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Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade

  • 1,000 - 50,000 employees

Lauren

The main highlight of DFAT for me has been the people I get to work with on a day-to-day basis. My colleagues and supervisors have all been positive, welcoming and encouraging.

Aside from a Juris Doctor from Monash University and a Graduate Diploma in Psychology from the University of Melbourne, I have an acting degree from the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (London) and around 10 years of performing under my belt.

Suffice to say, DFAT has been a big change from acting, but some of my reasons for applying to DFAT were the same as my reasons for pursuing acting. I love the variety and I love working with people. Otherwise, DFAT’s role representing Australia on the global stage seemed like an excellent, meaningful and uniquely challenging alternative to the types of stages I was used to working on.

DFAT has definitely delivered on providing variety through my placements so far. I have worked for the Executive Branch and on a European bilateral desk. The work has been interesting, I have learnt huge amounts, and I have had broad exposure to the department’s work.

I am particularly grateful for the emphasis in the graduate program on developing our knowledge through training. The continued high-quality learning opportunities are a clear demonstration of DFAT’s investment in and dedication to its graduates. The program has far exceeded my expectations.

Ultimately though, the main highlight of DFAT for me has been the people I get to work with on a day-to-day basis. My colleagues and supervisors have all been positive, welcoming and encouraging. The opportunity to work with such a diverse group of engaged, committed and friendly people has been the best part of coming to DFAT.

I look forward to using what I have learnt in my training in the years to come.