Describe yourself in three words or phrases.
Optimistic global citizen.
What do you like most about your job?
My job represents my life journey: teenage exchange student in Japan, government minister for multicultural affairs and higher education, and then running two international education colleges. The journey’s culmination being IEAA CEO!
Describe a project or initiative you’re currently working on that excites you.
As convenor of our National Council for International Education, advocating and negotiating with government to maximise exemptions (for all providers) from the recently imposed enrolment limits (caps) policy.
What’s a piece of work you’re proud of – and what did it teach you?
Travelling to India with our federal education minister, I pointed out to him that we could not promise that students who commence their Australian degree in our offshore campuses might then be guaranteed the opportunity to complete their course in Australia because of his government’s planned enrolment limits policy (caps) policy.
This conversation directly led to successful negotiations to permit TNE students to, for the most part, not be counted in an education providers’ annual enrolment limit if they come to Australia to complete their studies. This experience taught me to keep travelling with relevant ministers whenever possible!
What’s a small daily habit that helps you in your work?
A triple shot flat white coffee (Melbourne being the coffee capital of the world) on my way to the office!
What’s one change you’d like to see in your sector over the next few years?
We need a concerted and coordinated public relations campaign that effectively educates the wider community on the benefits that world class international education delivers.
What idea, book, podcast or conversation has stayed with you recently?
My recent meeting in Beijing with China’s minister of education, Huai Jinpeng, reminded me that education is the most wonderful topic that builds bridges across cultures and breaks down misconceptions.
What’s one piece of advice you’d give to someone starting out in this field?
Be willing to put your hand up for new job challenges as often as possible in our dynamic sector. However, if you are going to be a marketing and recruitment “road warrior” be kind to yourself and prioritise family as much as possible!
