On Tuesday, April 30th, Study Melbourne and SEEK facilitated an insightful online session designed for employers in regional Victoria.

This event was designed to assist employers in tapping into fresh talent pools and understanding the significant advantages of recruiting international students, while also providing practical guidance on seamlessly integrating them into the workforce. 

It also showcased a notable panel comprising industry luminaries and experienced professionals, such as Helen Ryan (the Director for Cooperative Experiential Learning & Careers Fed Uni), Steven Nield representing GHD, and Samantha Taylor from Grampians Health, among other esteemed speakers. Together, they offer a diverse range of perspectives and rich experiences.  

One of the panellists, Sarbjeet Singh, recognised as the Victorian International Student of the Year 2023 and currently employed as a Stormwater Planning Engineer at the City of Geelong, offered insights into his journey from student life to professional accomplishment.

Above: Sarbjeet Singh receiving his Victorian International Student of the Year 2023 Award

Can you tell us about your journey as an international student in Victoria and how it led to your job as a Stormwater Planning Engineer in Geelong? 

My journey as an international student in Australia was both challenging and rewarding. Arriving in Victoria in 2020, I quickly realized the importance of resilience and adaptability. 

While I focused on my studies, I also found time to engage with the local community through volunteering. Whether it was delivering meals to those in need or starting a study support group for fellow international students, these experiences helped me connect with my new home on a deeper level. 

Outside of volunteering, I actively pursued networking opportunities. Platforms like LinkedIn and attending events allowed me to expand my horizons and learn from professionals in various fields. I remember that one of the people I met at an event gave me some great tips on my resume and directed me to some job boards. 

All of this helped me secure a student internship at the City of Greater Geelong. This was a major milestone for my professional life. Despite the initial workplace challenges, I was fortunate to have a supportive team who helped me navigate the transition. 

Over time, I embraced a mindset of continuous learning and improvement. I would reach out to my supervisor on regular feedback and would seek feedback and ask for areas of improvement. This mindset of growth while learning new things led me to my current role as a Stormwater Planning Engineer at the City of Greater Geelong. I went every mile and proved to my team that I wanted to learn and grow.   

Reflecting on my journey, I am grateful for the opportunities and experiences that have shaped my path. Each hurdle has been met with resilience, each setback a lesson in disguise. As I embark on this chapter, I am fuelled by a sense of purpose and determination to make a meaningful impact in my role and beyond. 

Above: Sarbjeet Singh, with friends, at a Deakin University event 

What special skills or perspectives do international students bring, when working in Victoria? 

International students bring a diverse range of skills and overseas work experiences to their workplace. Growing up in a different country they bring a unique set of values and often think differently when problem solving. This helps the team to have a diverse pool of ideas. 

Importantly, international students contribute to fostering a culture of inclusivity and understanding within the workplace. Their exposure to diverse cultures instils empathy and promotes cross-cultural communication, enriching team dynamics and fostering a welcoming environment. 

International students form one of the most skilled people in Australia and are a great fit for a lot of professional roles. It is definitely not easy to leave your home country and migrate to an entirely new country where people don’t even speak your first language. A student who was courageous enough to leave family at a young age has enough ambition that they can achieve anything in life. 

Above: Sarbjeet Singh, with friends, celebrating Lunar New Year

How do you think international students positively contribute to the economy and workforce of regional Victoria? 

International students play a pivotal role in enriching both the economy and workforce of regional Victoria in numerous ways. Beyond their tuition fees, which provides vital resources to the region, these students actively engage in part-time employment opportunities during their studies. Often finding positions in retail and fast-food industries, they become integral contributors to the regional workforce, supporting local employers and bolstering the economy. Drawing on my personal experiences, students like me also engage themselves in a range of volunteer activities and contribute to community life. 

Moreover, upon completing their studies, many international students choose to remain in the region, further enhancing its workforce by taking up more specialised roles within their respective fields. Their presence not only fills crucial gaps in the job market but also infuses the region with diverse perspectives and innovative ideas. 

Driven by a spirit of entrepreneurship, international students frequently seize upon new opportunities, fostering growth and creating additional avenues for employment. This not only benefits the local economy but also provides young Australians with expanded job prospects and fosters a culture of positive growth in regional Victoria. 

Indeed, the talent and ingenuity of international students contribute significantly to the success and development of regional Victoria, propelling local businesses to new heights and nurturing a vibrant and dynamic workforce. 

Lastly, what would you like to tell employers who are unsure about hiring international students and what benefits do you see in working together? 

I would highly encourage employers to give international students an opportunity to work. These students will bring their ambition and curiosity to the team and will contribute to the positive work environment. In addition to cross-cultural collaboration, international students at a workplace show the commitment of a workplace towards promoting inclusivity and respect towards global talent. 

Addressing concerns about visas, it's essential to recognize that many international students are eligible to work under their visa arrangements. Contrary to misconceptions, hiring individuals on visas isn't as complicated as it may seem. By embracing inclusivity in hiring practices, employers not only diversify their workforce but also cultivate an environment of understanding, tolerance, and cooperation among individuals from varied backgrounds. 

Ultimately, this inclusive approach not only enhances the workplace environment but also contributes to the broader cultural enrichment and social cohesion of society. So, to any hesitant employers, I urge you to embrace the opportunity to work alongside international students—you'll find it to be a rewarding and enriching experience for your team and organisation as a whole. 

Learn more about attending the event here and find out more about Study Melbourne here.