After participating in a New Colombo Plan (NCP) project in Sumatra during her Law degree, Emily switched her gaze from a career in corporate law to become a government lawyer.
“My NCP experience and goal to one day live and work overseas sparked my interest in the world of foreign affairs and government law, which is why I applied for DFAT’s graduate program,” Emily said.
One of our First Nation graduates, Bundjalung women Emily, started in our Commercial Law team, drafting and negotiating commercial agreements that advance Australia’s interests.
“In my first placement I worked closely with our diplomatic missions, multilateral organisations and NGOs to finalise aid programs, procure products for Australia and partner governments, and establish a precedent First Nations artwork to be used in our embassies overseas,” Emily said.
After moving into DFAT’s medical unit and working on the COVID-19 vaccine rollout to our overseas network, Emily says her first year in DFAT’s graduate program was a great introduction to the world of foreign affairs, and trade and diplomacy.
“One thing I’ve learned so far is to ‘say yes to the things that seem challenging—they’re often the most rewarding experiences.”