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Ebook Get That Job

This document provides tips for international graduates in Australia seeking professional employment. It discusses the challenges they may face in finding a job, what employers look for, and strategies for a successful job search. These include developing a job search strategy, building a professional network, gaining relevant experience through internships, and working with career services for additional support.

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Muhammad Salman
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
0% found this document useful (0 votes)
62 views

Ebook Get That Job

This document provides tips for international graduates in Australia seeking professional employment. It discusses the challenges they may face in finding a job, what employers look for, and strategies for a successful job search. These include developing a job search strategy, building a professional network, gaining relevant experience through internships, and working with career services for additional support.

Uploaded by

Muhammad Salman
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 24

Get that job!

Australian careers for


international graduates

2014/15

monashprofessional.edu.au

Contents
Important facts for international graduates in Australia
Getting a job: It can be hard work
How big is the challenge ahead?
What do employers think about hiring a graduate international student?
What do employers really look for when hiring graduates?
How can I overcome the obstacles?

3
4
4
4
5
5

Getting a job: Tips for success

TIP 1: Develop a job search strategy


TIP 2: Build a network
TIP 3: Direct contact
TIP 4: Create an application that opens doors
TIP 5: Impress throughout your interview
TIP 6: Follow up after your interview

6
8
11
12
16
18

Internships 20
Why do an internship?
Getting the most from your internship
Questions to ask before you begin an internship

20
21
22

Monash Professional Pathways

23

Your career partner


Your pathway to success
The Professional Year Program in ICT or Accounting (SMIPA)
The Job Readiness Program Internship Program
Contact Monash Professional Pathways

23
23
24
24
24

monashprofessional.edu.au

Important facts

for international graduates in Australia


Did you know?
Graduate international students in Australia often struggle to find full time
professional employment as they are unfamiliar with the local job market and
Australian workplace culture and language.
Employers though recognise the unique contributions an international
graduate can bring to their organisation: cultural diversity, a language other
than English or being a dedicated and hard working employee.

This eBook is prepared by Monash Professional Pathways, experts in


helping university graduates make the transition from university to the
workplace. It will give you an understanding of the challenges you will face
when seeking professional employment, along with strategies and tips to
help you succeed in your job search.

monashprofessional.edu.au

Getting a job: It can be hard work


How big is the challenge ahead?
Now that you have finished your degree you will be looking to take advantage of
your right to work in Australia. Getting a first job though can be a challenge for any
graduate, but for graduate international students this can be even harder.
International graduate employment status*

31.3%

45.1%

Seeking full-time
employment,
not working

In full-time
employment

What do employers think


about hiring a graduate
international student?
We surveyed employers and asked them to identify
the advantages and disadvantages they thought
graduate international students brought to their
business.^

Differences that help


More humble, more willing to follow instructions
55
Hard working and more motivated than domestic students
55
Eager to learn
55
Offer business advantages include speaking another
55

23.6%

language and having contacts in their home country

Seeking full-time
employment, working
part-time or casual

Have multicultural experience


55
Show willingness and drive
55
Take a different view on tasks than local students
55

Local graduate employment status*

18.1%
Differences that hinder

Seeking full-time
employment, working
part-time or casual

10.6%
Seeking full-time
employment,
not working

English language skills


44
Visa issues
44
Communication failures
44
Lack of local knowledge
44
Trouble converting academic knowledge to real world
44
Cultural differences
44

71.3%
In full-time
employment

* Graduates available for full-time employment,


Graduate Destinations 2013, Graduate Careers
Australia Survey results approximately 4 months
after course completion

Monash Professional Pathways Research: 2014

monashprofessional.edu.au

Getting a job: It can be hard work


What do employers really look for when hiring graduates?
In Australia most international graduates are able to get a job after finishing university, and most
employers wanted to employ them. But graduates dont always understand which qualities
employers prioritise when recruiting**.

What international graduates


think employers want

VS

What Australian employers


actually want

How can you overcome


the obstacles?
Even though you are qualified and have the right to
work, employers want to know that you have enhanced
your academic education with practical knowledge and
relevant experience.

Things to do
look for opportunities to develop your English
55

64%

Effective communication skills

43%

Ability to work in a team

24%

Effective problem solving

19%

English language competency

75%

Effective communication skills

63%

Ability to work in a team

55%

Effective problem solving

language skills

improve your communication skills (written and verbal)


55
take advantage of your right to work while studying as
55
work experience will improve your job-related skills

build a network of helpful contacts


55
learn how the Australian job market works
55
sharpen your job search and application skills
55
take part in a recognised internship or job
55

placement program at your university or through a


recognised provider

if you are about to graduate, or have recently,


55
complete a Professional Year Program or Job
Readiness Internship Program to ensure your
application stands out

70%

English language competency

**International graduate outcomes and employer perceptions, 2010, AEI

monashprofessional.edu.au

Getting a job: It can be hard work


TIP 1: Develop a job search strategy
Finding the right job can be challenging. Many jobs are advertised online or in a newspaper, but there are many more opportunities
that are not so obvious. So its important to have a variety of job search strategies so that you can find both advertised and
hidden jobs.

Advertised Jobs:
You can find these in employment
websites, newspapers, company
websites, professional organisations or
on social media. In Australia the most
popular places to look for professional
employment are:

nn

General employment websites:

nn

seek.com.au
mycareer.com.au
jobsearch.gov.au
trainingjobs.com.au
ethicaljobs.com.au
unijobs.com.au
careersandJobs.com.au

Role specific employment websites:

govitjobs.com.au
acs.org.au
cpaaustralia.com.au
efinancialcareers.com.au
nn

Newspapers:

theage.com.au
theaustralian.com.au
nn

Social Media:

linkedin.com
facebook.com

Hidden Jobs:

You can access the hidden job market by:

It is estimated that more people find jobs through


the hidden job market than through advertised jobs.

nn

networking

nn

direct contact with a potential employer.

monashprofessional.edu.au

Getting a job: It can be hard work


How do successful graduates find full time employment?*

3.4

Advertisement in a
newspaper or other
print media

22.3 5.7
%

Approached by
an employer

Family or friends

6.1

Work contacts
or networks

22.4 6.8% 4.5% 3.5%


%

Advertisement on
the internet

Other

Other university
or college source
(such as faculties
or lecturers)

12.3 2.4
%

1.7% 8.8

A resume posted
on the internet

Careers fair or
information session

University or
college careers
service

Approached
employer directly

Employment agency

* Graduate Destinations 2013, Graduate Careers Australia

monashprofessional.edu.au

Getting a job: It can be hard work


TIP 2: Build a network
Networking accelerates your job search as you will find hidden jobs, write an application that gets the recruiters
attention and perform better in interviews because you will know more about what the employer is looking for.

Begin your network


nn Start with your existing network
You will already have a network of family and friends, university students and lecturers, along with work colleagues
or employers that will be willing to help you.

nn Perfect your pitch


Develop a short elevator pitch so you can clearly articulate your abilities, experience and type of role you are
looking for when talking to potential contacts.

nn Increase your contact list


Always look for contacts. This can be people you meet, ask your current network to put you in touch with their
contacts, join and contribute to relevant groups on LinkedIn.

Maximise your network with LinkedIn


LinkedIn (www.linkedin.com) is a free to join powerful networking tool that can help you throughout your career to:
nn

Build your professional identity online and stay in touch with colleagues and classmates.

nn

Discover jobs, professional opportunities, business deals, and new ventures.

nn

Get the latest news, inspiration, and insights you need to be great at what you do.

monashprofessional.edu.au

Getting a job: It can be hard work


Optimise your LinkedIn profile
Jane Smith

Build a great LinkedIn profile


2. Headline

Accountant MYOB Payroll available for new opportunities


Melbourne, Australia

1. Profile picture
Keep the
picture simple

Current

Open to opportunities

Previous

Big Corp

Education

Monash University

Use either your current job title


or a description of your skills
and experience. Remember to
use keywords so a potential
employer can find you.

3. Summary

Summary

Make sure you

Recently graduated accountant seeking an entry level accounting role where I can utilise my skills
and experience and put my training into practice. I am eager to join an organisation where I can
further develop my skills as my career advances.

nn

Use your headline: Not working at the


moment? Let people know you are looking:

Recent University Graduate Seeking

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Entry Level Programming Position

Available for Employment


Available for New Opportunities.

Experience

4. Experience

Add a simple headshot photo.


You should look friendly
and approachable, wearing
professional attire.

2. Headline

Background

3. Summary

1. Profile picture

Accounts Intern
Big Corp

nn

Keep it fresh: Update your profile when


you change positions or companies or you
have learnt new skills.

nn

Keep the picture simple: Stand against a


light background and only include yourself
not pets, friends or children.

nn

Build a network: Add all your university


classmates and any professional contacts
you make.

July 2014 September 2014


Big Corp is a leader in company tax, transaction and advisory services in the Melbourne area.
Responsibilities
nn Reported directly to the chief accountant

Quickly explain to viewers


the key information to
outline your top skills and
accomplishments.

4. Experience
Add details here on all of
your jobs including the name
of the employer and when
you worked there. Also
include key achievements or
responsibilities and, if you
can, ask for endorsements
from former colleagues.

nn Assisted accounting staff in managing accounts receivable/payable and end-of-month reconciliation


nn Remitted cheques and cash to the bank

monashprofessional.edu.au

Getting a job: Tips for success


Optimise your LinkedIn profile
5. Skills and endorsements

Skills & Endorsements


nn Accounts payable
nn Payroll

Here you can showcase


your knowledge and skills
and ask former colleagues
to endorse you. Be sure to
return the favour!

5. Skills and
Endorsements

nn MYOB

6. Education

Technical skills

List your university courses


along with any other training
you may have done.

nn High level of proficiency in MYOB (advanced level) and Microsoft Office Excel
nn Some experience with Xero

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Education
Monash University

6. Education

Bachelor of Business (Accounting)


Make sure you
Major: Accounting; Minor: Management
2011 - 2013
nn Get active and found: Join relevant
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
LinkedIn groups then share information

7. Complete your profile


You can also add any
languages you speak,
publications you have
written, organisations of
which you are a member,
or honours and awards you
may have received.

and take part in online discussions.

Courses
Monash University
MYOB (Advanced)
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Languages
English French

7. Complete
your profile

10

monashprofessional.edu.au

Getting a job: Tips for success


TIP 3: Direct contact
Try making contact directly with an employer. Be prepared for some knock backs though as your
enquiry will not be related to a current job vacancy. Tips to improve your success include:

Use your network


Ask people you know to introduce you to the someone they know at a
the company.

Research
Make sure you learn about the company first, what it does, the types of roles
they offer. The best place to find this information is on their website or by
using Google.

Make contact
You could simply send an email but often the best way to make an impact is by
contacting the company by phone and asking about potential job opportunities.

Have a script
Know what your are going to say in order to speak to the right person and how
you can convey what you are looking for and the skills and attributes you offer.

11

monashprofessional.edu.au

Getting a job: Tips for success


TIP 4: Create an application that opens doors
A job application usually comprises a cover letter and resume. For some roles you may also
need to address a specific set of selection criteria.

Write a cover letter that gets attention


A good cover letter is vital to getting an interview and you should always include one. Your cover
letter introduces you to an employer and shows them why they should interview you. Its also a
great way of demonstrating your communication skills.

What to include
Purpose of your letter
Clearly and concisely explain why you are writing.

Why you want this job


Show how your qualifications, work experience and career plan align with the job description.

List your skills


Include your specialist and general skills relevant to the job, and provide examples.

Close strongly
State that you would like to be interviewed, refer to your attached resume and thank the employer.

12

monashprofessional.edu.au

Getting a job: Tips for success


Make sure you

Sample copy: Cover Letter

2. Use a standard font

Jill Jones
HR Manager
Large Corp

1. Have a professional email address


John Smith
5 Smith Street
Smithtown VIC 3000
M: 0400 999 999
E: [email protected]

Cute or funny email addresses make you


appear unprofessional.

2. Use a standard font


1. Have a professional
email address

Dear Ms Jones,
Re: Graduate Accountant position ref: 1000036795
I am writing to apply for the Graduate Accountant position advertised on
Seek.com. I recently graduated from Monash University where I completed
a Bachelor of Business with a major in Accounting, and am now seeking an
opportunity to utilise my knowledge and skills within a larger organisation where
I can develop my career.

6. Look professional

8. Address all criteria

3. Get your application in the right pile


When replying to an advert always
quote the job title and reference number
(if supplied). This will ensure your
application is read by the right person
especially in a large organisation.

1 July 2014

3. Get your application


in the right pile

Fonts like 10-12 point Arial.

Having reviewed the job description, I believe that my background and


experience makes me highly qualified for this role. My work experience
encompasses accounts payable and receivable, bank account reconciliations,
statutory account preparation and tax compliance, including BAS, GST, payroll
tax and budgets. Further I have been able to develop essential work skills
through both my academic experience and through part time work including:
teamwork, communication skills, time management and the ability to meet
deadlines. I am a positive, motivated person who is keen to learn and make a
positive contribution.
I have attached my resume which demonstrates how I meet the essential
criteria. I would welcome the opportunity to discuss the role further with you and
can be contacted directly on 0400 999 999.
Thank you for your consideration. I look forward to speaking with you soon.

4. Make it easy to read

4. Make it easy to read

5. Show your enthusiam

5. Show your enthusiasm

7. Demonstrate your
knowledge

6. Look professional

Use business English and consider


bullet points, not long text passages.
Be positive and say why the job
interests you.
Never include SMS text or jargon.

7. Demonstrate your knowledge


Show that you have researched the
organisation and that your skills and
expertise match the role requirements.

8. Address all criteria


Check what is listed in the advertisement.

9. Get to the point

Kind regards

9. Get to the point


Dont make it too long. 1 page is enough.

10. Proof read


10. Proof read

John Smith

13

Double check everything and if possible


get someone with resume writing
experience and good English to proof it
for you.

monashprofessional.edu.au

Getting a job: Tips for success


Write a resume that showcases your abilities
A resume is crucial to getting you an interview as it provides employers with a showcase of your experience, skills and abilities.

What to include:
Personal details

Professional development

Your first and last name, address, contact details including


phone and email and your citizenship or residency status (only
if asked).

List any short courses you have completed related to your career
including the course name, qualification and training provider.

Career objective
Why you are applying for the role.

Skills
Any relevant skills or expertise you have (especially if they are
mentioned in the advert).

Volunteer or club experience


Becoming a volunteer in a charity or club can give you the opportunity
to gain valuable soft skills such as leadership, communication and team
working skills, and shows you have initiative.

Referees
You may choose to include the names and contact details of professional
referees, such as a past employer or academic, who can vouch for your
abilities. Otherwise just write Referees available on request.

Achievements
Any scholarships or prizes you have been awarded.

Work experience
Include job title, name of organisation, period of employment,
your responsibilities and key achievements.

Education background
What you have studied and your major subjects.

14

monashprofessional.edu.au

Getting a job: Tips for success


Sample copy: Resume
John Smith
5 Smith Street
Smithtown VIC 3000
M: 0400 999 999
E: [email protected]

1. Adapt your
resume

2. Use a
standard font

Employment History

Career Objective

Accounts Internship, Big Corp

Recently graduated accountant seeking an entry level accounting role


where I can utilise my skills and experience and put my training into
practice. I am eager to join an organisation where I can further develop
my skills as my career advances.

July 2014 September 2014

Education

nn Reported directly to the chief accountant


nn Assisted accounting staff in managing accounts receivable/payable
and end-of-month reconciliation
nn Remitted cheques and cash to the bank

Bachelor of Business (Accounting)


Monash University, Victoria
Major: Accounting; Minor: Management
Graduated: 2013

6. Look professional

Responsibilities

such as 10-12 point Arial.

7. Accuracy counts

3. Make it easy to read


Use business English and include
bullet points, not long text passages.

4. Proof read
Double check everything and
if possible get someone with
resume writing experience and
good English to proof it for you.

nn Kept detailed and accurate accounting records and ensured


compliance to current legislation
nn Managed the customer database accurately and kept all details
current and complete achieving 100% accuracy

Communication
Able to communicate in a professional business manner with strong
written and verbal communication skills acquired throughout my
education and part time employment.

5. Get to the point

Professional Affiliations

Dont make it too long. As a


recent graduate 2-3 pages is
enough.

Passport member of CPA Australia

Experienced working both individually and as a member of a team.

References

Ability to meet deadlines and work under pressure

Available on request

Match it to the job youre applying


for so that you truthfully focus on
the skills and attributes sought by
the employer.

2. Use a standard font

Big Corp is a leader in company tax, transaction and advisory services


in the Melbourne area.

Achievements

Working alone or in a team

5. Get to the
point

1. Adapt your resume

nn High level of proficiency in MYOB (advanced level) and Microsoft Office


Excel
nn Some experience with Xero

Key Skills

3. Make it easy
to read

Make sure you

Technical skills

8. Ask permission

6. Look professional

Working part time during my full-time bachelor degree required me to


develop time management skills and to work on multiple projects at once.

Never include SMS text or jargon.

7. Accuracy counts
4. Proof read

Make sure you have no errors


or untruths.

8. Ask permission
Ask referees for permission before
mentioning them to an employer.

15

monashprofessional.edu.au

Getting a job: Tips for success


TIP 5: Impress throughout your interview
An interview is your chance to meet a potential employer and to impress them face to face.
It can be a stressful experience but you can make it easier by being prepared.

Be prepared
nn Research the organisation
Use the internet, publications and your contacts to learn about the industry, the organisation, what
it sells and who its competitors are.

nn Research the role


Know the role requirements and what skills and experience you need to be a success. Make sure
you review the job advertisement carefully.

nn Prepare to demonstrate you can do the job


Think carefully about your skills and experience and how they demonstrate that you can do the job
and will fit into culture of the organisation.

nn Prepare your answers


Think about the type of questions you will be asked and how you can answer them. There a lot of
good websites with lists of tough interview questions and how best to answer them. You should
then practice your responses in front of a mirror or with a friend so that you say the right things and
feel comfortable and confident.

16

monashprofessional.edu.au

Getting a job: Tips for success


TIP 5: Impress throughout your interview (cont)
During the Interview
Ending the interview

nn Be ready
Know where and when the interview is.
Know who you are meeting.
Have a contact number and call if you are late.
Have a portfolio including samples of your work (if appropriate), a copy of your cover letter and
CV and any qualifications you hold.
Dress appropriately in business attire: its always better to be overdressed than too casual.

nn

At the end of an interviewer your interviewer will usually explain the


next steps in the application process. If they dont, you can ask them
as it shows your interest in the role.

nn

Make sure you restate how interested and suitable you are for the
job, how you would like to work at the organisation.

nn

Make sure you thank your interviewer for taking the time to see you.

nn Be professional
Turn off your electronic devices.
Be polite and attentive often the receptionist will be asked by your interviewer for their opinion
of you.
Use confident body language and maintain good eye contact.

nn Answering questions
Listen carefully and make sure you understand questions. Its better to ask for clarification than
give a poor answer.
Answer in a confident manner and always answer honestly.
Always have some questions of your own to ask the interviewer. This is a chance to not just learn
more about the job but also to demonstrate your enthusiasm and suitability for the role.
For example:
To succeed in this role what are the key things I must achieve in the next six months?
How would you describe the culture of the company and the team?
How would you describe your management style?

17

monashprofessional.edu.au

Getting a job: Tips for success


TIP 5: Impress throughout your interview (cont)
Make your experience count
It can be hard to accumulate professional experience during your studies, but your course
and extracurricular activities can give you examples of relevant practical experience. Useful
experiences can come from your involvement in student clubs, volunteer/community work or
sports, as well as your part-time job held while studying. This experience can be especially
valuable if you took a leadership role in some way.
Use the CARE model to present your experience when answering interview questions or
selection criteria.
C - context
A - action
R - result
E - evaluation

Heres a sample interview question answered using the CARE


model drawing on experience from a group project at university.

Tell me about a time where you experienced conflict and


how you overcame it.
C - When I worked on a project at uni, there were 6 of us in the
team. Four of us were really committed and there were two
team members that were not contributing.
A - I suggested that we have a team project meeting to confirm
responsibilities and deadlines. At the meeting all parties agreed
to their responsibilities and action items were documented.
R - Even though one team member remained complacent, the
other under-performing team member really improved and met
his deadlines. We were able to manage the risk and complete
the project on time and received a distinction for this project.
E - Rather than escalating into a conflict and pressured situation,
this situation became more manageable. One team member
even came up to me later and said that he really needed that
meeting and the action points to get focused for the project
and it made him realise that he had not been contributing as
much as he needed.

CARE
18

monashprofessional.edu.au

Getting a job: Tips for success


TIP 6: Follow up after your interview
Usually an employer will be interviewing a number of candidates so you will not know the result of your interview straight away. It is
important to follow up in a timely manner to remind the interviewer of your interest in the position.

Immediately after send the interviewer a short email thanking them again for their time
and restating your interest in the role.

If after a week you have not heard back from the employer feel free to contact them to
ask how the process was going.

If you are not successful ask them for feedback on what you could do to make
yourself a better candidate. Do not argue their decision or plead for a second chance
to prove your worth to them.

Dont forget employers are always looking for new staff, so even if you are
unsuccessful with this opportunity making a good impression could get you a role
later on.

19

monashprofessional.edu.au

Internships

Internships are increasingly being used by graduates to gain work experience and skills that cant be learnt at university.

Why do an internship?

Gain work
experience
Your academic qualifications are important but an internship
will give you the practical work experience that makes you
stand out to future employers.

Put classroom
learning into
practice
You have done the academic study but an internship gives
you an opportunity to apply your knowledge in the real world.

To get a job

Get a competitive
edge with real
world experience
You will stand out from other applicants as your resume will
list the companies you have completed an internship with.
During interview you will be more confident and give
better answers using examples of work you have done
during your internship.

Create
networking
opportunities
You can build your network of contacts in the industry
which can help you find a full time job. Plus your internship
supervisor will be able to provide you with a reference.

Internships allow organisations to see how well potential


employees can do a job and fit into the culture. Occasionally
they can lead to a job offer (never guaranteed).

20

monashprofessional.edu.au

Internships

Internships are increasingly being used by graduates to gain work experience and skills that cant be learnt at university.

Getting the most from your internship


nn Set personal goals
Set some realistic goals for yourself before you begin the
internship such as building a network or learning a particular
skill. Achieving them will give you a sense of accomplishment and
something to work towards.

nn Create a professional impression


Behave and dress like a full time employee, be on time and make
sure you finish tasks within the deadline. If you are ever short of
work speak up!

nn Meet regularly with your supervisor


Ensure that your supervisor knows what you are achieving and
take the opportunity to learn from them.

nn Tackle every task enthusiastically with a positive attitude


You will find yourself on occasion doing low level work tackle
it with as much enthusiasm as you do a key assignment. Also
ensure you dont demonstrate a negative attitude or rudeness to
your colleagues.

nn Take every chance you can to learn more about the

company and its industry


An internship will expose you to a range of learning experiences
you wont get at university.

nn Meet as many people as possible


Dont just turn up to do the work allocated to you. Use your
internship to meet as many people as possible at social
events, in the lunch room or during meetings. Every person you
meet could be a valuable contact that gets you a full time job.
And dont forget to add them to LinkedIn.

nn Ask questions
Above all an internship is a learning experience so feel free to ask
questions about things you dont understand. Your supervisor
knows you are a recent graduate and that you do not know
everything.

nn Show initiative
Employees that are willing to proactively fix problems or take on
new challenges are highly valued. If you are initiating something
you should still accomplish your set tasks and tell your supervisor
what you are doing.
He found a solution to the problem. A solution mind you that has
cut the length of time in half! He did in one day, something we have
been hounding our IT department to help us with for years and
years! This impressed me to no end.
Monash Professional Pathways host company employer

nn Find a mentor
A mentor is someone more senior in the organisation that can
help explain things to you and give you advice. It may even be
your supervisor.

nn Leave with tangible accomplishments


Try and build a list of achievements you can use to demonstrate
your skills to future employers. Did you develop some software,
run an event, or meet with clients?

nn Enjoy yourself
Your internship should be and enjoyable learning experience.

21

monashprofessional.edu.au

Internships

Internships are increasingly being used by graduates to gain work experience and skills that cant be learnt at university.

Questions to ask before you begin an internship


Will I gain relevant knowledge and skills?
Make sure you will learn the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in your career field.

Who will be my mentor?


You should be teamed with a mentor that can help you understand not just the work but also the organisations culture.

Should I be getting paid?


Unpaid internships are legal when they are an integral component of a recognised course of study.
Under Australian law, stand-alone internships should be paid at least at the minimum wage applicable to the
industry/profession. So before beginning an internship learn about your rights. Visit the Fair Work Australia
website www.fairwork.gov.au and read about unpaid work as the internship could be unlawful.

Will you get wide-ranging experience?


Ideally an internship will allow you to get experience across a range of tasks aligned with your career goals.

What is the workplace environment like?


Make sure the environment is one you will feel comfortable in so you will be able to perform at your best. Is it fast-paced
and unpredictable? Or more restrained and planned? Think about which suits you best.

Are there opportunities for full-time employment?


When you do an internship there is the potential for paid employment later on but remember this is never
guaranteed. To assess the chances of full time employment, look to see how often the company
advertises roles you would qualify for.

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Monash Professional Pathways


Your career partner

Your pathway to success

Monash Professional Pathways is owned by Monash University one of the worlds top 100
Universities, and specialises in helping international students make a successful transition
from education to employment. Monash Professional Pathways:
nn

is expert in helping graduates find permanent employment

nn

is recognised for high quality course development and delivery

nn

has successfully

nn

has an extensive business

Monash Professional Pathways graduates are ahead of


their competition in career commencement. Take a look
at our graduate outcomes four months after graduation:

41.5

placed students and graduates in internships with host companies since 2001
network, so you are guaranteed an internship.

of international graduates in Australia


are in full-time employment*

59

of our Professional Year graduates


are in a job requiring a degree or
are on their chosen career pathway^

75

of our Professional Year graduates


(in a role related to their studies)
have a new job or a promotion^

*Graduate Destinations 2013, Graduate Careers Australia


^Monash Professional Pathways Research: 2014

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The Professional Year Program in ICT or


Accounting (SMIPA)

Contact
Monash Professional Pathways

This program is a bridge from student to fully-fledged professional. It helps IT and


Accounting graduates achieve their career goals and overcome obstacles to employment by
providing the knowledge, skills and workplace experience employers are looking for.

Email: [email protected]
Phone: (03) 9903 8788

On successful completion of the Professional Year Program participants are eligible to apply
for additional migration points towards permanent residency in Australia*.
Learn more: www.monashprofessional.edu.au/py

The Job Readiness Internship Program


This 16 week program will enable graduates (with any qualification) or recent migrants
with professional experience to achieve their career goals and overcome obstacles to
employment by helping them improve their skills and to gain the workplace exposure
employers look for.
During the first 2 weeks of the course participants work on improving the qualities employers
value including: business communication skills; the ability to understand and become part of
the company culture; the confidence to be proactive and show initiative; and the ability work
in a team or independently.
Following this participants complete a 12 week internship that gives them first hand insights
into business practices in their chosen profession while applying the skills and knowledge
developed during the course and acquiring practical experience for their CVs.
Learn more: www.monashprofessional.edu.au/jrip
The information provided in this eBook is general in nature only and does not
constitute professional advice. The information has been prepared without taking
into account your personal objectives,situation or needs. Before acting on any
information provided by this eBook you should consider the appropriateness of the
information having regard to your objectives, situation and needs.

*Successful completion of the Professional Year does not guarantee permanent residency.

Monash Professional Pathways is a division of Monash College Pty Ltd


(ABN 64 064 031 714), a private company owned by Monash University.
CRICOS provider: Monash University 00008C, Monash College Pty Ltd 01857J

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