My first exposure to the Department of Foreign Affairs was through the Australia Korean Internship Program, where I spent seven weeks as an intern to a Korean company, developing professional cross-cultural skills and experiencing an overseas business environment in 2015. This was a defining aspect of my B. Commerce (Accounting) degree at the University of Adelaide as it allowed me to be more culturally aware, and begin to see the global integration of the world we live in.

I spent two years working at the Auditor-General’s Department before joining the DFAT Graduate Program, where I have rotated through Finance, Security, and Executive Branches. In just 12 months, I have had the opportunity to be exposed to a wide range of work, from strategic planning, to departmental financial policy, taxation, programme management, project management accounting, as well as run my own project in delivering a department-wide IT solution.

The diversity in my role has been challenging, yet very rewarding as I have had the opportunity to learn so much in a short period of time. I am given autonomy and am encouraged to innovate in solving problems, to take risks, and not be afraid to fail, knowing that I am being supported – from my colleagues, all the way through to the senior executive.

Since moving to Canberra, I have formed strong friendships within the graduate cohort, as well as outside of the department. Canberra has quickly become home, and there are so many opportunities for you make friends and meet new people by just being yourself, whether you enjoy playing sports, going hiking, doing brunch, or checking out the art galleries. Just dive right in, and you’ll have a great time.