From debating competitions and Model United Nations to representing Australia on the world stage, Emma Lukabyo (Class of 2015) has built an extraordinary career in international affairs.
Now serving as a Diplomat (Second Secretary) at the Australian High Commission in London, Emma's journey has taken her from PLC Sydney classrooms to the United Nations in New York and diplomatic postings overseas. Along the way, she has combined her passion for global affairs with a career in law and foreign policy, representing Australia in some of the world's most significant international forums.
In this Q&A, Emma reflects on the experiences at PLC Sydney that sparked her interest in diplomacy, the opportunities that shaped her career, and the advice she would give to fellow Ex-Students looking to follow their ambitions wherever they may lead.
Take us back to when you graduated from PLC Sydney. What were your plans, and how did they evolve over the years?
I graduated from PLC Sydney in 2015. My plan was to study International Relations at Sydney Uni and this evolved into studying Law as well. I also planned to live overseas, which I have done, with some time in Canberra along the way!
How did you decide to follow a career in Diplomacy and Law?
I had always been interested in global affairs and was determined to translate this interest to my career. I studied a double degree, a Bachelor of Laws/Bachelor of International and Global Studies, and while at Uni worked part time with lawyers who encouraged me to explore a career in Government.
I worked as a paralegal at the Attorney-General’s Department and then when professionally qualified, applied to work as a lawyer at the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. DFAT has provided me the opportunity to combine my legal skills with my interest and background in International Relations which I have loved. In Canberra, I worked in DFAT’s Legal Division as an International Lawyer. I have also served overseas with DFAT. In 2023-2024, I worked at the Australian Mission to the United Nations in New York and represented Australia as a delegate to the UN General Assembly. Currently, I am posted to London at the Australian High Commission. It’s a privilege to represent Australia overseas. Diplomacy is endlessly fascinating, intellectually challenging and allows me to meet new people every day.
What are some of the biggest challenges you have faced on your career journey?
In my career journey I have had to remain adaptable to an ever changing global environment that is often high pressure. Remarkable opportunities have also meant packing up and travelling or moving overseas at short notice!
How did your time at PLC Sydney shape you personally or professionally?
My time at PLC Sydney shaped me profoundly, I was a student from Year 5 to Year 12. I was empowered to think boldly and encouraged to try many activities. I signed up for everything from Rowing to Debating to Wind Ensemble! I also had the opportunity to meet students from around the world, including through the Exchange program which certainly impacted the career I chose to pursue. At PLC Sydney I also met some of my closest friends!
Were there any particular teachers, subjects or experiences at PLC Sydney that had a lasting impact on your outlook or career choices?
My favourite subject at school was History, particularly Modern History and History Extension in Years 11 and 12. My study of History with Peter McHugh absolutely fostered an interest in geopolitics and statecraft which had a lasting impact on my decision to pursue a career in Foreign Affairs. In all my subjects at PLC Sydney I was taught to think critically and encouraged by my teachers to form my own worldview!
In school, I was an avid debater and public speaker and mentored by many teachers to foster these skills, including Suellen White in Junior School and Lisa Tabuteau in Senior School. I also did Model UN with Jo Golotta! These experiences proved to be invaluable. In my professional life I have never lacked confidence to think quickly on my feet or pursue an argument. I have been lucky enough to work in negotiating environments where these skills are crucial, including the United Nations in New York.
The exchange program at PLC Sydney had a lasting impact on my global outlook. My exchange certainly gave me an itch to travel and live overseas. At University, I also went on to do an exchange program which I attribute to the confidence I had from the PLC Sydney program. As International Captain in Year 12 I was provided the opportunity to interact with the exchange students visiting Australia from all around the world which sparked my curiosity and drew me to a global career.
Looking back, is there anything you wish you had known when you first left school that might have helped you along your journey?
It’s often easy to look at someone’s career path and think it’s all been planned but careers often feel more bumpy along the way. It’s important to remain open to unexpected opportunities, small steps can build to something bigger. In my career I have rarely said no to an opportunity to meet new people or work in new environments! This has served me well so far!
What does a typical day look like for you?
My days are quite varied, no two days are the same which keeps my work interesting! Foreign Affairs is a rapidly changing environment so my job is to follow developments closely and engage in discussions on key issues. I’m always proud to represent Australia.
Finally, how important has community and connection been in your career journey and what advice would you give to fellow Ex-Students inspired by your career path?
Community has been essential in my career. It is so important to have a support network in your corner, which is what the PLC Sydney Community can offer even beyond school!
Connections are crucial for professional development, the connections you may make through networking can lead to paths you never imagined.
I would encourage Ex-Students to follow their interests. If there is a career you wish to pursue, you will get there if you’re open to all opportunities, even those which appear to go around the traditional path.
