University of Wollongong Career Directory Profiles

Don’t feel like you’re locked into your choices early on in your career – take it from someone who had a career change 10 years into his first career.

The coolest part of my job is the level of responsibility and autonomy I have in completing my work. A lot of the work I have undertaken has a direct effect on taxpayers, and my decisions are trusted and enforced.

Anything from international negotiations, running seminars, inputting into policy, writing briefings, creating databases and analytical tools, being part of committees and consultation meetings – it’s all so diverse and this is the part of my job I love the most.

I have been so lucky in my education throughout my life. Without it I would be a completely different person, and seeing such a concrete (sometimes literally) symbol of access to education for someone is genuinely wonderful to me.

Entering the program without prior office experience, I was initially apprehensive. I had the all-dreaded ‘Imposter Syndrome’. However, the supportive atmosphere quickly dispelled my fears and I felt welcomed, recognised and valued.

If you’re curious, determined and passionate about making a difference, DFAT is an excellent place to start your career.

Have an open mind and say yes to every opportunity as you never know where that may lead you, even if it isn’t the path you anticipated.