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Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade

  • 1,000 - 50,000 employees

Horace

Working for DFAT has fulfilled my long-term dream, and revealed much more about what Australia does in the international arena.

I grew up in Perth and studied Political Science and International Relations with a second major in Geography and Human Planning at UWA (University of Western Australia).

I have long been interested in foreign relations. While studying, I interned at the British Consulate in Perth, focussing on trade imports and exports.  I also went on exchange through the Australian Consortium for ‘In-Country’ Indonesian Studies (ACICIS) Program, which was supported by the New Colombo Plan (NCP). I continued my studies in International Relations in Bandung, Indonesia, for six months. As part of my time in Indonesia, I also I interned at the Australian Consulate-General in Makassar. Working for DFAT has fulfilled my long-term dream, and revealed much more about what Australia does in the international arena.

Since beginning at DFAT, my first rotation was in the United States and Indo-Pacific Division. I was able to work with my new team members and see it develop, helping to guide the initial engagement that DFAT had within Australia, but also globally on how the Indo-Pacific was shaped. My second rotation saw me in the DFAT’s aid and development policy division; where I was able to develop a keen understanding of how Australia conducts its aid and development programs, and the monitoring and evaluation processes that hold them accountable.

A highlight for me was travelling to Brisbane for the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) on Maritime Security. It was my first experience of ‘real’ diplomatic negotiations and networking. The discussions during the forum between our likeminded partners demonstrated to me how alliances and shared visions could be powerful and productive when a coalition is formed.

Moving to Canberra has been a massive shift, but an enjoyable and memorable experience. The friends you make become your family, and DFAT is full of diversity and is very supportive. I quickly adjusted to Canberra. In many ways it is like Perth. It lacks hustle and bustle like Sydney or Melbourne, and is very picturesque.