Careers in Australian international education are not defined by clear professional frameworks. Occupational categories are diverse and qualifications held by those working in international education are varied, reflecting a lack rather than an abundance, of career development pathways and specific training. This contrasts with other large service-based industries in Australia – such as tourism – for which numerous specialised undergraduate and postgraduate degrees, graduate recruitment programs, professional bodies and qualifications exist.
Anecdotally, many international education professionals have had an intercultural experience during their secondary or tertiary studies, or early in their professional careers. While it is well established that learning in an intercultural context is transformative, there is a paucity of research about how intercultural experiences influence the career trajectories of international education professionals working in the Australian context. By focusing on this previously unexplored subset of international education professionals, we hope to contribute to the development of stronger professionalisation of the broader international education sector.