Additional information for international students
Returning to your home country
If you are planning to return to your home country to work there are a number of important strategies that will assist you to be more competitive and successful in your job search.
Where to begin
- Keep in contact or re-establish contact with family and friends and let them know that you will be returning and looking for graduate employment.
- Keep up to date with events and current affairs and the labour market in your home country.
- Listen to the soundbite "Returning Home to seek work – What should I be doing"? (available in Online Career Tools).
- Check Careers Online for employment opportunities in your home country.
- Check the events list in Careers Online regularly to see if there are any international companies on campus recruiting for the countries you have an interest in.
- Do your research thoroughly - look at find your own advertised job vacancy for information on three key websites that can help you.
- Attend any Australian based Career Fairs – Graduan Malaysia and Contact Singapore conduct career fairs and events in Melbourne.
- Check the career sites of local universities in your home country to see which companies are recruiting graduates. You can then go onto the websites of these companies to check the application process and closing dates. However, be aware that the graduate recruitment from local universities occurs at the start of the academic year in the northern hemisphere.
Chambers of Commerce
You will find Australia business operating all over the world, and a great way to make contact with them (because they offer one of the best ways of finding jobs) is through the Australian Chambers of Commence (usually called AustCham) network, which are in many cities. They run a range of business and social events and are prized by newcomers as one of the best ways to build your network when you arrive.
Alumni Events
With more than 35,000 University of Melbourne alumni around the world, there are both formal and informal alumni networks in many cities. Take advantage of your connection with the University to meet other graduates from both the recent and distant past and learn from them how to find your opportunity in their town or city. They have established networks to employment and there are overseas events in some countries where you can meet with employers in your home country. You can start by finding an Alumni group, register as a graduate and receive their eNews of events in your home country.
Seeking employment in Australia
If you are considering staying on to seek employment in Australia you should consider using some of the following information and resources:
- Listen to the soundbite "Finding employment in Australia without Permanent Residence" (available in Online Career Tools) which discusses this important issue.
- Find out if you can work in Australia after graduation by checking work visa requirements through the Department of Immigration and Citizenship.
- Attend the information sessions and discussion groups on work visas held through International Student Services (ISS) with the University of Melbourne registered migration agent to update you on visa requirements and give you an opportunity to have your individual questions answered. This will ensure you get the right advice.
- If you are seeking any additional advice or support with applications from a migration agent outside the university, it is essential that that you check the Migration Agents Registration Authority (MARA) to ensure they are registered and also to read the information for consumers.
- Ensure that you have a recent IELTS Assessment taken in Australia. These sessions can be heavily booked so you need to register several months before you plan to submit applications for employment as your results will be required as part of the application process.
Working outside Australia in a country other than your home country
There are a number of considerations before seeking employment opportunities in another country and you need to research these areas thoroughly:
- What are your work rights if you do not have residency in that country?
- How can you obtain a work visa or employer sponsorship?
- What is the demand for your skills and qualifications in that country?
- Do you need to obtain work experience related to your qualification to be competitive for work outside your home country?