Resources and advice for international students accordion
Develop your employability
Employability is not just about finding a job but rather a set of capabilities and mindsets that, when taken together with your technical knowledge and skills, make you a well-rounded candidate to a potential employer. As a BEL student, you have the support of a dedicated team of Careers and Employability professionals to support you as you develop your career plan.
- Schedule a one-on-one appointment (virtual or in-person) with a Career Services Advisor for guidance and advice on your career plan and how to maximise your UQ experience.
- Attend employability workshops and events held throughout the year by BEL Careers and Employability to help build your skillset and increase your knowledge of the job market.
- Be inspired by the Career Checklist for international students, designed to help you with your employability journey at UQ.
Build your network
Our world is increasingly connected and many graduates pursue global careers. There are many opportunities for you to start building your networks while at UQ, both socially and professionally. Networking is not always about landing a job, but focuses on building relationships, sharing knowledge, getting career advice, and becoming part of the professional community.
- Become a BEL Buddy and help welcome new students, share tips, and support peers settle into university life, or connect with like-minded people through UQ Union’s 220+ affiliated clubs and societies.
- Create a LinkedIn account to build your professional profile, stay up-to-date with industry trends and grow your network, and consider becoming a member of a Professional Association within your field of study.
- Join the BEL Career Mentoring Program to connect with an industry mentor, gain industry insights and tips on managing your career plan.
- Regardless of where you end up, UQ has a global alumni network available to get connected with local UQ alumni.
Understand local workplace culture
Work cultures, recruitment practices, and hiring timelines can vary widely between countries. Whether you’re starting a career in Australia or elsewhere, it’s important to do your research and plan ahead.
- For international careers, review the Career Guides at GoinGlobal developed by local employment experts for insights into country-specific practices, trends, and more.
- BEL Careers and Employability has developed a structured set of online modules to help you understand Australian recruitment processes and prepare competitive job applications.
Employment in Australia
If you want to work as a student or graduate in Australia, it is essential that you understand your visa conditions and working rights. This will enable you to better navigate the Australian job market, be strategic in your career planning, and have effective conversations with potential employers.
- If you are unsure about your visa conditions and working rights, you can schedule a one-on-one conversation with a registered migration agent at the UQ Union for professional support and guidance.
- Attend our Visa & Careers session, held every semester to help you understand your visa rights, communicate them with employers, and develop an effective job search strategy.
- Review this careers guide for international students (PDF, 2.2 MB) to prepare for connecting with industry and understand employer expectations.
- Additional information on your rights at work in Australia can be found on the Fair Work Ombudsman website.
Gain experience
In the Australian market, employers look for more than just a degree and good grades. They value well-rounded graduates who have a diverse range of experiences and transferable skills. Developing these capabilities looks different for every individual and there is no one ‘right’ way to do it. Casual or part-time work, volunteering and internships are all good ways to develop your professional skills and networks.
- Consider taking a casual or part-time job while studying to gain valuable local work experience. The UQ Union has a guide for international students that outlines what you need to apply for a job and what you can expect.
- Consider volunteering in the local community for a registered not-for-profit. Opportunities can be found via Volunteering QLD or Seek Volunteering.
- Apply for UQ’s Summer and Winter Research Programs for an opportunity to participate in an educational research experience, or complete a virtual internship at your own pace through Forage.
- Search for internships and graduate roles both locally or abroad via job sites such as StudentHub, Prosple, GradConnection, LinkedIn, Seek, GoinGlobal, and GlobalGrad. Keep in mind that different regions operate on different recruiting timelines so it’s best to start early.
- Participate in the Recruitment Ready program to participate in a real-life recruitment process with an industry partner. Receive tailored feedback on your performance to help you for future applications and interviews.
- Gain experience through Work-integrated Learning with an industry partner for academic credit.