Employability support programs for international students
This article is based on an account by Employability Programs Team’s Marketing intern, Thu Minh Hoang
As international students, we straddle different worlds. Adapting to a new culture, building a life far from home, and constantly thinking about our future careers, while managing our university studies. It can get overwhelming but the good news is, we don’t have to face these challenges alone.
La Trobe has tailored programs and resources to help international students. This semester, I had the chance to support Swagata Dutta, Employability Program Coordinator, and participate in two such sessions which tackle some questions that many of us carry.
A safe and engaging space for international students
Career workshops are a place where participants are encouraged to ask questions, share experiences, and practice real skills in a safe space that makes the journey less overwhelming and more empowering.
I joined one such session – the Interview Skills workshop, led by Shrawani Shekhar (Shra) from Hays Recruitment, With her experience in recruitment and talent acquisition, Shra gave us practical insights into what employers are really looking for in interviews, along with strategies to handle common questions. This workshop was the perfect space to practice and gain insider tips from an employer’s perspective, helping us approach interviews with more confidence.
Another useful workshop I attended was on the Work-Study-Life Balance conducted by Bethany Hull, Mental Health and Wellbeing Officer for international students at La Trobe. It focused on managing stress, building resilience, and creating a personalised self-care plan, while one is hunting for a job.
Together, these workshops equipped me and other students with practical tools, confidence, and the readiness to take the next steps in our career journeys in Australia.
The more you participate, the more you learn
The truth is, uni can design the programs, bring in the experts, and create the opportunities, but it’s up to us as students to show up and make the most of them.
As a final-year international student who has taken full advantage of these support programs, I can vouch that these workshops have given me clarity about my career path, the confidence to step into professional spaces, and the reassurance that I am not navigating this journey alone.
I wish all students the best of luck in their career journeys!
Students can explore more opportunities and stay updated about upcoming workshops at our website or contact us at careers@latrobe.edu.au