Meet the South Australian young guns finding career success overseas
Emma Mannswirth booked a one-way ticket to New York, co-founded a marketing and talent agency and never looked back. Meet 14 SA expats kicking career goals abroad.
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Working overseas is a great way to progress your career and gain a competitive edge in a global market by experiencing different cultures and making international connections.
However, working abroad doesn’t come without its challenges such as being away from loved ones and adjusting to a new culture and environment,
But for many South Australians, due to limited opportunities on home soil, moving abroad is the only option to develop in their field.
Whether it’s performing on stage, rubbing shoulders with celebs on red carpets, developing new medicines, managing talent for luxury fashion brands or working in international law, here are some of the young South Aussie expats making a name for themselves abroad.
Tom Goodall
Job: Filmmaker and director
Country: US
At 32 not many people can say they have achieved their childhood dream but SA-export Tom Goodall can.
Since landing his dream job at Walt Disney Studios he has worked on several major titles including Christopher Robin (2018), Lady and the Tramp (2019), and The One and Only Ivan (2020).
It all started in Mr Goodall’s hometown of Adelaide where he graduated from Flinders University's Creative Arts (Screen) program in 2013 before setting his sights on the prestigious University of Southern California (USC).
He visited the campus – considered one of the best film schools in the world – midway through his degree and was in awe of its “second to none” facilities, faculty and industry connections.
“I used the remainder of my time at Flinders to create a portfolio strong enough to apply to USC and by some amazing clerical error, got accepted,” he said.
“I completed a Masters in Cinematic Arts at USC, which is where I really learned the craft of screenwriting and filmmaking.”
It was there Goodall jumped at the opportunity to intern at Disney, a “dream workplace” which “didn’t disappoint”.
He became the “protégé to a phenomenal and prolific studio producer” who hired him the minute he graduated.
“I still work with him when I can – it keeps me continually involved in major Hollywood projects, allowing me to make connections beneficial to my own filmmaking career,” Mr Goodall said.
When asked what his biggest career highlight had been, the rising start replied: “No doubt, working on Lady and The Tramp with Disney.”
“I’ve had the opportunity to work with many big names in the industry now, but I’ve only been starstruck once, and that’s when I met the dog playing Lady. She is Disney royalty come to life, you can’t beat that,” he said.
“Working with the movie’s producer means being involved in every aspect from scripting to marketing, and seeing my contributions come to life in a Disney movie is a childhood dream achieved.”
Based in Los Angeles, Mr Goodall is also working on freelance projects and recently sold a feature film script and will soon pitch to direct the project.
He hopes to one day bridge the gap between the Australian and American film industries and return home to grow the local industry.
“To live and work in Australia making globally successful content is objectively the perfect life,” he said.
“The local film industry will make its biggest steps forward if we insist on bringing our projects home, despite other incentives, because we want to nurture that local industry – the Philippou brothers are recent inspirational examples of that.”
Dr Chelsea Thorn
Job: Scientist
Country: US
Since landing her dream job at Pfizer a South Australian scientist has been at the forefront of developing medicines at the world’s largest biotech hub in Massachusetts in the US.
Born and raised in Largs Bay, Dr Chelsea Thorn moved abroad in 2021 in her pursuit to develop better medicines.
“As my studies progressed, I knew there were limited opportunities for me to stay in SA or Australia while doing this,” Dr Thorn said.
“I knew to fulfil my goal I needed to move overseas.”
The 29 year old senior scientist completed her Bachelor of Pharmacy (Honours) (2012-15) and PhD in Pharmaceutical Science (2017-21) at UniSA.
During her PhD, Dr Thorn was awarded an Endeavour Postgraduate Scholarship to work at Germany’s world renowned Helmholtz Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland which she described as an “incredible experience”.
As a PhD student she discovered a new inhalable, topical formulation to improve the effectiveness of antibiotics against life threatening superbugs winning the SA Science PhD Excellence Award.
Now Dr Thorn is working alongside “incredible scientists” at Pfizer to develop treatments to fight infectious diseases.
While SA will “always” be home, Dr Thorn said the lack of opportunities in her field meant returning was not an option at this stage of her career.
“I would love nothing more than to be able to move back and live close to my family and oldest friends, but to continue to pursue my goals and advance my career, it is unavailable right now,” she said.
“I am working at a global stage with a lot of opportunities, and for this period of my life, that comes first. I hope to bring opportunities back to SA in the future, that would be my way back home.”
Emma Mannswirth
Job: Talent manager
Country: NYC
Gucci, Prada and Valentino are just some of the brands that New York City-based Emma Mannswirth works with.
The 33-year-old launched global creative, casting and talent management agency, Ergot, representing clients across fashion, music, art and design.
Originally from Australia’s own creative centre, Melbourne, Ms Mannswirth spent her formative years in Adelaide, studying marketing and communications at UniSA before moving to Sydney to intern with Bespoke PR in 2012.
Not long after, she made the move to the US almost a decade ago.
“I fell deeply in love with New York’s energy the first time I visited for only a few short days,” Ms Mannswirth said.
“It was, and remains, chaotic, electric and magnetically full of opportunity. When I got back to Sydney, I booked a one-way flight and gave notice at my agency. The rest is history.”
In 2022, Ms Mannswirth co-founded Ergot with friend Thea Landehagen Gulbrandsen, which she describes a “pivotal” moment, opening the door to new opportunities working with creatives across the globe.
“I feel lucky that I get to collaborate with so many thought leaders and creative voices and work with them all over the world, from Paris Fashion Week to New York Climate Week to Art Basel Miami and everything in between,” she said.
The UniSA alumni is also a guest lecturer at New York University and recently spoke at the Forbes Luxury Breakfast on talent and influencers in luxury marketing.
While NYC is more her pace, Ms Mannswirth considers SA a place unlike any other and loves bringing back international visitors to see the “spectacular” wineries, hiking trails and beaches on offer.
Aarod Vawser
Job: Performing artist
Country: US
After cutting his teeth on the Adelaide theatre circuit and starting his own company, Aarod
Vawser is now touring the US as a Bluey’s Big Tour puppeteer.
“I did the Australia tour over 2021-22, and of course when they announced there would be a US tour, I was like ‘Yes! Pick me please!’,” Mr Vawser said.
“I’ve always loved to travel, so getting to do it for work is honestly a dream come true.
“Getting to perform a show that kids adore, it’s really moving to see and hear their responses in the audience.”
The former Willunga Waldorf School student graduated Flinders Drama Centre with honours in 2020 and left Australia in October.
Since then, the 28 year old has performed in over 120 cities across the US.
Aside from the work, his travel itinerary reads like a grand tour of the continent, with stops at Mount Rushmore, the lakes and mountains of California and the bayous of Louisiana.
“I will be back eventually because I miss my friends and family … but for the near future I will be working abroad,” Mr Vawser said.
“The CRAM Collective is a theatre company I founded with three SA artists and friends, Connor, Ren and Melissa, and it is a big motivator to come back.
“There are a lot of exciting things coming up for CRAM in the future and creating and producing my own work is something that I miss on Bluey.”
His advice to other young people is simple and to the point: “just do it”.
“If you’re young and don’t have responsibilities holding you back, I think it’s essential,” Mr Vawser said.
“You’ll either realise how many opportunities there are for you in the location you choose, or you’ll realise how good you had it back in SA. It’s a win-win.”
Jack Weise
Job: Lawyer
Country: Singapore
Since completing his law studies at Flinders University in 2013, Jack Weise’s career has taken him global across three continents.
Mr Weise, 35, grew up in Adelaide and has worked in Australian, London and Singapore firms.
At 25 he made the move to Sydney to work for international law firm King Wood Mallesons.
The move set him up for his first overseas stint two years later, working for magic circle firm, Clifford Chance, as an asset finance associate.
Despite loving living in SA, Mr Weise said it was challenging place to kick start an overseas career and getting experience in the eastern states had paid off.
“I have been fortunate to work at leading law firms in Australia, the UK and Asia and had exposure to many high value, sophisticated, financing transactions involving aircraft, rail infrastructure, container ships and even deep sea pipe laying vessels,” he said.
In 2019 Mr Weise decided to move closer to home but wasn’t ready to return to Australia, and so set down roots in Singapore with his wife.
The Flinders graduate is now working as a senior legal counsel for aircraft leasing and trading company China Aircraft Leasing Group Holdings.
“Recently I have been involved in face-to-face negotiations with airlines in India, Uzbekistan and Singapore and a somewhat dramatic aircraft arrest and seizure of a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner aircraft at Sydney Airport,” he said.
“Most importantly, I met my wife when we were both working in London so this has certainly been a highlight as well.”
For those thinking of a career abroad, Mr Weise said to “just do it” as it will be “one of the best, most interesting and challenging experiences you have ever had”.
“Getting outside your comfort zone and trying new things will only make you a stronger person but also opens up many options for your career,” he said.
Hannah Altschwager
Job: Field producer
Country: US
Not many people would leave their dream job for an unpaid gig, but that’s exactly what 31-year-old Hannah Altschwager did.
The Hawthorn-born former journalist now works as a producer for Nomadica Films in the US, making content for Netflix, Disney+ and Discovery among other big streaming players.
Ms Altschwager’s career change came about by following her boyfriend to the unlikeliest of places – the ocean.
“The plan for a long time was for us to live overseas together,” she said.
“In 2018 I took a huge risk and quit my job as a journalist to volunteer on an expedition he was part of. He was on the support vessel of a long distance swimmer who was attempting to swim across the Pacific Ocean, and I managed the project from land.
“The company I now work for were filming a documentary about the expedition called The Swim and I found myself working for them six months later.”
Among the highlights so far have been a visit to Thailand to film an episode of her show The Wizard of Paws in an elephant nature park.
“Living there for two weeks and waking up to elephants outside my window was a dream come true and a big pinch me moment,” she said.
Ms Altschwager said the best things in her life have come from saying “yes” to unexpected opportunities.
“Every time I’ve been presented with a crossroads in my career, the risky choice has always been the best option and progressed my career further than if I had stayed put,” she said.
“I’ve moved a lot throughout my 20s, and as daunting and scary as it felt each time, it opened up my world to something I never expected.
“While South Australia is always home, the career I work in has more opportunities in the US right now … nothing beats SA beaches and wine though.”
Dr Alicia Byrne
Job: Postdoc scientist
Country: US
Dr Alicia Byrne is an award-winning postdoctoral research scientist in rare disease genetics at the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard in Boston.
Growing up in Adelaide, the Wilderness School graduate studied her PhD at UniSA where she was awarded the Maurice de Rohan International Scholarship in 2016.
She travelled to Boston as a visiting scholar and spent eight months at the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard.
There she established collaborations and professional relationships with US researchers and Dr Byrne was offered a postdoctoral position before finishing her PhD.
“When I did finish my PhD, I knew that heading overseas and gaining global exposure would be transformative for my career, and knew that for a career in genomics, Boston, and in particular the Broad Institute, was the place to be,” she said.
“I’m very lucky to work in a discipline that thrives on collaborations and global connections, and being in Boston, which is such a dynamic melting pot for exciting science and new ideas, and draws talented researchers from around the world, allows me to work alongside those who are the current and future leaders in the field.”
Dr Byrne was named Innovator of the Year at The Advertiser’s SA Woman of the Year Awards last year for her world first discovery into one cause of newborn death, identifying a genetic mutation which prevents the development of the lymphatic system.
Her PhD research was also recognised the previous year with Dr Byrne being awarded the 2021 SA Science Excellence and Innovation award.
Even on the other side of the world, Dr Byrne still calls Adelaide “home” but said she must stay in the US to continue her research due to the limited funds and programs in Australia.
“The work I’m currently doing, with the reach and influence that it has globally, just isn’t possible from Australia, especially at present, without adequate investment in funding for genomics research and national programs to support the implementation of genomics into mainstream healthcare,” she said.
However, she is hopeful that will change so she can return home to use her new knowledge, overseas experience and international partnerships to connect Adelaide and Australia with the rest of the world.
Kieran Altmann
Job: Film producer
Country: NYC
In another life, Kieran Altmann almost made a big mistake by going into medicine.
Thankfully, his creative spark prevailed and he now produces films that have toured some of the most prestigious festivals in the world.
“In high school I was quite unsure of what exactly I wanted to do,” the 29-year-old from Murray Bridge said.
“Each day the pendulum would swing between potentially studying medicine or pursuing this small creative spark I knew I had.”
By admission, he “massively bombed” his medicine entrance exam and decided to find himself by travelling and working in hospitality, where he realised his passion for other people’s stories.
“A close family friend had a family member studying at Tisch School of Arts in New York and on a whim I applied, having almost no knowledge of what it truly takes to make a film outside of the few short film scripts I’d written in my spare time.
“Tisch was the only US-based institution I applied to and somehow my portfolio and application was accepted.”
Now living in New York, Mr Altmann was one of three producers on Shiva Baby, which won the audience award at the 2020 Adelaide Film Festival and was screened in cinemas across Australia and the US.
He said the goal is to one day balance work in the US and in Australia, which he hopes to achieve with his writing and directing debut being filmed on Kangaroo Island this December.
Mr Altmann advised other young people to leave no room for “what ifs” when making life’s big decisions.
“Belief is everyone’s greatest limiting factor … there’s constantly an element of self-doubt that if you give too much power to, it will consume you,” he said.
“If you aren’t the greatest champion of your own worth and creativity then no one else will be prepared to take the journey with you.”
Maddie Dunne
Job: Reporter
Country: UK
You may recognise Maddie Dunne from her days at 7NEWS Adelaide where she worked as a reporter, executive producer and self-appointed ‘chief animal reporter’.
At 25 she quit her dream job Down Under and made an “almighty leap” to London with no guarantee of a job or house for a change of scenery.
“Moving to the UK at some point in my 20s was an obvious decision for me,” Ms Dunne said.
“I’d always had a fascination with British TV – anything from Gogglebox to Graham Norton to Doctor Who – and being in London would put me smack bang in the centre of the television universe.
“I was also developing a growing fear of the ‘known’ – had I stayed in Adelaide, I essentially could have mapped out the next few decades of my life, which is understandably a comfort for many people but it terrified me.”
The East Adelaide Primary School and Pembroke School old collegian had her heart set on being a news reporter from a young age.
She studied a double degree in Journalism and International Relations at UniSA before landing a gig at the local channel in 2015.
Four years after up-ending her life, Ms Dunne, now 29, has worked at the BBC, Al Jazeera and ITV’s This Morning and is currently at ITV’s Good Morning Britain.
Her career highlights include attending Eurovision and the BAFTA awards.
Ms Dunne said the larger and more diverse media industry had allowed her to thrive.
“Career-wise, Australia’s media industry is relatively small, so it doesn’t provide the same variety or movement as London where it’s normal to switch jobs every year or two,” she said.
“I thrive on the challenge of change and I have a complete love affair with European summer – £40 return flights to Italy are real and they’re addictive.”
At this stage Ms Dunne is unsure if the move is permanent but said she would be silly to give up a lifestyle that she found so fulfilling.
But she said it was hard being away from her loved ones and she makes an annual “Fringe-time pilgrimage” to Adelaide which “helps that heavy heart”.
“For now, London is very much my main home – I firmly believe there is no better place to bloom in your 20s,” she said.
“The biggest challenge is obviously the distance between England and Australia – I wish I could pick up Adelaide and plonk it down just outside London so all my favourite people weren’t so painfully far away.”
Jordan Moulds
Job: Lawyer
Country: HK
Jordan Moulds’s legal career has taken him to one of the most high-pressure, high-stakes legal jurisdictions in the world.
Power, money and influence run through Hong Kong in untold quantities every day, and the 28-year-old Adelaidean is right in the middle of it as a special counsel for a prestigious international law firm.
He has argued before the High Court of Hong Kong and handled commercial litigation cases involving millions of dollars.
But his road to the legal profession was a little different to most graduates.
“Actually, I always planned to be a pilot in the Royal Australian Air Force,” Mr Moulds said.
“When I began my air force training at the Australian Defence Force Academy in 2013, though, that plan fell through rather quickly and I learnt it was not the path for me.
“I enrolled at the UniSA law school without any real expectations, and certainly not with the intention of moving overseas.
However, as it turned out, “things fell into place quite organically”.
“I joined an Adelaide firm out of law school which happened to have an office in Hong Kong, and they gave me the opportunity to second to Hong Kong for six months.
“I fell in love with Hong Kong during that time … it has been six years now, and I haven’t looked back.”
One thing might draw him back to Adelaide though and that is the promise of bringing up a family.
“I cherish the childhood I was able to have in Adelaide, and raising a child in Hong Kong brings with it its own difficulties.
“So, if I were to find myself planning on having kids anytime soon, then it may be time to consider a move back.
“South Australia is an incredible place, but there is no substitute for spending time overseas in terms of broadening horizons and widening perspectives.”
Emmelin Teng
Job: Clinical psychologist
Country: UK
If you ask clinical psychologist and leadership consultant Emmeline Teng, moving to London is among the best life and career decisions she has ever made.
The “born and bred” South Australian has worked for leadership advisory firm Russell Reynolds Associates in the UK for five years.
“London was the right choice for me for a combination of reasons – including lifestyle, career and travel opportunities,” she said.
“I get to work with incredible and inspiring CEOs, executives and teams, and have the opportunity to impact a whole organisation and wider society through leadership at the top.
“The most rewarding part is building a connection and supporting a leader to better understand themselves (both their strengths and potential derailers) and to develop their leadership approach.”
Before the big move Dr Teng worked in clinical and forensic psychology roles in the SA Department for Correctional Services and Department of Human Services.
The Myrtle Bank export attended Concordia College, completed a Bachelor of Psychology (Honours) at UniSA and her Combined PhD and Master of Psychology (Clinical) at the Adelaide uni.
Like many others, Dr Teng has found distance the greatest challenge but said living abroad had expanded her horizons.
“It has been tough at times to be so far away from friends and family, especially during the pandemic when the distance felt further than ever,” she said.
“But moving is also an amazing opportunity to define the life you want and to be intentional about your time as you create a new home for yourself.”
Despite being a “great place to live,” a move back to SA isn’t on the cards for Dr Teng as it wouldn’t allow her to do the work she loves on the same scale.
Shaun Vanderkaap
Job: VP/Head of Commercial
Country: US and Mexico
Hailing from Waikerie, Shaun Vanderkaap thought he would spend a year living in the US but over a decade later he splits his time between Texas and Mexico City.
Mr Vanderkaap, 36, began his finance career selling Foreign Exchange products at AFEX in Sydney after completing a UniSA Applied Finance and Marketing double degree in 2009.
He stayed with the company until 2015 when he was offered a role in LA and seized the opportunity.
“Prior to (being offered the role) I had always wanted to live abroad but had no real major plans just yet,” he said.
Now the SA export is vice president and head of commercial at Link Money and runs his own market entry consulting business, Aus To America, helping Australian companies expand to the states.
Mr Vanderkaap has a soft spot for his home state and sees himself moving back in his 40s or 50s but said it was not a “great spot to build a global career”.
“I love SA and I love Adelaide, I think it’s super underrated (and) beginning to rightfully get a lot of attention for its food, wine, produce, beaches, etc,” he said.
“The opportunities are a lot less and yes, you can live a comfortable life but it’s very different once you have experienced the rest of the world.
“If you get an opportunity then just say yes. Worst case you can always move back, but you will be amazed at the opportunities and level of support from other Aussies while international.”
Yasmine Wright Gittins
Job: Journalist and policymaker
Country: Singapore
As someone from a low socio-economic background Yasmine Wright Gittins, 22, never imagined living or working overseas was an option for her.
But in her short career she has already worked in Fiji, New Caledonia and Singapore, opportunities she credits to receiving a New Colombo Scholarship.
Originally from Cairns, Ms Wright Gittins, studied international relations at the University of Adelaide and is now a the freelance journalist and aspiring policymaker.
She has worked with iTaukei marine scientists on climate adaptation and alternative livelihood projects on Fiji’s Malolo LaiLai island and reported for ABC Pacific sharing stories from both Fiji and New Caledonia.
Now she is at Habitat for Humanity in Singapore, a not-for-profit charity helping provide affordable and safe housing for vulnerable families.
It would take the right opportunity for Ms Wright-Gittens to give up her life abroad.
“I definitely would consider moving back to SA for the right opportunity, I think Adelaide and SA overall is a wonderful place to live,” she said.
“I will always say that having a long-term experience overseas is a life-changing decision for anyone.
“It opens the door to different cultures, countries, ways of knowing and doing that you aren’t even aware of in Australia.
“It is always scary to think about it but when you start, everything comes naturally.”
Bridget Smart
Job: Rhodes Scholar
Country: UK
Australian winners of the Rhodes scholarship read like a who’s who of some of Australia’s biggest names – former PM Bob Hawke, Nobel scientist Howard Florey and celebrated novelist Richard Flanagan.
They were the brightest in their university class, receiving a full ride to the University of Oxford, and among them is SA’s 2022 Rhodes Scholar Bridget Smart.
“While I can’t claim that relocating to Oxford was always part of my long-term plan, I am profoundly grateful for the path that has led me here,” Ms Smart said.
The Wilderness School and Adelaide uni graduate completed a Bachelor of Mathematical Sciences (Advanced) in 2020.
Now Smart, more than a month into her PhD at Oxford, said for the time being she would go wherever the call of mathematics took her.
“The academic history and vibrant community in Europe has always had a strong appeal for me, but I grew up on Kaurna land and have always felt deeply connected to South Australia,” she said.
“I would love to be back in Australia working on some of the challenges we are facing … I plan to move back to SA, but in the meantime, I plan to make frequent visits to stay connected.
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