Career Summary:

Kade Cody works as an analyst, researching geopolitical and international economic shifts impacting Australia’s international trade and investment. His work utilises advanced quantitative tools to draw insights from global trade and investment data, working across the Australian Government to inform stakeholders of global shifts. A Monash Bachelor of Politics, Philosophy and Economics (PPE) graduate, Kade brings an interdisciplinary mindset to understanding how political institutions, markets, and social systems shape the world around us. During his time at Monash, Kade immersed himself in opportunities that broadened his perspective, from helping establish the early foundations of the PPE Society to participating in the transformative PPE Study Abroad program in India. These experiences deepened his curiosity about global systems and strengthened his interest in international policy and development.

Career Pathway:

• 2026- Present - Analyst at the Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade)
• 2026 Data Analyst  at Austrade
• 2025-2026 Graduate  at Austrade
• 2024- JOST & Co Project Analyst
• 2021 -2024 Pro Tennis Academy Tennis Coach
• 2021 -2023 Deloitte Vacationer | Financial Advisory - Infrastructure & Project Solutions
• 2019-2021 Tennis Australia Tennis Official

1. What is one piece of advice or wisdom you wish someone had shared with you on your first day at Monash?

Everyone says to take advantage of every opportunity at university, but it’s something you only truly appreciate once you start doing it. While achieving strong academic results is important, I wish I’d known earlier that your university experience is about far more than grades. Take the time to explore internships that align with your career aspirations; they’ll help you apply what you learn in real-world contexts and give you a sense of direction.

Get involved in clubs and societies that interest you. You’ll meet incredible people, gain new perspectives, and, often, make lifelong friends. In class, don’t be afraid to speak up and share your opinions. Everyone is there to learn and contribute, and some of the best insights I gained came from class discussion rather than lectures alone.

2. From your perspective, why is Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences an area of study crucial for today’s society?

We are living through one of the most dynamic and unpredictable periods in history. Rapid changes in technology, globalisation, and shifting social values mean our world is constantly evolving. The Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences equip us to navigate this complexity by teaching us to think critically, analyse situations from multiple angles, and communicate with empathy and clarity.

My PPE degree at Monash gave me the tools to understand how different systems, political institutions, markets, and moral frameworks interact to shape society. I have been able to harness these skills and an intersectional way of thinking in my work by offering new ideas on how to analyse complex global challenges to Australia’s trade. In a competitive job market, the ability to approach issues from a multidisciplinary lens, think independently, assess information critically, and articulate complex ideas clearly will set you apart.

3. What advice would you give to new students on how to make the most of their time at Monash, both academically and socially?

Build a strong network early on. One that supports you academically and personally. University can be challenging at times, so having people around you to celebrate wins, debrief failures, and stay motivated makes a huge difference. Don’t hesitate to ask questions or reach out for help; there’s always someone willing to support you if you show initiative.

Be proactive and open-minded. Take classes outside your main discipline, say yes to opportunities that scare you a little, and allow yourself to explore. Most importantly, remember that “no” doesn’t have to be the end of the conversation — persistence often opens doors that initially seem closed.

4. How did your Monash Arts degree contribute to where you are today in your career or personal life?

My PPE degree has been instrumental in shaping both my professional and personal life. Professionally, it’s given me a solid foundation in critical thinking, policy evaluation, and problem-solving. These skills continue to guide me in navigating complex stakeholder environments and making informed, strategic decisions.

Personally, studying PPE at Monash helped me develop a genuine curiosity about how the world works and fostered friendships that have become an enduring part of my life. Many of those connections were formed through shared experiences — long discussions after tutorials, group projects, and, most memorably, the Study Abroad trip to India. That experience broadened my worldview and gave me first-hand insight into another country’s political and cultural systems.

5. How did the Monash Arts community support your growth and ambitions during your studies?

The Monash Arts community was incredibly supportive and flexible, which made it possible for me to balance part-time work with full-time study in my final year. The faculty’s openness to recognising practical learning experiences also made a big difference, I was able to receive academic credit for a self-sourced internship at Deloitte in Infrastructure Advisory. That experience was pivotal in helping me transition from university into a professional environment and gave me confidence in applying the skills I had built in my degree.

6. Were you actively involved in any activities that enhanced your university experience, such as student organisations, internships, or study abroad programs?

Absolutely. I was involved in the early efforts to establish a PPE Society at Monash, which aimed to bring together students interested in exploring how politics, philosophy, and economics intersect. Being part of that initiative taught me what it means to build a community around shared intellectual curiosity and ambition.

One of the highlights of my degree was participating in the PPE Study Abroad program in India. It was a transformative experience, we learned about India’s political institutions, economic opportunities and challenges, and how Indian philosophy has influenced governance and society. Experiencing a different cultural and academic context helped me see global issues from new perspectives and strengthened my interest in international policy and development.

Published in July 2026