Forging global leaders: CAP student secures prestigious cybersecurity internship in Estonia
Amy Wardell, a first-year Master of Law and International Diplomacy student was checking her student email when a message from the ANU Coral Bell School Student Engagement team entered her inbox. It was an invitation to apply for a prestigious five-week cybersecurity internship in Tallinn, Estonia’s capital.
This opportunity was perfectly timed for Amy, who had spent three and a half years in the private sector. The chance to gain government experience in a global cybersecurity hub felt like a dream come true and an exciting avenue for her professional development.
“What better way to get government experience than in a foreign country leading the way in cybersecurity regulation?” she said.
In a collaboration between the Australian National University (ANU), the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) and the Ministry of Foreign of Affairs of Estonia, the internship offers Amy the chance to gain professional experience with Estonia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, focusing on cybersecurity and cyber diplomacy.
Dr Sarah Logan, the internship convenor and a research fellow at the Department of International Relations in the ANU Coral Bell School of Asia Pacific Affairs, sees the program as a unique opportunity for students.
“I am so excited for Amy. This internship provides an exceptional learning experience and places an ANU student right in the heart of cyber diplomacy,” she said.
Immersed in cyber diplomacy
During her time in Estonia, Amy will work closely with Estonia’s Ambassador at Large for Cyber Diplomacy, Tanel Sepp, and support the coordination of a summer school program for over 60 diplomats. She will also attend the prestigious 2024 Tallinn Digital Summit, hosted by Estonia’s Prime Minister, where she'll network with global cybersecurity experts.
“The [Estonian] ambassador told me that he has so many connections, I won’t have a free lunch,” Amy said, adding that she’s already ordered business cards.
Beyond the professional experience, Amy is excited to discover more about Estonia, its rich culture, history and diverse landscapes. She has also received plenty of recommendations from the Estonian Ambassador’s daughter, who is applying to study at ANU next year.
Building expertise in cyber security
Amy’s experience in Tallinn places her at the intersection of diplomacy and cybersecurity, fields in which the Asia-Pacific region, and Australia in particular, play critical roles.
“Internships like this are extremely valuable for any students’ career trajectory. It offers students a deep, practical insight into the geopolitical actors and practices involved in managing cyber diplomacy,” Dr Logan added.
For Amy, opportunities like these were what attracted her to Canberra to pursue her studies with the ANU College of Asia and the Pacific (CAP).
“One of the reasons I chose ANU and CAP is because of amazing opportunities like this. This is where international diplomacy happens in Australia,” she explained.
Why is Estonia a cyber security leader?
Estonia is recognised as a global leader in cybersecurity due to its proactive and innovative approach. After a significant cyberattack in 2007, the country prioritised cybersecurity, establishing a robust national framework.
“Estonia hosts the NATO Cooperative Cyber Defence Centre of Excellence and is one of the most digitally integrated societies in the world. Unsurprisingly, given it shares a border with Russia, it is a key player in international cyber diplomacy negotiations,” Dr Logan explained.
With its strong commitment to digital governance and cybersecurity resilience, Estonia continues to be a model for countries aiming to build secure digital environments.
Creating global opportunities for ANU students
The ANU College of Asia and the Pacific offers students unique global opportunities to gain practical skills through internships, in-country study courses, fieldwork, and study abroad experiences. These programs connect students with key international organisations, government bodies, and global networks, providing hands-on learning that complements their academic studies.
The College's strong connections with government and industry partners give students a significant advantage in navigating international careers.
“The Estonian Embassy in Canberra approached us, and we were thrilled to work together on creating this opportunity for our students,” Dr Logan said, acknowledging the dedicated CAP staff who made it happen.
For more information about our Master of Diplomacy, Master of International Law and Diplomacy, and Master of International Relations, please visit https://asiapacific.anu.edu.au/master-programs.
For ANU students interested in interning in Estonia, applications for this unique opportunity will re-open in 2025. Please contact Dr Sarah Logan at sarah.logan@anu.edu.au for more information.
From all of us at the ANU College of Asia and the Pacific we wish Amy ohutut reisi (safe travels) and edu (good luck)!
