From outback kitchens to the United Nations: Discover how the ANU Master of Diplomacy prepared Sally for her dream career
Since she was 15, Sally Swinnen aspired of working at the United Nations (UN). But, like many with ambitious goals, she wasn’t sure where to begin.
“I would often ask myself, ‘if I want to work for the UN, how do I get there? Where do I start?’” Sally recalled.
It was a question she carried with her through her journey—a journey that eventually led her to Nigeria, where she now works as a UN Climate, Peace and Security Analyst.
Sally’s unconventional path
When Sally finished high school, she didn’t immediately go to university. Instead, she completed a course in commercial cookery and worked in restaurants across Australia while travelling the continent.
“I lived in Tennant Creek, Darwin, Bathurst, Fremantle, Sydney; I saw a lot of Australia,” she recounted.
After years of travelling and working in the hospitality industry, she wanted to pursue tertiary education and studied a Bachelor of Arts majoring in political science and Indonesian language at Charles Darwin University (CDU). Through her studies at CDU, she received the Asia Bound Scholarship and a New Colombo Plan Grant to study in Indonesia with the Australian Consortium for ‘In-Country’ Indonesian Studies (ACICIS program). These experiences ignited her passion for international affairs.
While Sally greatly enjoyed her studies, she was uncertain what to do when she finished her bachelor’s.
“I was at a crossroads in my life. I wanted to become a nurse but then I saw the Master of Diplomacy at ANU," she said.
Offered by the Coral Bell School of Asia Pacific Affairs at the ANU College of Asia and the Pacific (CAP), the Master of Diplomacy is a world-class program that provides students access to leading academics, internships and learning.
Known for its strong engagement with the Asia-Pacific region and its leading expertise, the College provides students with various opportunities to engage in international affairs preparing them for impactful careers in NGO’s, government, research, public policy, consulting and humanitarian aid.
Sally wanted high-level exposure to international relations, which ANU and CAP provide. This respected reputation is what attracted Sally to Canberra.
During her application, Sally was encouraged to apply for the inaugural Ruth Dobson Scholarship, a prestigious award named after Australia’s first female career diplomat. Each year the Department of International Relations in the ANU College of Asia & the Pacific awards up to two Ruth Dobson Scholarships to attract the highest-achieving students for the advancement of diplomatic studies.
Winning this inaugural scholarship allowed Sally to focus more on her studies, without the pressure of juggling multiple jobs.
“The scholarship was an amazing opportunity. It meant I didn’t have to work full-time – like I did during my Bachelor's, so I could focus on my master’s studies,” she said.
From master's graduate to UN analyst
After completing her master’s, Sally worked for six months at the ANU Pacific Security College before transitioning to the Australian Public Service (APS) in the Department of Defence. Her time at CAP equipped her with essential skills and professional networks, allowing her to move into a government role.
“My studies at CAP were pivotal in my journey. The small classes and motivated cohort made learning collaborative, almost like working in a team,” she noted.
CAP’s supportive environment enabled Sally to form lasting friendships and mentorships with both peers and professors, connections that continue to influence her career today.
Sally enjoyed her time working in Defence, but her career trajectory changed when a colleague shared a job opportunity, posted by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT): the JPO (Junior Professional Officer) program. Open to early career employees in the APS, the program supports young Australian professionals to join the UN and gain hands-on experience in the multilateral system, including international development.
Sally applied for the program and was accepted as a JPO for the United Nations Development Program in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital.
Today, she has achieved her goal of working with the UN as a Climate, Peace, and Security Analyst - a career she once thought unreachable.
Her advice to current and prospective students
Sally’s advice to CAP students is simple but powerful: be authentic and stay curious. She emphasises that there are many entry pathways into the UN and a high demand for skilled Australians with master’s qualifications and Asia-Pacific experience.
While many think that perfect grades are the key to success, Sally is convinced that her passion and dedication are what formed the foundation of her career. For prospective students interested in the Master of Diplomacy or other programs at CAP, her story demonstrates that commitment and enthusiasm can be just as valuable as academic excellence.
If you are inspired by Sally’s story and considering a career in international relations, we invite you to explore the Master of Diplomacy and other exceptional postgraduate programs available at the ANU College of Asia and the Pacific here.
