3-minute read
When IPAA NSW awarded its inaugural scholarships last year, Jordan Kolarik stood out for his thoughtful and deliberate approach to career development. Working as an Associate Manager, Policy and Governance at NSW Ambulance, Jordan sees capability building not as an occasional exercise, but as a core responsibility of public sector leadership.
When we spoke with Jordan, he reflected on where he was in his career at the time of applying. Working in a frontline operational environment within NSW Ambulance, and with experience spanning Defence, Education, Emergency Services and Health, he had reached a turning point. It was a moment where he began to think more intentionally about his long-term contribution to the public sector and the kind of leader he wanted to become. The scholarship, he said, came at just the right time.
At the heart of Jordan’s motivation is a strong sense of service. He often returns to the idea of ‘service before self’, a principle that continues to shape his approach to work. For him, public sector roles carry a unique responsibility. They are about supporting communities, often in moments of need, and contributing to systems that are designed to serve the public good. That sense of purpose is what drives his commitment to continuous learning and improvement.
Jordan saw the IPAA scholarship as more than an opportunity for professional development. It was, in his view, a recognition of the importance of investing in people to strengthen institutions. A firm believer in lifelong learning, he approached the scholarship as a way to be more deliberate about building his own capability, leadership and credibility over time.
The application process itself proved to be one of the most valuable aspects of the experience. It prompted him to step back and reflect on his career journey, his aspirations and the impact he wanted to have. Rather than focusing solely on past achievements, the process encouraged him to think about purpose, direction and contribution.
Talking about the process, Jordan said, “Careers in the public sector can be certainly demanding, and it can become easy to focus only on the immediate demands of your role. The scholarship application process reinforced for me that capability-building should be planned, purposeful, and connected to the kind of public servant and leader you want to become.”
Since receiving the scholarship, Jordan has become even more deliberate in how he approaches his development. One idea that has stayed with him is the importance of viewing himself as a ‘strategic asset’. This mindset has shifted how he identifies gaps in his skills and experiences, and how he actively seeks out opportunities to address them. For Jordan, development is not something to leave to chance. It requires planning, curiosity and a willingness to invest in growth.
He also sees opportunities like the IPAA scholarship as playing an important role beyond the individual. When people are supported to build their capability, the benefits extend outward to teams, organisations and the broader public sector. In his view, fostering a culture where learning and growth are valued is essential to strengthening public service over time.
For those considering applying this year, Jordan’s message is clear: Take the time to reflect on your career, your purpose and where you want to grow. Approach the opportunity with intention and authenticity. Even the process of applying can sharpen your thinking and provide clarity on your direction.
Jordan’s story is a reminder that capability building is not just about personal advancement. It is about strengthening the systems and services that support communities across NSW. And it starts with making a deliberate choice to invest in your own development.
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