This article was written by Career-Ready Ambassadors Vibhi Singh and Jackson Cope.
Vibhi’s experience as an international student
Let’s be honest: being an international student trying to break into the job market in Australia can be overwhelming. You’re juggling part-time work, staying on top of assignments and adjusting to a new culture. On top of all that, you’re figuring out how to land a professional role in your field. Trust me, I know from experience.
That’s exactly why La Trobe runs career workshops tailored to international students, which I had the incredible opportunity to help with this year as a Career-Ready Ambassador. What started as a volunteer role turned into something much more meaningful when a few students came up after the session and asked for my LinkedIn to stay in touch. While it might seem like something small, it made me feel like I was making a difference.
What do we cover?
Our career workshops are designed to boost your confidence about getting a job. This includes guidance on Career Hub resources, how to be a strong applicant in the Australian job market, staying confident during interviews, hidden job opportunities and much more.
We don’t just talk about writing a resume – we walk through it together. We don’t just say ‘network more’ – we show you how with practical steps.
The best part? You’re not alone. You’re in a room full of students just like you who are asking the same questions and chasing the same goals, which does a lot to boost your spirit.
Real talk: my job search journey
I found my own placement at the end of my first year, and it wasn’t easy. I applied to so many roles, tweaked my resume dozens of times and got rejected more times than I can count. But I learned something important: while luck plays a small part, you can improve your odds.
The more I expanded my domain by trying new tools, attending events, working on my resume and LinkedIn, and staying consistent, the better my chances became. That’s the message I try to pass on in these sessions: you don’t need to have it all figured out, you just need to start.
Take the next step in your career with a workshop
The Career-Ready team are here to answer your questions, even if they seem small or too silly. Most importantly, we’ll remind you that your dream placement isn’t some far-off fantasy. It’s just a series of small, achievable steps, and we’re here to take those steps with you.
Jackson’s experience as a domestic student
A new perspective
Assisting with these workshops was incredible rewarding. It gave me so many insights into the challenges facing international students shaping their career in Australia.
It’s already so ambitious to leave your home country, your support networks and even your first language behind with the goal of beginning your career in a different country.
However, Australia’s job market has its own unique customs, and it can be challenging to get your head around these..
Make your journey an asset
While all students need to learn how to build a resume, a cover letter and key selection criteria responses, it’s also important to know what employers are looking for and why. These workshops provide key insights that many domestic students might take for granted.
This is an essential way to make yourself a competitive candidate as an international student. By attending workshops like this, you can learn how to stand out from the crowd and make your unique journey an asset rather than a drawback.
Join the next International Career Workshop from 3.00 pm – 4.30 pm on Thursday 29 May in the Library at our Melbourne (Bundoora) campus.