Inside the IRIS programme with Sarah Knight

Three years ago Dryad Global launched an internship to identify young graduate talent from under represented groups in society to help them to gain experience and knowledge to support them into careers in the geo-political, intelligence and maritime security sectors.

Sarah Knight applied and was accepted into the Dryad Global IRIS programme in 2020. She is now about to embark on a career with the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. In this interview she reflects on her time working with Dryad both on an industry placement and subsequently as an employee.

How did you find out about the Dryad Global work placement?

I was searching for International Relations internships on LinkedIn and came across the job posting. There aren’t many internship opportunities in this field available in Australia, so I actively looked abroad.

What sparked your interest?

It was a very specific International Relations placement with a focus on geopolitics, actual analysis and Open Source Intelligence (OSINT) monitoring skills, rather than a comms-focussed internship, which a few of the ones available in Australia are like.

How has the industry placement complimented your studies?

The practical skills, analysis and application of themes I’ve studied have worked really well together. The internship is flexible, so I was always able to make it work around my final year of study, and maritime security is something that my studies only touched on very briefly, so it was a great way to gain knowledge in a relatively niche area that makes me stand out from my peers.

What skills have you developed?

OSINT and risk assessments, analysis for clients, leadership and management, product development, research, writing, and editing, public speaking, multi-stakeholder communication, Quantum GIS (QGIS) an open source Geographic Information System, complex problem solving in real-time situations

What was the highlight of the placement?

Being entrusted with developing and leading METIS Insights was truly invaluable. I’ve really enjoyed the challenge and all the things it has taught me, and I am really proud of how the product has evolved. I also found the experience of responding to incidents real-time and working with an interdisciplinary, international team as the events unfolded invaluable.

What did you study at university?

Bachelor of Arts/Advanced Studies (Politics and International Relations), with majors in International Relations and English.

What job are you going on to next and how did your time at Dryad Global support the application process?

I will be starting as a Graduate Policy Officer with the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. Not only did my time at Dryad Global give me real-world examples and skills to make me stand out at the interview stage of the process, it also made me more confident that I deserved to get the job because I had the practical skills of working in dynamic teams and applying my knowledge of international relations to security contexts. Munro Anderson, Dryad's Head of Intelligence also helped me prepare for my interviews and provided invaluable advice throughout the process. I think the Dryad Global Iris programme teaches you more than you’d get anywhere else, and that comes across in the interviews. I did not have much previous experience apart from Dryad Global, but the amount that I learned as part of the programme enabled me to land my dream grad job.

What have you learnt about yourself?

I’ve learnt that International Relations, security and risk really is where my interest and passion lies, which makes me more confident as I pursue a career in this field. I’ve also learnt that I really love working with international teams on complex problems that have real world consequences – I found the work meaningful which made it more enjoyable. It also negated some imposter syndrome which taught me that I am capable of leading a team and delivering a product successfully. Another important thing is that I learnt that making mistakes is rarely the end of the world, and the importance of asking for help or asking questions to make sure that you do your best for yourself and the team.

What have you enjoyed about working with a global digital team?

I’ve loved the flexibility and diversity of perspectives. Not only is the team very dynamic because we’re always all in different time zones, but it’s allowed me to work with bright, passionate people from different cultures and backgrounds, which I think is one of the best parts of working in a field relating to international relations. You learn so much and create a global network.

What advice would you give to others considering to apply for the industry placement?

Do it. 100%. Even if you don’t think you know anything about maritime security, the things you learn and the opportunities you’re provided with are invaluable. You’ll get to demonstrate your analytical thinking, and I’d also recommend that once you’re in, make the most of it! Say yes to anything you can and you’ll learn more in six months than you would in years at other companies. You absolutely get out what you put in!

How do you think the work placement experience has set you apart from your peers entering the job market?

I think it’s made me confident and familiar with working in a business in a way that students don’t get at university. I’ve also gained more skills and been given far more leadership opportunities than peers with comparable internship/placement experience, which is what most jobs look for – demonstrable leadership and teamwork. I also think having done risk consulting for the private sector is something most International Relations graduates can’t say they’ve done, and it makes you stand out in the interview process. Every interview I’ve done, the interviewers were fascinated by what I did and learned at Dryad Global.

What was the most challenging part of the industry placement?

Making sure that you’re communicating constantly with the team – the digital workspace is fantastic, but it does have its challenges. Similarly, learning about the commercial maritime security industry initially was a steep learning curve, but the more you engage with DG, the faster you learn!

Find out more about Dryad Global's industry placement initiative, the IRIS Programme.