Career Summary:

Edward “Eddy” Lichtig is a Monash Bachelor of Global Studies graduate who has made a strong impact across a variety of sectors. He was drawn to Monash for its unique Global Studies program and reputation and complemented his studies with a degree in science. He was actively involved in campus life and gained valuable work experience that shaped his career. These experiences strengthened his skills and expanded his network, preparing him for a diverse career in politics, government relations and corporate affairs.

Through many experiences, community roles and strategic involvement in not-for-profits (NFPs), Eddy built a portfolio that led to opportunities to work with senior political leaders, major organisations and multinational institutions across ASEAN, Israel, Indonesia, Italy and the Pacific. Today, as a Senior Associate at Pyne & Partners, he advises corporations in Australia and abroad on government relations and policy strategy.

Career Pathway:

• 2025 – Present: Senior Associate, Pyne & Partners
• 2025 – Present: Director, Forum for Jewish Leadership
• 2025 – Present: Founder and Executive Director, NextStep Strategy
• 2023 – 2025: Public Policy Advisor, Government Relations and Industry Affairs and Reputation, Woolworths Group
• 2023: Senior Consultant, Public Policy and Business Analytics, Honeylight Enterprises Pty Ltd
• 2022 – 2023: Project Officer, Australia-China Business Council
• 2022 – 2023: Strategy Consultant, Green Finance and Climate Projects, August Group
• 2021 – 2023: Diplomacy Director (Australia and Southeast Asia Operations), ASEAN Australia Strategic Youth Partnership (AASYP)
• 2021 – 2022: Policy Researcher (Cybersecurity and Artificial Intelligence, AI), Australia-UAE Business Council
• 2022: National Political Affairs Director, AUJS
• 2021 – 2023: Victorian Political Affairs Director, AUJS
• 2021 – 2022: Project Consultant, 180 Degrees Consulting
• 2021 – 2022: Advisor and Electorate Officer, Federal Parliament
• 2020 – 2022: National Executive Director, Bnei Akiva Australia
• 2020 – 2021: Policy Advisor, Municipality of Jerusalem

What drew you to Monash and the Bachelor of Global Studies program?

I had options to study at different universities including internationally. I chose Monash because I knew people who had studied there who spoke about its great courses. The Bachelor of Global Studies caught my eye. It focused on global experience, leadership and the ability to think about global challenges in a different way. I thought - this is what I would like to study!

I paired it with a Science degree but it was Global Studies that brought me to Monash. The people, the clubs and the course itself shaped my career and that’s why I am a strong advocate for the degree.

What clubs or student organisations were you involved in?

I joined the Monash International Affairs Society (MIAS), volunteered at other clubs such as the Students' Neuroscience and Psychology Society (SNAPS), the Monash French Society and the Monash Jewish Students Society (MONJSS) as the Political Officer. That role let me work across different organisations and bring clubs together.

Being part of 180 Degrees Consulting was also one of the most important experiences that introduced me to consulting, provided me with mentors, helped me develop professionally and prepared me for working at large corporations.

Clubs are really important. I met like-minded people, people you’ll study with, work on projects alongside, and stay connected to long after. Clubs expose you to real projects, organisations, speakers, ambassadors and debates, helping you develop practical skills and learn how to work effectively in teams. Some people simply attend class and leave, but doing this means you are missing out on the opportunities and relationships that can shape your career. Many of the people you meet through clubs and societies create your network for years to come.

How did your study experiences prepare you for internationally engaged roles?

Studying topics on ASEAN, Europe and global politics in my degree helped prepare me for some conversations. But the real learning came from working alongside my studies. I was constantly encountering new ideas and putting them into practice immediately.

Learning languages also helped me greatly. At Monash, I studied Chinese, which taught me not only the language but also the cultural mindset, including what is appropriate, what is not, and how to communicate respectfully across cultures.

In Global Studies, you learn how to develop policy papers and advocate for funding, skills I applied immediately in my NFP roles. If you don’t use the theory while studying, you lose it. Exposure and application are essential for turning theories into real, practical skills.

My degree gave me the foundation, but applying it through political roles, NFP work, international experiences, and real-world projects is what truly helped me grow.

How did internships or practical experiences enhance your career skills?

When I returned to Australia after travelling abroad, I knew I wanted a career in politics or international relations, but the industry is broad. Unlike law or medicine, the pathway isn’t linear. You have to build it yourself.

I started researching organisations, building my LinkedIn, growing my network and reaching out to people. You need patience and determination. You need to set goals and hold yourself accountable. As my network grew, opportunities followed, with introductions, meetings and events giving me clarity about the industry and career I wanted.

I learnt to strategically choose opportunities. I worked in NFPs, the ASEAN sector and my own community. Fundraising, working with politicians and working on election campaigns helped me develop skills I use every day at work.

Many of my biggest opportunities came through people reaching out to me. You need to actively build your career, not passively wait for something to land in your lap. Every small experience builds your network and leads to greater things.

What key steps or experiences guided you to your current career?

You need to have a career portfolio of who you are and invest in yourself. This opened doors for me.

My role at Woolworths was unique. I had political experience but working in government relations inside a large corporation was different from advising a politician. It was very fast paced and required skills in everything: politics, consulting, project management, marketing, communication, NFP experience and recruitment, and all these different things were skills I had developed over time. It was an incredible time to be at the forefront of shaping national policy for supermarkets.

Now at Pyne & Partners, I have brought all those experiences with me. My experience in politics gave me insight on how the government works. You need to be able to understand the systems, work with politicians and translate opportunities into outcomes. It comes down to the network and skills you build over time.

You’ve worked across government relations, politics, humanitarian work, NFPs and consulting. How do you operate effectively across such diverse sectors?

I have many interests but most of my roles relate to people-to-people relations and government. You can work in any industry when you understand people, policy and how systems operate.

You don’t need to be the subject matter expert all the time. You work with teams who are subject matter experts, where your value is communicating their message effectively to decision makers.

You also need a growth mindset and be willing to be flexible and to be told you’re wrong.

It’s about staying curious and knowing how to articulate your ideas when decisions are being made.

What do you enjoy most about your job?

I genuinely enjoy the opportunity to be able to contribute meaningfully to government policy. You feel as if you are part of helping Australia progress, through introducing new ideas or technologies and being a part of enabling Australia to become even greater.

I love the relationships you build along the way, the travel, meeting clients, and doing incredible work across different industries. I’m involved in strategy and I enjoy how closely the news cycle connects to what I do every day. It is amazing to think that when something is in the headlines, your work can be part of that story.

Why are fields like government relations or international relations important today?

In the age of AI, critical thinking, something an arts degree develops exceptionally well, is more important than ever. AI can automate tasks, but it can’t replace sound judgment, strategic thinking, or the ability to negotiate across cultures and backgrounds.

Many degrees focus on formulas or right-and-wrong answers. In the arts, humanities and social sciences, students engage with a spectrum of ideas, arguments and perspectives. Skills such as reasoning, debating and communicating are essential in professional environments. We need more people trained in how to think, and arts degrees deliver exactly that.

Arts graduates know how to think critically, understand people and navigate complex social realities. These skills shape every aspect of professional life, making an arts education more valuable today than ever before.

What advice would you give to current students on making the most of their time at university, both academically and socially?

Academically, build relationships with your tutors. They can help you understand assessments, improve your work and think more deeply. They’re waiting to help you but you have to reach out.

Socially, go to events and clubs, listen to speakers, meet people and expose yourself to ideas early on. Even in class be mentally present. Don’t sit on your phone. Group projects teach you how to work with others, manage a project and communicate.

Also, get yourself a mentor! Having a mentor is crucial for your personal growth. We often listen to podcasts and advice online, but someone who knows you and can see how you can grow and who can provide you with direct advice is important for your continual growth. They can also introduce you to relevant opportunities and it all starts from an early age.

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Published in March 2026