NCP alum Izabella Spizick is thriving in Seoul connecting Australian and South Korean climate transition-based businesses.
New Colombo Plan (NCP) alum Izabella Spizick went to the Republic of Korea (South Korea) on an NCP Scholarship in 2022. She landed an internship during her studies, which later turned into a full-time job opportunity in the country. She is now a business manager of a corporate advisory firm that connects Australian companies in the energy transition sector with South Korean investment partners and vice versa.
"The Korea-Australia relationship is so important for the energy transition," says Izabella.
"In terms of energy investment, Australia is strong in the resources sector, and Korea has a lot of the manufacturing know-how. So, they are quite natural partners."
As part of her NCP experience, Izabella travelled to Seoul and underwent language training at Sogang University for 10 weeks before enrolling in a semester study at Korea University. She took seminars in social entrepreneurship and business negotiation at the university, which would later prove useful in facilitating connections between Australian and South Korean businesses.
Izabella's studies focused on technology, innovation, and social impact. She also undertook an internship at the company she now works at, motivated by her interest in the climate transition sector.
During her studies, Izabella developed a deep appreciation of Korean language and culture, an interest she continues to cultivate through her professional journey.
With a background in government, Izabella sought to pivot into the private sector through her NCP experience. Her internship aligned with her interests in technology and sustainability.
Midway through her internship, Izabella negotiated towards a full-time position with the company. The proactive move paid off and she secured the position, remaining as an analyst with New Electric Partners after the completion of her NCP Scholarship. She is now a business manager at the company.
Izabella handles transaction and client support, operations, and many other facets of the growing business. At the forefront of climate transition opportunities, New Electric Partners helps companies across critical minerals, rare earths, hydrogen and energy storage find the right investment and offtake partners to get commercial projects off the ground. Many of the projects have a strong bilateral connection between Australia and Korea.
While her professional duties are conducted in English, she navigates her new life with the help of her developing Korean language skills.
"The way of doing business is different from Australia. You have to be aware of that and having a bit of understanding of Korean culture and Korean language helps you bridge the gap a little bit," she says.
"The first thing I noticed in my very first business meeting in Korea is that business cards are quite important, they're exchanged with two hands, with respect. There's a lot of body language involved."
Izabella is also forging a growing network of young Australian professionals working in Seoul. She is a co-founder of the Korea-Australia Young Professionals Association (KAYPA), modelled as a counterpart to the Australia-based Australia-Korea Young Professionals Association (AKYPA).
The idea to create the Seoul-based network grew from a discussion between Australia-Korea Foundation Board members and the Australian embassy about identifying young Australians working in the city. The association aims to host online spaces and events providing opportunities for younger Australian and Korean expatriates and professionals to exchange ideas and form connections.
"Organisations [like KAYPA] help you have a launching pad to get advice and to find a community in a new country," Izabella says. "Meeting different people who are like minded is important. Young professional communities provide opportunities for younger generations to develop networks and build their leadership capabilities."
Izabella's professional success in South Korea signifies the transformative experience of an NCP scholarship, which includes the application of language training in multicultural professional interactions and the formation of business linkages between Australia and NCP host countries.
Now an alum of the NCP, she advises prospective NCP Scholarship, Semester and Mobility Programs applicants to dream big. "Don't be afraid to be audacious about what you want to do."
