ABSTRACT
In this chapter, we focus on global careers as they apply to Australia (population 22.6 million) and New Zealand (population 4.2 million), developed countries whose culture, language and population have been shaped largely by those of the colonizing British, which they served originally as colonies, and later as dominions. The pressures of anti-colonialism and trade policies (particularly the UK’s involvement in the European Union) have lessened historic ties, but the international careers of Australians and New Zealanders are nevertheless influenced by both history and geography – the latter particularly in terms of the geographical isolation of the two countries. The following vignette of a New Zealand global careerist is perhaps typical of young people from this region. The Globetrotter
Philip, a graduate computer programmer, left New Zealand in his early twenties, to undertake a period of travel around the world. At this stage, Philip wasn’t confident enough to head for the usual European destinations normally favoured by New Zealanders, so he went to Australia, working as a contract programmer and travelling throughout the country. After a year, encouraged by friends in the UK, he went there, and worked in temporary jobs to earn money to fund travel around Europe. After a further year, he ventured to Africa, travelling throughout the continent. Nine months of ‘roughing it’ was sufficient to satisfy, for the moment, his travel urges, and he returned home to New Zealand. He wanted a change of career and studied to obtain a Master’s degree in zoology. On its completion, he was offered a job in Brisbane, Australia, as a fisheries officer. The opportunity to combine his skill sets in computing and fisheries management led to doctoral studies and a new career modelling fisheries stocks. A new job opportunity in the US resulted in a move, now with his wife and children, to San Diego. Three years later, Philip and his family transferred again to New Caledonia – a move partly determined by Philip’s desire to be closer to family in Australia and New Zealand. At the time of writing, Philip’s next move is being planned, and it will probably again be within Australia, to be near family while still taking advantage of the opportunities of an economy larger than those of both New Caledonia and New Zealand.
