Josh de Bruin
Senior Consultant
Cardno Acil
Masters of Public and International Law
Why did you choose to undertake a graduate degree in Law?
I was looking to upgrade my current undergraduate qualification whilst providing a specialist discipline in an area related to my professional and personal interest. The multi-discipline nature of postgraduate law, along with the broad range of subjects, has enabled me to meet these requirements.
Why did you choose the Melbourne Law School?
1) Location. To broaden my academic experience, I was interested in attending a different university to where I completed my undergraduate studies, but as I am currently in Melbourne, I needed a local university.
2) Reputation. From a professional perspective, Melbourne Law School has a strong reputation in the Asia-Pacific region which suits the international nature of my work.
3) Assessment standards. The expected standards required of students, both in course work and research essays, and the merit based assessment, was important in my choice of Melbourne Law School. I know my results are meaningful, and are a strong indication of my academic achievements.
4) Approach. The approach to teaching at the Melbourne Law School suited my preferred learning environment, ie lead up coursework, followed by a five day (on-campus) intensive subject, followed by a research essay. This approach enables a concentred focus on course work, free from work and other distraction. It is an academic period in which ideas and subject matter are shared. The opportunities for professional and personal networking have been an unintended benefit. By way of assessment, the research essay is an excellent way in which to practice the skills and knowledge acquired during the course work phase, and strive for publication.
5) Teaching method. Student centred learning, in which students actively participate in seminars is my preferred method of learning. With the diverse range of national and international students, we are exposed to a range of perspectives and ideas which would not be possible with other teaching methods. The use of case law to build an understanding of particular jurisprudence, general principles of law, and skills in legislative and treaty interpretation is excellent.
6) Curriculum. Vast subject availability gives the option of deepening expertise or maintaining a broad focus. Quantity of subjects is matched by high quality of content and delivery: to date, all subjects have been of a consistently high standard.
Describe your career pathway – what is your current role and how did you get to where you are?
As a Senior Consultant for Cardno Acil (part of the international division of the Cardno Group) I am responsible for the management of various international development assistance programs. This includes all aspects of financial management, reporting, and client relationship (both recipient and donor). My current focus is on AusAID activities in Papua New Guinea, Indonesia and Afghanistan.
In addition to project management responsibilities, I lead the writing of large scale proposals, primarily for submission to AusAID as part of a tendering process. In doing so, I draw directly on my international project management experience to inform our strategic and operational approach to proposals, and subsequent implementation.
All our work, both project management and proposal writing, feeds into broader corporate business plans which set direction for company growth.
My career pathway has been primarily with Cardno Acil but with intermittent periods away from the company undertaking related international and domestic opportunities.
I have previous international experience working with national development assistance organisations in Sri Lanka and Afghanistan, and experience working within the Commonwealth government.
I graduated with a BA (Hons) from La Trobe University, were I subsequently worked on the international relations program with the School of Politics.
Describe your experience of studying in the Melbourne Law Masters. What have been the highlights so far?
I thoroughly enjoy the five day intensive blocs on campus. In addition to the course work itself, there is opportunity to meet a range of interesting and like minded students and teachers, for both professional and personal networking. Gaining high level marks, on a credible postgraduate program, and working towards having academic work published.
What are you planning to do when you have completed your degree? Where do you think your degree will take you?
The nature of the Program will enable significant career progression within my current company. However, it also broadens the opportunities to move across into a multilateral organisation (eg United Nations, World Bank, etc) or to move into a specialised area of focus (eg trade, human rights, economics, etc). Which ever path I take, the Masters qualification will enhance my opportunity to work in an area of interest. The Program has exposed me to a range of areas I had not previously considered.
What advice do you have for others considering undertaking a graduate degree in Law at Melbourne?
To get the most of this opportunity ensure you are able to make the time to do all the course work and highly recommend you use the assessment as an opportunity to strive for publication.
Consider broadening your exposure by taking subjects that are of interest, but may not be directly related to your current work or previous study.
Have you used any of the support services available to students in the Melbourne Law Masters (such as our academic support programs etc)? If so, what were your experiences with these services?
I recently attended a one day writing clinic which, as with the academic training, was of a high quality in both content and delivery. It was both specific to the graduate law program, but was broader enough for application beyond my course work.