Training & Personal Development at Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade

In the graduate program we get an extensive training program in our first year, and there is a lot of additional training available throughout the year at DFAT.

DFAT makes a considerable investment in training its graduates, with over four months of offline training in diverse subjects including international law, economics, international relations, diplomatic skills etc. in the first year alone.

As a graduate, there are numerous excellent opportunities to experience training in a whole range of areas pertaining to international affairs. So far I have acquired a lot of knowledge about key concepts relating to my work and I look forward to drawing on them as I move forward in my career.

Initial one week induction, then two months of extensive gap-filling training which included international participation. Ongoing opportunities to attend courses and speaking events among other career development activities.

DFAT invests a significant amount of time and money in training graduates. Through intensive training blocks, I have improved my skills in and understanding of foreign, trade and development policy, strategic and critical thinking, presentation and public speaking, and negotiation.

Diplomacy; Tradecraft; International Law; International Relations; Economics; Trade Negotiations; Negotiation Skills; Presentation Skills; Leadership Skills

Too many to name. An extensive two-year graduate program included offline academic training, practical skills components and five tailored placements across the department prior to a full-time position.

Formal training is excellent. You receive training to a basic level in a variety of fields, including economics, law, foreign policy, trade, public speaking and many others. Opportunities for language training are unparalleled.

Absolutely world-class. We've had months of training from some of the top experts in the field in areas such as international law, human rights, and economics, et cetera.

DFAT provides a large range of professional training - in the first year I have done in excess of 20 courses - and offers free language classes.

The training for graduates in the first year of the graduate program at my department is fantastic. There is around four months of offline training, including academic gap-filling training as well as departmental-specific training. I have gained or improved my negotiations skills, writing skills and presentation skills, for example.