Austrade scholarship assists Australian women into international business

AUSTRADE and the Federal Department of Trade and Investment have announced a scholarship, named in honour of Australia's first female Trade Commissioner Beryl Wilson, to assist women to break into international business.

 

Trade and Investment Minister Andrew Robb this month established the Beryl Wilson Austrade Scholarship for Women in International Business. Ms Wilson was appointed as an Australian trade commissioner in 1963 and the announcement marked the 50th anniversary of her first appointment.

The $40,000 annual Austrade scholarship will be awarded to a female student enrolled full-time in international business studies.

"At a time when women were struggling to be recognised, Beryl Wilson was able to break through the barriers and achieve her career aspirations," Mr Robb said.

"She provided a strong role model to inspire other women to serve their country as Trade Commissioners."

Mr Robb said today women are responsible for overseeing trade diplomacy at some of Austrade's key overseas offices including Washington, Toronto, New Delhi, Tokyo, Kuala Lumpur, Moscow and Guangzhou.

Ms Wilson's career included postings in San Francisco, the Pacific Islands, New Zealand and London. She also served as Deputy Director within the then Department of Trade and Industry, parts of which later formed the Australian Trade Commission.

"The scholarship recognises the contribution of women to Australia's international trade, but hopefully it will also encourage more women to consider a career in international business," Mr Robb said.

To be eligible for the scholarship, applicants must be Australian citizens, be enrolled full-time in the final year of a masters degree by coursework in international business or a master of business administration with an international business specialisation and have Asian language competency.

Austrade will award one scholarship each year valued at $40,000. The scholarship can be used for course fees, study materials and other related expenses.

The successful applicant will have the opportunity to participate in the Women in Global Business program, a joint Australian, State and Territory Government initiative which aims to increase the number of women in international trade.

The scholarship will be promoted through Universities Australia, the peak body representing Australia's 39 universities.

For more information on the scholarship and application details, visit www.austrade.gov.au/beryl-wilson-scholarship. Applications must be lodged through the online application form.

Applications for the 2014 Beryl Wilson Austrade Scholarship for Women in International Business close at 11:30pm AEST on December 15, 2013.

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