National Security Conference shapes graduate's vision for Australia's future

Helen Argyris is one of the ANU National Security College's (NSC) most recent graduates, receiving a Graduate Certificate of National Security Policy.

With a background in STEM, Helen moved to Australia at 23, aiming to completely change her career path. After studying with several institutions, she decided to enrol at ANU.

“I decided to study [the Graduate Certificate of National Security Policy] to explore national security concepts and practical policy skills, focusing on navigating the Australian security landscape.”

The program is designed to provide students with a multidisciplinary understanding of contemporary and emerging national security challenges affecting Australia.

This was particularly important to Helen, considering her love of international law.

“It is important to understand how national security laws and policies can assist in protecting human rights, particularly rights relating to the safety and individual freedoms but also the challenges to the enjoyment and fulfilment of those rights and provide the necessary policies to address them," she explains.

One of Helen’s most memorable experiences during her studies was her participating in NSC's 'Securing our Future' conference.

During the event, she engaged in interdisciplinary dialogues with thought leaders and decision-makers from government, academia, industry, and the wider community. Together, they worked towards shaping a distinctly Australian, people-centered vision of national security, focusing on resilience and national interests.

For those considering studying at NSC, Helen has this advice:

“I would suggest taking every opportunity that Crawford and NSC offer, especially in terms of networking, as they can take you to the most unexpected, yet interesting and thought-provoking, places.”

Helen credits her academic success to her family, saying “I would have not been here without the unconditional support from my mother, Athina, and my two sisters, Mary and Constantina, who have overcome their obstacles to keep me going forward, especially during unprecedented and difficult times. I am very grateful, as every form of support, either big or small, is very important."

Looking to the future, she intends to maintain her position within the Australian Government – using her new skills as a policy officer at the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

She is also considering further study the Master of National Security Policy to examine other areas of present and future risk, from climate change, and terrorism to Indo-Pacific geopolitical tensions.

Congratulations on your recent graduation Helen. We hope to welcome you back to NSC for further studies. 

This article was originally published on the Crawford School of Public Policy website.