Jack — policy graduate with economics qualifications

Year joined

2010.

Current position

I've recently started in the ASEAN Regional Forum section as a Desk Officer.

Other key placements including overseas assignments

Trade Liaison section. As part of that placement, I undertook a three-week short-term mission to the Shanghai World Expo.

What qualifications do you have?

Bachelors of Commerce and Laws from the University of New South Wales, majoring in finance.

What were you doing before you joined DFAT?

I worked in financial markets, including a year with an Australian bank in China and another with a Swiss-based commodities trading house.

Why did you apply to DFAT?

Although I didn't study international relations formally, I've always been interested in foreign policy. DFAT is of course the operational centre of Australia's foreign policy.

I applied around the time our then Prime Minister (and now Foreign Minister) Kevin Rudd began outlining his ambitious foreign policy program. He promoted building new regional multilateral architecture and committed to make Australia 'the most Asia-literate country in the collective West'. As an Australian with close personal, cultural and professional ties with Asia, I thought it was a good time to join and that I could make a meaningful contribution to the work of the department.

How have you used your economic training during your time at DFAT?

The examples which first spring to mind are briefings and ministerial submissions on issues of trade competitiveness and trade liberalisation.

Beyond the trade space though, I've found that economics also strongly informs my analysis of geopolitics. Issues such as energy security, the rise of the BRICs, Beijing's exchange rate policy and the rise of state capitalism – which shape Australia's strategic landscape – all have important economic dimensions. As issues of national security and foreign policy are increasingly entangled with international economics, it's hard to make sense of the first two without an understanding of economics.

What has been the highlight of your career so far with DFAT?

My short-term mission to Shanghai World Expo earlier in the year has been my most memorable experience to date. I contributed to the intense preparations leading up to Australia's National Day celebrations at the Expo, culminating with a state visit by the Governor-General, Ms Quentin Bryce AC. It was a great education in protocol, negotiation, and public diplomacy.

My current work on the ASEAN Regional Forum and East Asia Summit is also tremendously rewarding. I have the chance to debate with my colleagues possibilities for future regional architecture and to practice the 'middle power diplomacy' for which Australia is known.

As an economist, why would you recommend DFAT as a career?

The great thing about DFAT is that work is high profile, fast-paced and complex. Junior officers get exposure to key decision-makers which would be hard to imagine in other lines of work. The prospect of an international posting after a few years is also very attractive.

In a world of economic globalisation, there's strong demand for economics-literate diplomats. Because DFAT has traditionally been a place for humanities graduates, officers with economic training and quantitative analytical skills are highly valued.