CHAPTER IV: PUBLIC INTERNATIONAL LAW

Careers in Public International Law

Exciting and ever-changing, the field of public international law opens you to opportunities for working abroad. The field boasts an incredibly diverse network of organisations, all of which possess unique qualities that suit different interests, passions and skills.

International NGOs, global banks, and international courts and agencies make up the bulk of opportunities presented in this publication. Many of these organisations will allow you to gain work experience outside of Australia. Therefore, relocating to another country for work purposes is a possibility that should be acknowledged when considering this career path.

If you are interested in diplomacy, international relations, human rights advocacy or international finance, this field may be highly suitable for you.

Opportunities for students and graduates

Many of the public international law opportunities listed in this Guide pertain to specific organs under the United Nations which boast comprehensive and dynamic internship programs which allow candidates to specialise in topics of their interest.

Skills and extracurricular activities which may strengthen your application include: - Public speaking / debating skills / Advocacy - Participating in IR-related events, conferences and projects (e.g. Model United Nations) - Learning one or more languages - Writing / Publication experience - Postgraduate study in international law, international relations or a similar field.

These activities would help to demonstrate your competence in key areas of diplomacy and shows a genuine interest in the field.

Internships and Graduate programs often lead to permanent employment in the diplomatic and international legal space. They can last from several weeks to a few months, with the possibility of long-term employment upon completion. It should be noted that a number of these programs are not directly related to law, but rather serve as foundational pursuits which will introduce you to the inner workings of reputable organisations and are a stepping stone to other roles within these bodies.

Application processes may vary greatly. As a foundation, you may consult the CV and Cover Letterwriting section at the end of this Guide to help you with preparing a strong application.

Public international law is incredibly broad. Working in this field will expose you to alternatives to working as an international lawyer. These include: - Diplomat - Foreign correspondent - NGO employee - Policy advisor