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.
Get ready for jobs and accelerate your career success with new skills, support and connections with a comprehensive employability program by Study Melbourne Employability webinars and workshops A comprehensive employability program by Study Melbourne for Victorian international students Study Melbourne Career Catalyst, a Victorian government program delivered by InternMatch, is a comprehensive employability and career development program, empowering international students to unleash their career potential as the next generation of global talent and business leaders in Victoria. Study Melbourne Career Catalyst offers an exclusive suite of services, ranging from coaching services to guide you through your carer pathway and free practical workshops to polish your resume or LinkedIn profile to premium networking events to expand your professional and social network. All events and initiatives are free, inclusive, and designed to help international students to develop professional skills, connect to industry and employers and launch student careers. The program is accessible online but will also be delivered from the Study Melbourne Student Centre and other locations. If you are an international student with a Victorian education provider or a recent alumnus (within the last five years), join the Study Melbourne Career Catalyst program and take the next step in your journey. Upcoming employability events Workshops Why you need to work for a company with an innovation culture - Wed 16 Nov, 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm - Register now Location: Alto Rooftop Top floor, GPO Building Corner Elizabeth and Little Bourke Street, Melbourne Boost your career with personal brand Register now Location: Study Melbourne Student Centre, 17 Hardware Lane, Melbourne Wed 23 Nov, 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm Workshops - Tuesdays 12 pm How to build a unique personal brand - Tue 8 Nov Register now Become a lifelong learner - Tue 29 Nov Register now Building a great LinkedIn profile - Tue 6 Dec Register now What employers look for in students and graduates Tue 13 Dec Register now Delivered by InterMatch InternMatch is a global EdTech platform and community focused on employment of and career outcomes, bridging the employment gap since 2016. At their core, they're in the business of creating opportunity and sharing experience. They partner with leading companies, start-ups and education providers across the globe, to provide university students and career changers with professional internships, training and mentorship - gaining vital real-life, hands-on industry experience and significantly improving their career prospects. Through human connection, backed by their InternMatch cloud-based technology we are creating employment opportunities for 10,000+ people and counting. Find out more at Study Melbourne Page updated: 26 Oct 2022