After completing an undergraduate exchange at Macquarie University, Jule Wehlte returned home to Germany certain of one thing: she wanted to come back to Sydney to pursue postgraduate study at Macquarie. What was less clear, however, was her career path.

Ultimately, her return to Macquarie helped clarify her professional direction. “The Master of Media and Communications gave me practical skills for the workplace, while the Master of International Relations developed my passion for humanitarian development and aid. Together, they established a foundation for my career,” she explains.

Now working adviser with the Australian Red Cross, Ms Wehlte’s journey has not been without challenges. After finishing secondary school in 2016, she initially felt uncertain about her next steps. “I didn’t want to study business or economics, which was the default choice for people who were unsure, so I enrolled in a Bachelor of Cultural Studies at Leuphana University,” she recalls.

Before her undergraduate studies commenced, a visit to Budapest rekindled her interest in returning to Australia. After meeting an Australian traveller, she was reminded of a family holiday to Australia when she was 16. By the time she returned to Germany, she was already planning a semester exchange to Sydney.

“Macquarie stood out because it offered a media certificate for completing media-focused units, and I was drawn to its large, green campus,” she explains. “It turned out to be the best six months of my life.” During her semester at Macquarie, Ms Wehlte experienced a vibrant campus life and developed close friendships with her housemates and classmates. “We built a community and stayed connected. Studying at Macquarie shaped who I am today.”

She also appreciated the unique teaching approach at Macquarie. “In Germany, there’s often only one major assessment that accounts for 100 per cent of a semester’s grade. Macquarie’s smaller, regular assignments kept me engaged with the material throughout the semester.”

After completing her Bachelor’s degree in Germany, Ms Wehlte returned to Macquarie in late 2021, supported by a scholarship for European students. However, the journey wasn’t without its challenges. COVID-19 disrupted her plans, and she completed her first semester online from Germany, with virtual classes held during Australia’s normal hours.

“The time difference meant my classes were at 1 am or 4 am,” she remembers. “It was challenging, but my convenors and tutors went above and beyond to accommodate my schedule and support me.”

Once back on campus, Ms Wehlte joined the Global Leadership Program, which inspired her interest in NGO work. She began volunteering as a communications assistant for Mahboba’s Promise, an NGO supporting women and children in Afghanistan.

Ms Wehlte also completed a corporate communications internship with CoverMore Travel Insurance as part of her PACE unit. This experience gave her insight into Australian corporate culture and strengthened her confidence.

After graduating, Ms Wehlte worked briefly as a marketing coordinator at a law firm before pursuing a role that aligned with her passion. She is now deeply committed to her work at the Australian Red Cross, which she joined in 2024. Her role involves creating strategic communications that support humanitarian efforts and highlight the organisation’s impact.

“The work I do helps support people during their most challenging times. If we can help them feel hopeful or less alone, I know I’m contributing to making the world a little better,” she says.

What’s next for Ms Wehlte? “For now, I’m focused on growing within the Red Cross, but I hope to specialise in the future. My passion for humanitarian work is unwavering – I know I couldn’t go back to corporate life.”

Outside of work, Ms Wehlte’s love of adventure continues, choosing to scale real mountains over corporate ladders. This year, she climbed Everest base camp with her brother and is planning to hike Mount Kilimanjaro next.

She also remains connected to her alma mater, sharing volunteer opportunities with lecturers and supporting media and communications students through PACE projects. “It’s a privilege to contribute to the university that shaped my journey,” she says.

Most recently, she returned to Macquarie to speak on the Demystifying International Studies Careers panel. “I still remember the stress and uncertainty of nearing the end of my degree,” she says. “I hope my story inspires other students, especially international students, to find where they truly belong.”

Jule Wehlte’s bio

Originally from Germany, Jule Wehlte holds a double master in International Relations and Media and Communications from Macquarie University (2023), and also graduated from the postgraduate Global Leadership Program (GLP).

In January 2024, she joined the Australian Red Cross as a corporate communications adviser, where she develops strategic campaigns and communications that connect with communities and highlight the impact of the organisation’s work.

With experience across both corporate and non-profit communications, including volunteering for Mahboba’s Promise, an NGO supporting women and children in Afghanistan, and interning at CoverMore Travel Insurance, Ms Wehlte’s work focuses on creating engaging content, building meaningful connections with audiences, and driving positive social impact.

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