You’ll have a lot of great adventures if you study in Australia, like making new friends and seeing new cities. You could also get some work experience to improve your chances of getting a job after you graduate. If you need help, our list is here to give you a hand.
1. Look into your choices for work experience
If you are interested in gaining work experience, you can choose from a wide variety of opportunities, such as internships, volunteer positions, and temporary or part-time jobs. Identifying the optimal option is the first step. You may look for paid work to help cover your bills, or you could consider a short-term internship (some of which are unpaid) to learn more about a potential career path. If you want to make a difference in your neighborhood, you can do it through volunteer work. When deciding what to major in, try to choose a program that incorporates internship or job shadowing possibilities. Students may be able to earn money as they learn in a cooperative course (sometimes abbreviated as “co-op”). These courses are typically offered in the highly competitive fields of accountancy, engineering, and information technology. Remember that during the semester you can only work a maximum of 40 hours per fortnight if you find a paid opportunity.
2. Look for possible jobs
If you are looking for paid work, the best place to start is on job-search websites like Seek, CareerOne, and MyCareer. You can also look for jobs on the websites of companies, usually in the “careers” area. Your school may have its own student job search that connects students to jobs in their fields. Check the website or student login to see if this is the case. Even though internships and volunteer opportunities may be listed, you usually have to talk to companies directly to find out if they can run a work experience program. If you want to get work experience in an area that is very competitive, don’t give up if you can’t find your dream job. If you are studying fashion, you might volunteer at your city’s fashion festival. If you are studying politics, you might help at the local council. Don’t forget that there are also chances on campus. For example, you could write for your school’s newspaper or help plan the annual ball.
3. Ask your institution and education partners for help
Before you apply for work experience, you should talk to your course supervisor or a student advisor at your school. They can tell you more about working in Australia, like how much you’ll get paid and what your rights are as an employee. They will also help you fill out and send in some of the necessary forms before you start working. When you get a student visa, you automatically get the right to work, but you will need to get a Tax File Number (TFN) from the Australian Taxation Office before you can start getting paid work. If you are looking for unpaid chances, it is also very important to talk to advisors. They will be able to tell you what to expect during your placement.
4. Get your application in order
Putting together your résumé (also called a curriculum vitae) and cover letter is the first step in the application process. It’s important that each application fits the job for which it’s being sent. For example, your cover letter should say why you are right for the job based on the tasks listed in the work description. You shouldn’t send each company the same cover letter. If English is not your first language, you should have a native English speaker look over your forms to make sure there are no mistakes. Students can get help with their careers at most schools. Look for résumé-writing workshops, job fairs, and networking nights.
5. Practice your skills for a job interview
You must meet with your employer before being hired for a paid or unpaid position. Applicants for unpaid positions should still prepare for interviews and company meetings. This includes examining the company’s goals, culture, and recent projects, if applicable. To practice answering common interview questions, ask a classmate to ask you. Asking questions during the interview shows the company that you’re interested in the job and lets you explain anything you don’t understand.
EWEP is here to help you!
Feel free to get in touch with us if you have any questions about schools and study programs in Australia. We want to help you achieve your academic and professional goals in Australia by setting you on the path to a self-sustaining Working Student Pathway in Australia
Phone: +61 419 200 663
+63 977 785 8746
Email: info@ewep.com.au