Graduate Careers AustraliaInternational Students
Returning Home to Work – Information for International StudentsReturning home can be an anxious time for international students. This article answers the main questions overseas students ask. Australian universities have an outstanding reputation for teaching, learning and innovative research. Course content reflects the needs of students and employers and prepares students well for employment. Throughout your course you will have developed the personal skills and attributes that are attractive to employers. These include independence, oral and written communication, teamwork, cultural awareness and a high level of ability in English. How can I plan for my return home? During your penultimate year your should research the labour market and explore the career options available. Start thinking about your goals and assessing your strenghts. In your final year, focus on your job search. Some useful tips are to:
Returning home to look for a job Most employers will not employ someone 'sight unseen'. You might secure a position during an on campus interview, but for most students, the job search begins at home. Here are some planning tips.
The Asian labour market Transnational employers are looking for students with strong academic results, often citing second class honours as a minimum (equivalent to distinction average). This is a higher expectation than Australian offices have for local hires and is often difficult for students studying in a second language to attain. They also look for good English language skills, particularly spoken English, but often find that these are not as good as they would expect from students returning from English speaking countries. Extracurricular activities are important, as is a 'can do/will do' attitude. Interestingly, many accounting firms are happy to recruit non-accountants as long as they have the right generic and transferable skills. Unlike in Australia, most firms in South East Asia accept applications year round, rather than in cycles. Most firms do start graduates in 'batches', with the main intake being in July/August. This runs contra to the Australian graduate cycle. Most firms would prefer students to graduate and then apply for mid year commencement. Malaysia is the notable exception to this, actively promoting to final year students for commencement in January/February, interviewing in Australia and offering jobs at interview. And finally... Employers look for the right attitude and personal skills – workplace communication skills, 'can do' attitude, competitiveness and initiative. It is up to you how much effort you put into the application process. Give it your best shot
This article is taken from the 2006 edition of Graduate Careers Australia's employer directory Graduate Opportunities
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