Tips For International Students In Australia To Increase Employability

Whether you are already studying abroad in Australia or plan on entering the country as an international student soon, making sure that you are always working toward increasing your employability is an important aspect as a student. The earlier you start preparing for the job market, the easier it will be to get a job after you are finished with school. Here are 10 ways that you can increase your employability if you are (or plan to be) an international student in Australia:

1. Learn To Speak And Write English Fluently

English is the de facto language used for international business and as the primary language of Australia, working to increase your proficiency in English is extremely important as international students. In the workplace you will constantly be speaking in English, so showing your employer that you have a strong command in both written and spoken English will help you land a job. Whether you are already in Australia or not, the earlier you focus on mastering English the better. Do not wait until the day before a job interview to try and brush up on your language skills.

2. International Students in Australia Should Consider Internships During Breaks

While paid internships are rare and you will most likely be working for free, a summer internship program can provide valuable on the job experience that future employers will value. Not only will you gain insight into job markets that you are interested in working at, you will be able to develop strong contacts with people directly related to your field of study which you can use to help you get your foot in the door when applying for a job.

When looking for an internship start early because they are often competitive, and try to find a program that is closely related to your chosen career field that will help you bolster your CV and look better during future job interviews.

3. Be Involved With Student Societies

There are many opportunities international students in Australia can take advantage of to increase employability by joining student societies and clubs. On one hand student societies allow you to build teamwork, connect with other students, and improve your communication skills but they also allow you to make new contacts as you meet new people.

Joining a club or student society earlier is better as it gives you an opportunity to become a member and learn how things operate and eventually work toward taking a leadership position which looks great on your CV when applying for jobs.

4. Work Part Time While Studying

One of the biggest benefits of an unpaid internship is you can typically get your foot in the door in industries that you may not be able to find an entry level position for. If working without pay for a summer is simply not an option financially, getting experience on your CV is still extremely important if you want to increase your employability as an international student.

Taking a part time job while you are studying may sound demanding at first, but if you can handle a few hours of work each day the experience will pay off. The real key here is adding experience to your CV so when looking for a part-time job it does not necessarily have to relate directly to your field of study.

5. Use Social Media To Your Advantage

We live in a world connected like never before. Social media can play a large role in your employability for a few different reasons. One way to increase your employability is to make sure that your social profile pages reflect a professional attitude. If you have a lot of posts talking down about past employers or other controversial statuses it can actually hurt your chances of being employed. Many job applicants now have their social media accounts screened, so making sure your social profiles reflect you professional is important.

Another way social media can be used is as a business networking tool. LinkedIn and similar social networks are great ways to connect with professionals in your field, find out what employers are looking for, and allow you to make contacts that you might otherwise have been unable to.

6. Work With A Mentor

Working with a mentor is almost like a combination between networking and working as an intern. Mentors are professionals in their field that can guide you down your career path and help you figure out the right choices to make as you look for a career. Having a mentor listed on your CV can be a great reference, especially if they are known to other employers, and knowing that you have someone there to ask questions to is a moral boost.

When looking for a mentor to increase employability, try to find someone that is not only successful in a field related to your business such as a C-level employee, but one that has time that they can spend with you. Starting out as an intern or part-time employee is a great way to find a mentor that can help you succeed in the future.

7. Integrate Into The Local Culture As Much As Possible

As an international student it is going to be very easy to fall back into old habits, especially if you find other students that are from your same country. While there is nothing wrong with staying true to who you are as a person, integrating and adapting to local culture is also very important. Celebrating local holidays, going to local festivals in the city you live in, taking part in school traditions, and other activities is important. As an international student you are directly competing for jobs with people who have lived in Australia their entire lives, so getting to know the ins and outs of Australian culture and society will give you relatable things to talk about with potential employers, and allow you to compete evenly in the job market with your peers.

8. Use Your Skills To Volunteer Within The Community

There are times when having a summer internship is too much of a commitment or you simply can’t find one and working at a part time job may not fit into your busy schedule. If that’s the case, using skills and knowledge gained from your studies can be used to volunteer within your community. Volunteer work is great on your CV because it allows you to list more skills and more experience which improves employability and it also allows you to meet more contacts which can prove beneficial as you look for a new job. Many times volunteer work can result in a long list of references as well as training certificates if you learn new skills.

9. Build As Many Business Relationships As Possible

When it comes to increasing employability as an international students, sometimes it is not what you know but who you know. Knowing the right people, having contacts, and building professional relationships help you get your foot in the door as you look for a job and can be the difference in spending months or weeks trying to find a job and having a job lined up before you even graduate. No matter what you do, the moment you land in Australia you should be working to create professional relationships. This could be while you work, with your professors, at a volunteer program, or during an internship.

Taking the time out of your weekends and other breaks to attend seminars or workshops that relate to your field of study is also a great way to meet people who are already in your field. In addition to giving you the chance to build up your network it also gives valuable insight to potential jobs and you may even meet a mentor or your future employer.

10. Take Advantage Of International Student Recruitment Agencies

If you are not sure where to begin, you may want to start with asking your education counselor at HELLO AUSSIE STUDENT SERVICES. Hello Aussie Student Services is a professional service dedicated to helping people live, study, and work in Australia. With a wide range of programs and partners, Hello Aussie can help increase employability by giving you the tools, advice, and contacts necessary to succeed in the job market during and after your years as a student.