise networking events, sports activities and virtual catch ups with graduates in other cities.
Those moments of connection helped turn colleagues into genuine friendships.
Advice for the next intake
Looking back, both graduates share a similar message for those considering a graduate program.
“My biggest advice is to say yes to opportunities,” Natasha says. “Even when they feel unfamiliar, they often lead to growth you didn’t expect.”
Minsung agrees that curiosity makes the biggest difference.
“You’re not expected to know everything,” he says. “Actively asking questions, participating and putting your hand up for opportunities creates enormous value.”
Both were also surprised by how invested leaders were in their development.
“One of the most surprising things is just how valued graduates are,” Natasha says. “Leaders genuinely want to create a positive experience and support your growth.”
That support does not stop when the program finishes. Natasha now meets regularly with her Sponsor to shape the next stage of her career.
Combined with flexibility and the chance to contribute to one of Australia’s largest technology infrastructure projects, the program offers something many graduates are searching for.
A place to learn, grow and build a career with real impact.
