MELBOURNE – AIIA Victoria held its 19th International Careers Conference (ICC) today, one of its annual flagship events over 100 attendees, to provide students and recent graduates with insights and advice on building international careers.
The ICC is designed to inspire participants to consider a variety of pathways in international affairs, assist those actively working towards such careers, and encourage broader engagement with global issues. For over a decade, the conference has served as a platform for young Australians to connect with practitioners, policymakers, and academics who have navigated international careers of their own.
The conference was formally opened with a video message from Foreign Minister Senator the Honourable Penny Wong, who highlighted the importance of international careers in today’s challenging environment. “It is hard to think of a time when a career in international relations has been more interesting or more consequential,” she said.
[video width="1920" height="1080" mp4="https://www.internationalaffairs.org.au/wp-content/uploads/FM-Penny-Wong-video-1.mp4"][/video]Despite recent global tensions and crises, Senator Wong expressed confidence in the resilience and diversity of the Australian people in addressing the challenges ahead. She also recognised the AIIA’s long-standing role in fostering informed debate on international affairs, thanking the institute “for its work explaining Australia in the world and the world to Australia, work that the AIIA in Victoria has been doing for 100 years.”
Throughout the conference, participants had the opportunity to hear from 25 speakers including seasoned diplomats, experienced professionals across government, business, academia, and the not-for-profit sector. Panel discussions and masterclasses provided practical advice on the skills, experiences, and networks required to succeed in internationally focused roles.
By connecting aspiring professionals with leaders in the field, the ICC reflects AIIA Victoria’s commitment to equipping the next generation with the tools and inspiration they need to pursue meaningful careers in international affairs.
